T.J. Duckett (1 Viewer)

[Blackjacks]

I've heard for a couple of years about this former 1st round talent going somewhere. With the bus retiring and seeing quotes that Atl. is looking into trading him, well I actually think this year there could be a chance. My only reason for doubting this to happen is Pitt. really likes character guys and Duckett so far really hasn't been one of those guys. With the talent and size he has I think he is a perfect replacement for the bus. I don't think Pitt. relies on FWP next year and they usually don't draft rb's high. Of course I have Duckett so I'm alittle bias but I want other people's opinion and especially some Steeler fans, chime in and let me know if you think it will happen and if you want it to happen.Pitt 34Seattle 20

 

[Franknbeans]

0%

 

[Sopranos]

IMO even if he did he would have a bettis type role. I do think Pitt will start Parker,no reason not to. He proved he can be an effective RB.Another offseason and he will only get better. Remember the guy didnt carry the ball much at NC or with Pitt first team untill late in camp. So in his first extensive action since high school he did a great job. He has the size to be an everydown back he just needs to read the holes alittle better.Right now he picks the outsude even if its not the best option.. Plus the Bus may come back..Never know

 

[Blackjacks]

Hey frankenbeans you could be right, in fact I'd lean on you side but I want to know why you think that. Do you think Parker can do it himself? Do you think they would like his character? Do you think Atl would ask too much? I really just want to know why people think he won't end up there.

 

[Lutherman2112]

I have no knowledge of Duckett's character issues, and as a Steeler fan, I would like to hear some more about his character. IIRC, Bettis was mentioned to have "character issues" while with the Rams and the Steelers are more than happy with him.If its just an attitude problem (gimme the damn ball), then he maybe a candidate to replace the Bus. My experience has been that the Rooneys don't like to sign criminals, so if it's legal issues, Duckett is not a consideration.

 

[one4thumb]

I honestly don't see it happening. I also don't think Atlanta is inclined to move Duckett. Pittsburgh will more likely sign a free agent after the major dust settles of the bigger name players and or draft a rb late who falls thru some cracks of the draft.

 

[Franknbeans]

Hey frankenbeans you could be right, in fact I'd lean on you side but I want to know why you think that. Do you think Parker can do it himself? Do you think they would like his character? Do you think Atl would ask too much? I really just want to know why people think he won't end up there.

They don't need him. As was mentioned, Bettis could be back in an even more reduced role (strictly goal line back) and Verron Haynes adds something as a 3rd down back. I have also read that Duce Staley will take on Bettis' role (if he indeed doesn't return) and is probably a big reason why Duce has been such a good soldier this season. Lastly and certainly not least, the Steelers brass loves what Willie Parker brings to the table. He likely will not be an every down back but considering how little work he got in college and the pros up until this year, he has a ton of mileage left on his tires. With a year of getting ready to assume the majority of the carries, he will likely bulk up and become even better in his responsibilities. On top of all this, it makes much more sense to draft a guy who will be a battering ram for short yardage than it does to pay someone like Duckett, who apparently comes with some baggage, especially concerning his work ethic.

 

[TheLaw]

I honestly don't see it happening. I also don't think Atlanta is inclined to move Duckett. Pittsburgh will more likely sign a free agent after the major dust settles of the bigger name players and or draft a rb late who falls thru some cracks of the draft.

Jamal Lewis?

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I'm really not sure why Duce Staley is being ignored or being considered a guaranteed cut. Every time I hear him mentioned, it's in the context : "What has Duce Staley done since he signed with the Steelers? Nothing!" I've heard that exact sentence on Sirius NFL radio about 20 times. Now granted, he was really unnecessary this year, but people tend to forget that he was averaging over 100 yards per game the first half of last season before his injury. Now, his injury-prone nature cannot be denied, but by the time next season begins, he will have had essentially 18 months to get healthy. He's the type of good-sized, move the chains back that would be a great complement to Parker. Unless the Steelers can find a much cheaper alternative (I've heard Najeh Davenport's name come up many times, but is he any LESS injury-prone?) - I think there's a good chance that the Steelers go into next year with Parker and Staley as their two main backs, with Haynes the third-down guy. Maybe they draft a raw talent with good size later in the draft (Cedric Humes sticks out to me as a possible Day 2 pick) that can spend some time learning the system and then take over for Staley after next year.

 

[FUBAR]

Considering Cowhere won't take on a RB that is a liability in pass blocking, Duckett will not be a Steeler.Seems to me that Cedric Humes would be a cheaper fit and do the job as well as Duckett, assuming Cowher is sold on Parker as the lead back.

 

[Godsbrother]

Unless Duce agrees to take a substantial pay cut, he is gone. If kept, he is due to make $2.5 million and count $4.4 million against the cap. There is no way the Steelers pay that much for a RB that can't be counted on.Willie Parker is the Steelers starter for 2006 and they'll likely also try to re-sign Verron Haynes. That doesn't leave a whole lot of money to go spend on another RB in FA. I think a trade for Duckett is a possibility but only if the Falcons are willing to take a 4th or 5th round round pick.Most likely the Steelers take a big back in the top 3 rounds in the draft.

 

[Banger]

5%

 

[stbugs]

Hey frankenbeans you could be right, in fact I'd lean on you side but I want to know why you think that. Do you think Parker can do it himself? Do you think they would like his character? Do you think Atl would ask too much? I really just want to know why people think he won't end up there.

They don't need him. As was mentioned, Bettis could be back in an even more reduced role (strictly goal line back) and Verron Haynes adds something as a 3rd down back. I have also read that Duce Staley will take on Bettis' role (if he indeed doesn't return) and is probably a big reason why Duce has been such a good soldier this season. Lastly and certainly not least, the Steelers brass loves what Willie Parker brings to the table. He likely will not be an every down back but considering how little work he got in college and the pros up until this year, he has a ton of mileage left on his tires. With a year of getting ready to assume the majority of the carries, he will likely bulk up and become even better in his responsibilities. On top of all this, it makes much more sense to draft a guy who will be a battering ram for short yardage than it does to pay someone like Duckett, who apparently comes with some baggage, especially concerning his work ethic.

I think you have a great point that I have rarely seen about Parker. He wasn't supposed to start at all this year. I remember early on when people mentioned that Parker had lost weight/was too small, but he was just supposed to be a change of pace back that played sparingly until both Bettis and Staley got hurt and he was forced into starting. Parker had 1202 rushing yards and a 4.7ypc average, which ain't bad at all.

I hope (since I can keep him for a 14th round pick ) that Pitt gives him the chance to be the #1 guy next year because given another year under his belt I think he can produce. I hope they get him more involved in the passing game as well since he averaged over 12ypr during the regular season.

 

[UnknownCoach]

5%

Without real inside news regarding a deal in the works, odds are never high that a player will end up on a particuliar team other than the team he played for last season. Considering Duckett is under contract with no real leak that a trade is being negotiated, I'd say considerably less than 5 percent. Right now I'd put the odds at 90 percent that he plays in Atlanta. That leaves only 10 percent to divide between the 31 other teams.

 

[Banger]

5%

Without real inside news regarding a deal in the works, odds are never high that a player will end up on a particuliar team other than the team he played for last season. Considering Duckett is under contract with no real leak that a trade is being negotiated, I'd say considerably less than 5 percent. Right now I'd put the odds at 90 percent that he plays in Atlanta. That leaves only 10 percent to divide between the 31 other teams.

the majority of which are already set at Rb or will address through draft/FA. Regardless it isn't a high probability. Jamal landing in Pitt has a higher probability than Duckett IMO.

 

[TheFanatic]

1) For those of you pimping FWP, how many of you own him in a dynasty or a keeper league?2) For those of you pimping Parker, what makes you think that the Steelers are going to change more than a decade of coaching philosophy of pounding the ball with a bruiser? Sure they changed it this year out of necessity, but will that happen next year? 3) Duckett makes sense so I'm guessing that there is no chance of this happening.4) Jamal Lewis? No way. This guy can't play his way out of a paper bag anymore. He had all the incentive and motivation in the world to play well this year and could not get it done. 2K yards takes a lot out of a guy. How many guys have done that and done anything following that? I think 1 guy has. 5) Bettis had character problems with the Rams? Not in St. Louis. He was horribly misused here. With no O-Line they kept trying to run the guy around the outside. Buses don't corner well and neither did Bettis. He's a between the tackles runner and there wasn't much room between the Rams' Tackles 1995-1997. I'm a St. Louis Homer. Maybe he had issues in LA before coming to the Rams but I don't recall that.

 

[FFFIEND]

I am sure the Falcons would like to move Duckett to ANY team that will take him. I bet they just hope the Steelers bite on a guy that is way overrated!

 

[FUBAR]

4) Jamal Lewis? No way. This guy can't play his way out of a paper bag anymore. He had all the incentive and motivation in the world to play well this year and could not get it done. 2K yards takes a lot out of a guy. How many guys have done that and done anything following that? I think 1 guy has.

After 2,000ickerson had five more seasons with over 1,000 yards, plus 3 with over 500.

Barry ran for 1491 the next year, then retired.

OJ had 3 1,000 yards seasons after.

 

[TheFanatic]

4) Jamal Lewis? No way. This guy can't play his way out of a paper bag anymore. He had all the incentive and motivation in the world to play well this year and could not get it done. 2K yards takes a lot out of a guy. How many guys have done that and done anything following that? I think 1 guy has.

After 2,000ickerson had five more seasons with over 1,000 yards, plus 3 with over 500.

Barry ran for 1491 the next year, then retired.

OJ had 3 1,000 yards seasons after.

I was mistaken. Maybe the stat I saw was the season following the 2K season, not the career following 2K which seems to jibe with my original thought. Still, I'm worried about Jamal. Maybe being in an offseason conditioning program with an NFL team rather than at the halfway house will allow him to be more productive this season, but I'm a worried about the guy...

 

[TheLaw]

4) Jamal Lewis? No way. This guy can't play his way out of a paper bag anymore. He had all the incentive and motivation in the world to play well this year and could not get it done. 2K yards takes a lot out of a guy. How many guys have done that and done anything following that? I think 1 guy has.

Jamal had issues coming into this season. He had his ankle worked on prior to entering prison. No proper rehab or off-season training. The o-line wasnt as good this year. He didnt get the carries he needs. His QB stunk for 95% of the year. Depending on the team (the Steelers one of them) Jamal can be a steal of an RB2/3 next season.

 

[FUBAR]

4) Jamal Lewis? No way. This guy can't play his way out of a paper bag anymore. He had all the incentive and motivation in the world to play well this year and could not get it done. 2K yards takes a lot out of a guy. How many guys have done that and done anything following that? I think 1 guy has.

After 2,000ickerson had five more seasons with over 1,000 yards, plus 3 with over 500.

Barry ran for 1491 the next year, then retired.

OJ had 3 1,000 yards seasons after.

I was mistaken. Maybe the stat I saw was the season following the 2K season, not the career following 2K which seems to jibe with my original thought. Still, I'm worried about Jamal. Maybe being in an offseason conditioning program with an NFL team rather than at the halfway house will allow him to be more productive this season, but I'm a worried about the guy...

I agree on Jamal.You may be thinking of FF points:

OJ dropped off especially with only 3 TDs the following year, but still gained over 1,000.

Barry - 1491, but also fell from 11 TDs to 4

Dickerson - 1234, 12 TDs

So a big loss in TDs, but still productive overall.

 

[Londo]

I didn't own a Steeler RB at all last season in either redraft or dynasty. Having said that, I am thinking of going out of my way to get FWP on my dynasty roster for next year. FWP seems to be off people's radar due to a very up and down season (after lighting the world on fire out of the gate). But, as others have pointed out, FWP still rushed for 1202 at a clip of 4.7 YPC! That was good enough for 12th leading rusher in the NFL with significantly fewer attempts than the people higher than him on the list. The reason I am targeting him is that his situation reminds me a lot of the Priest Holmes situation when he came from Baltimore to KC. Both were undrafted (though Holmes obviously had had flashes of quality at Balti before he made it to KC), and both were coming into situations where they weren't expected to score a ton of TDs (T-Rich and Bus/Staley). Other similarities:Holmes is 5-9, 213 (many sites report him at 5-10)Parker is 5-10, 209Holmes' first season in KC: 327-1555, 8 TDs, 4.8 YPC (T-Rich had 7 TD's)Parkers' first starting season in Pitt: Rushing: 255-1202, 4TDs, 4.7 YPC (Bus had 9 TD's)Same YPC, Same TDs vultured.Now, I am not saying FWP is the next Priest Holmes, but then again, few people thought Holmes was the next Marshall Faulk, even after his 2001 (NFL rushing leading) season. I am just saying that FWP could be a remarkable value, yet again.

 

[Godsbrother]

There are reports on Pittsburgh radio today that Duce Staley was nowhere to be seen when the team met the media. He also was a no-show for the team photo.I am not sure what to make of it because he seemed to be on good terms with the players and coaching staff and practiced all last week.Perhaps he was sick or otherwise detained but it is kind of interesting...

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Unless Duce agrees to take a substantial pay cut, he is gone.  If kept, he is due to make $2.5 million and count $4.4 million against the cap. There is no way the Steelers pay that much for a RB that can't be counted on.

I think that all depends on who's out there and what the asking price is. I agree that with Bettis likely to retire, they could use his and Staley's $$ on a 3rd back (likely a decent one for that price) but if a guy like Najeh Davenport wants $2-3m per, is he worth that?I agree with you, but I am not so quick to dismiss Staley as some. Of course, now that I just read he's a no-show at media day, I may just come back and delete all these posts.

 

[Franknbeans]

Unless Duce agrees to take a substantial pay cut, he is gone.   If kept, he is due to make $2.5 million and count $4.4 million against the cap. There is no way the Steelers pay that much for a RB that can't be counted on.

I think that all depends on who's out there and what the asking price is. I agree that with Bettis likely to retire, they could use his and Staley's $$ on a 3rd back (likely a decent one for that price) but if a guy like Najeh Davenport wants $2-3m per, is he worth that?I agree with you, but I am not so quick to dismiss Staley as some. Of course, now that I just read he's a no-show at media day, I may just come back and delete all these posts.

How is his no-show meaningful if he will likely be inactive for the game as he has been for much of the year?

 

[Godsbrother]

Unless Duce agrees to take a substantial pay cut, he is gone.   If kept, he is due to make $2.5 million and count $4.4 million against the cap. There is no way the Steelers pay that much for a RB that can't be counted on.

I think that all depends on who's out there and what the asking price is. I agree that with Bettis likely to retire, they could use his and Staley's $$ on a 3rd back (likely a decent one for that price) but if a guy like Najeh Davenport wants $2-3m per, is he worth that?I agree with you, but I am not so quick to dismiss Staley as some. Of course, now that I just read he's a no-show at media day, I may just come back and delete all these posts.

How is his no-show meaningful if he will likely be inactive for the game as he has been for much of the year?

I think missing the team photo is a bigger deal than missing media day.

 

[TheFanatic]

Unless Duce agrees to take a substantial pay cut, he is gone. If kept, he is due to make $2.5 million and count $4.4 million against the cap. There is no way the Steelers pay that much for a RB that can't be counted on.

I think that all depends on who's out there and what the asking price is. I agree that with Bettis likely to retire, they could use his and Staley's $$ on a 3rd back (likely a decent one for that price) but if a guy like Najeh Davenport wants $2-3m per, is he worth that?I agree with you, but I am not so quick to dismiss Staley as some. Of course, now that I just read he's a no-show at media day, I may just come back and delete all these posts.

How is his no-show meaningful if he will likely be inactive for the game as he has been for much of the year?

I think missing the team photo is a bigger deal than missing media day.

The Duce isn't Loose. The Duce is DONE. Even when healthy he was a healthy scratch. They basically said that they would rather have an extra body on Special Teams than Duce in uniform. That's got to be a tough thing to take for someone who has been a professional athlete. All his teammates know it. We know it. Well, OK, the guy that has been wondering if Duce would be in the mix next year didn't know it, but most of the rest of the world did.

 

[cstu]

I've heard for a couple of years about this former 1st round talent going somewhere. With the bus retiring and seeing quotes that Atl. is looking into trading him, well I actually think this year there could be a chance. My only reason for doubting this to happen is Pitt. really likes character guys and Duckett so far really hasn't been one of those guys. With the talent and size he has I think he is a perfect replacement for the bus. I don't think Pitt. relies on FWP next year and they usually don't draft rb's high. Of course I have Duckett so I'm alittle bias but I want other people's opinion and especially some Steeler fans, chime in and let me know if you think it will happen and if you want it to happen.

Pitt 34

Seattle 20

What are you basing his character on? I never heard a bad thing said about Duckett.

 

[stbugs]

1) For those of you pimping FWP, how many of you own him in a dynasty or a keeper league?

2) For those of you pimping Parker, what makes you think that the Steelers are going to change more than a decade of coaching philosophy of pounding the ball with a bruiser? Sure they changed it this year out of necessity, but will that happen next year?

3) Duckett makes sense so I'm guessing that there is no chance of this happening.

4) Jamal Lewis? No way. This guy can't play his way out of a paper bag anymore. He had all the incentive and motivation in the world to play well this year and could not get it done. 2K yards takes a lot out of a guy. How many guys have done that and done anything following that? I think 1 guy has.

5) Bettis had character problems with the Rams? Not in St. Louis. He was horribly misused here. With no O-Line they kept trying to run the guy around the outside. Buses don't corner well and neither did Bettis. He's a between the tackles runner and there wasn't much room between the Rams' Tackles 1995-1997. I'm a St. Louis Homer. Maybe he had issues in LA before coming to the Rams but I don't recall that.

Sometimes I agree with you, but while it started out of necessity, Parker averaged 4.7 ypc and had 1202 rushing yards. That isn't bad at all.

Also, you just mentioned a decade of philosphy won't change, but you know what just happened to Pitt this year that hasn't happened in exactly 10 years as well? They are going to the Super Bowl and they have a good shot at winning it.

Just because Parker is the RB doesn't mean everything changes, but you are fooling yourself if you think that Pittsburgh won't work on the offense if they think that Parker is their guy and there are plays that might suit him better. Besides, Parker wasn't gearing up all year to be the #1 RB, so they might not have to change as much as you think they would.

Yes, I own Parker in my league and I hope quite a bit that he stays the #1 RB for a long time, but there have been so many HOF coaches that have changed their style to suit players. They wouldn't be HOF coaches if they didn't.

By the way, do you think the Steelers might pass more as Roethlisberger matures as a QB? If you do, then I see no reason why they wouldn't fine tune running plays to help Parker do better either.

 

[TheFanatic]

I've heard for a couple of years about this former 1st round talent going somewhere. With the bus retiring and seeing quotes that Atl. is looking into trading him, well I actually think this year there could be a chance. My only reason for doubting this to happen is Pitt. really likes character guys and Duckett so far really hasn't been one of those guys. With the talent and size he has I think he is a perfect replacement for the bus. I don't think Pitt. relies on FWP next year and they usually don't draft rb's high. Of course I have Duckett so I'm alittle bias but I want other people's opinion and especially some Steeler fans, chime in and let me know if you think it will happen and if you want it to happen.

Pitt 34

Seattle 20

What are you basing his character on? I never heard a bad thing said about Duckett.

Yeah, BJ, where you getting this garbage from? Casting aspersions onto someone's character like that is a pretty crappy thing to do....Blackjack is in my league. I'm just busting his chops....

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Unless Duce agrees to take a substantial pay cut, he is gone.  If kept, he is due to make $2.5 million and count $4.4 million against the cap. There is no way the Steelers pay that much for a RB that can't be counted on.

I think that all depends on who's out there and what the asking price is. I agree that with Bettis likely to retire, they could use his and Staley's $$ on a 3rd back (likely a decent one for that price) but if a guy like Najeh Davenport wants $2-3m per, is he worth that?I agree with you, but I am not so quick to dismiss Staley as some. Of course, now that I just read he's a no-show at media day, I may just come back and delete all these posts.

How is his no-show meaningful if he will likely be inactive for the game as he has been for much of the year?

I think missing the team photo is a bigger deal than missing media day.

The Duce isn't Loose. The Duce is DONE. Even when healthy he was a healthy scratch. They basically said that they would rather have an extra body on Special Teams than Duce in uniform. That's got to be a tough thing to take for someone who has been a professional athlete. All his teammates know it. We know it. Well, OK, the guy that has been wondering if Duce would be in the mix next year didn't know it, but most of the rest of the world did.

Just because he didn't suit up this year when they had 3 other backs in Bettis, Parker, and Haynes does not necessarily mean he wouldn't suit up next year if Bettis hangs 'em up. We have no idea what went on there, the coaches could have told him - look, we have 3 healthy backs, unless that changes, we're going to basically scratch you for the rest of the year, get you 100% and we'll get back out there next season. Of course, missing the team photo and media day makes this much less likely, but it was a scenario I was mulling over not long ago.Bear in mind, in 11 starts with Pittsburgh, Staley has 216 carries for 949 yards. Now, we all know he can't seem to stay healthy for a full season, but projected over 16 games, those numbers look like : 314 carries, 1,381 yards - a 4.4 ypc average. That's not bad at all. I guess I'm just not ready to put him out to pasture yet, but it seems that may be where it's heading.

 

[Sopranos]

I also think Staley will be back as a change of pace. He will restructure. They may cut him and then re-sighn him. There isnt many places for him to go really.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I also think Staley will be back as a change of pace. He will restructure. They may cut him and then re-sighn him. There isnt many places for him to go really.

That's kind of what I was thinking. At a cap hit of $4.4 million, I doubt it, as they could use that money and Bettis' to sign a couple of players, but if he's willing to restructure to the point where he's not making more than any of the big backs available in free agency, he may well be back. Consider, his role would really be a replacement for Bettis, with Parker as the feature back. I think he'd do OK in this role, to wit :Using Drinen's awesome data dominator, I fleshed out some interesting situational numbers. First, I compared the two running backs since Staley came to the Steelers (2004 and 2005 seasons in their entirety.) Obviously, a comparison in rushing TDs is not fair, as Bettis has been the goal line hammer, but a straight ypc comparison is not fair to Bettis for the same reasons. So, I looked at all carries that WERE NOT inside the opponent's 10 yard line.

Bettis : 299-1215 4.06 ypc 41 first downs (13.7%) 1 TD

Staley : 196-843 4.30 ypc 27 first downs (13.8%) 1 TD

Very similar, but with an edge to Staley. Then, I looked at goal line situations (carries inside the opponent's 5 yd line), using data from 2002-2005 (since Staley has had almost no goal line carries since joining the Steelers) :

Staley 23 carries, 9 TDs - 39.1%

Bettis 67 carries, 34 TDs - 50.7%

Here, Bettis gets the edge, but Staley is not awful and could up that number behind a Steelers line which is far superior in run blocking to the Eagles of 2002-2003. Next, I checked out effectiveness in short yardage situations, all carries from 2002-2005 where the situation was 2 yards or less to go for a first-down :

Staley : 68 carries, 51 first downs (75.0%) - 3.82 ypc

Bettis : 129 carries, 88 first downs (68.2%) - 2.19 ypc

Taking it a step further, and narrowing it down to only 3rd/4th down carries with 2 yards or less to go :

Staley : 18 carries, 14 first downs (77.8%) - 3.67 ypc

Bettis : 68 carries, 50 first downs (73.5%) - 2.68 ypc

Edge to Staley on both counts.

Now, I know we're comparing an aging Bettis to a younger Staley, and am aware of Staley's injuries, but it seems to me that if healthy, he can serve in the same capacity Bettis did this year and be just as effective, if not more so. If they can keep him at a reasonable price, I say they do it and devote the $$ they'd use on a free agent back to re-up Randel-El, Haynes, or Hope.

 

[Sabertooth]

I think Duckett is going to follow Jeff Jagodzinski to Green Bay.

 

[CrossEyed]

I think the Steelers RBs next year are Parker, Staley and Haynes, with 1 or 2 projects on the practice squad.

 

[Godsbrother]

Just heard that Duce Staley was in South Carolina to attend a funeral of a family member. So please do not read anything into my earlier post about his missing media day or the team photo.Sorry about that, the earlier report I heard didn't mention anything about the funeral.

 

[brewer]

I like Duce Staley very much. I still believe he is the most complete back on the Steelers roster, and I would be shocked if he were back with the team next year.If I had to guess, I would say the Steelers backs next year will bearkerFree AgentHaynesThere will be plenty of retread backs available and I have the feeling that the draft will be used to address other needs.

 

[malaka]

Right now, it appears the Steelers are 4M over the salary cap, if Bettis retires his5.35 will come off the cap putting the Steelers back in the black. In order for Duce to stay he would have to redo his contract big time to free up some more room. Randle El is a free agent after this year, so if Pitts has any interest in signing him they are going to need the cap room. Pitts doesn't have the money to sign any big name rb free agents unless they use all the cap room they might gain from Bettis retiring and cutting Staley. You still have to look at WRs, if you lose Randle El. I can't see Bettis coming back if they win the Super Bowl, if they don't you might lure him back for another year, but he will have to take big cut in salary to do so, because the Steelers are going to need the cap space.The chances of Duckett going to the Steelers is .3%.

 

[Godsbrother]

Right now, it appears the Steelers are 4M over the salary cap,  if Bettis retires his

5.35 will come off the cap putting the Steelers back in the black.  In order for Duce to stay he would have to redo his contract big time to free up some more room.  Randle El is a free agent after this year, so if Pitts has any interest in signing him they are going to need the cap room.  Pitts doesn't have the money to sign any big name rb free agents unless they use all the cap room they might gain from Bettis retiring and cutting Staley.  You still have to look at WRs, if you lose Randle El. 

I can't see Bettis coming back if they win the Super Bowl, if they don't you might lure him back for another year, but he will have to take big cut in salary to do so, because the Steelers are going to need the cap space.

The chances of Duckett going to the Steelers is .3%.

These guys will most likely retire or be cut for salary cap reasons:RB Jerome Bettis, $6.4 million

S Mike Logan, $1.7 million

QB Tommy Maddox, $1.7 million

RB Duce Staley, $4.4 million

CB Willie Williams, $1.5 million

Punter Chris Gardocki might also be on the hot seat if they really need some cap room.

The thing you have to remember is that the cap is going to increase and cap space can almost always be made if you renegotiate some contracts. That being said I don't see the Steelers going after high priced FAs anyway. They'll try to re-sign some of their own guys, maybe sign a low-cost FA or two and address the rest through the draft.

 

[Blackjacks]

I've heard for a couple of years about this former 1st round talent going somewhere. With the bus retiring and seeing quotes that Atl. is looking into trading him, well I actually think this year there could be a chance. My only reason for doubting this to happen is Pitt. really likes character guys and Duckett so far really hasn't been one of those guys. With the talent and size he has I think he is a perfect replacement for the bus. I don't think Pitt. relies on FWP next year and they usually don't draft rb's high. Of course I have Duckett so I'm alittle bias but I want other people's opinion and especially some Steeler fans, chime in and let me know if you think it will happen and if you want it to happen.

Pitt 34

Seattle 20

What are you basing his character on? I never heard a bad thing said about Duckett.

Yeah, BJ, where you getting this garbage from? Casting aspersions onto someone's character like that is a pretty crappy thing to do....Blackjack is in my league. I'm just busting his chops....

When he was originally drafted he got into a fight at a nightclub which resulted in him I believe getting a bottle hit over his head and then alittle later got into another fight in the offseason at a bar, sorry no link but I recall both of these fights happening. Also it has been often mentioned on this board that he, Smoker and Rogers all loved the drugs while at Mich, St. I didn't take any hits with them but while reading some of Rogers posts I was pretty convinced that they all were involved and considering Smoker was suspended in college and Charles in the pros I would say this would have some credit.

 

[Lombardi's Orphan Son]

2) For those of you pimping Parker, what makes you think that the Steelers are going to change more than a decade of coaching philosophy of pounding the ball with a bruiser? Sure they changed it this year out of necessity, but will that happen next year?

more than a decade of coaching philosphy??? perhaps you don't remember the Amos Zeroue experiment. well, of course that didn't turn out too well ... but it did happen, or at least that's what the history books say.... on to Staley. i gotta give the guy some props. even though every one of us non-football folks would love to earn what he is by sitting on the bench, not many top/so so top athletes would have such a good attitude while being deactivated each week. i am surprised. the guy is a true teammate. did you see him with the Bus dumping gatorade on Cower. Sssswwweeeeeeeeeeetttt!!!!

-orphan

 

[malaka]

Right now, it appears the Steelers are 4M over the salary cap,  if Bettis retires his

5.35 will come off the cap putting the Steelers back in the black.  In order for Duce to stay he would have to redo his contract big time to free up some more room.   Randle El is a free agent after this year, so if Pitts has any interest in signing him they are going to need the cap room.   Pitts doesn't have the money to sign any big name rb free agents unless they use all the cap room they might gain from Bettis retiring and cutting Staley.  You still have to look at WRs, if you lose Randle El. 

I can't see Bettis coming back if they win the Super Bowl, if they don't you might lure him back for another year, but he will have to take big cut in salary to do so, because the Steelers are going to need the cap space.

The chances of Duckett going to the Steelers is .3%.

These guys will most likely retire or be cut for salary cap reasons:RB Jerome Bettis, $6.4 million

S Mike Logan, $1.7 million

QB Tommy Maddox, $1.7 million

RB Duce Staley, $4.4 million

CB Willie Williams, $1.5 million

Punter Chris Gardocki might also be on the hot seat if they really need some cap room.

The thing you have to remember is that the cap is going to increase and cap space can almost always be made if you renegotiate some contracts. That being said I don't see the Steelers going after high priced FAs anyway. They'll try to re-sign some of their own guys, maybe sign a low-cost FA or two and address the rest through the draft.

The 4 mill over the cap is with a increase of next year to 92 million from the 85.5. The increase might be higher which would change things. Bettis retiring and getting rid of Duce or redoing his contract will help. I am not saying the Pits is in salary cap hell, thats the Raiders.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Just heard that Duce Staley was in South Carolina to attend a funeral of a family member. So please do not read anything into my earlier post about his missing media day or the team photo.

Sorry about that, the earlier report I heard didn't mention anything about the funeral.

 

[TheFanatic]

2) For those of you pimping Parker, what makes you think that the Steelers are going to change more than a decade of coaching philosophy of pounding the ball with a bruiser? Sure they changed it this year out of necessity, but will that happen next year?

more than a decade of coaching philosphy??? perhaps you don't remember the Amos Zeroue experiment. well, of course that didn't turn out too well ... but it did happen, or at least that's what the history books say.-orphan

What is your point with Zeroes?

 

[cstu]

I've heard for a couple of years about this former 1st round talent going somewhere. With the bus retiring and seeing quotes that Atl. is looking into trading him, well I actually think this year there could be a chance. My only reason for doubting this to happen is Pitt. really likes character guys and Duckett so far really hasn't been one of those guys. With the talent and size he has I think he is a perfect replacement for the bus. I don't think Pitt. relies on FWP next year and they usually don't draft rb's high. Of course I have Duckett so I'm alittle bias but I want other people's opinion and especially some Steeler fans, chime in and let me know if you think it will happen and if you want it to happen.

Pitt 34

Seattle 20

What are you basing his character on? I never heard a bad thing said about Duckett.

Yeah, BJ, where you getting this garbage from? Casting aspersions onto someone's character like that is a pretty crappy thing to do....Blackjack is in my league. I'm just busting his chops....

When he was originally drafted he got into a fight at a nightclub which resulted in him I believe getting a bottle hit over his head and then alittle later got into another fight in the offseason at a bar, sorry no link but I recall both of these fights happening. Also it has been often mentioned on this board that he, Smoker and Rogers all loved the drugs while at Mich, St. I didn't take any hits with them but while reading some of Rogers posts I was pretty convinced that they all were involved and considering Smoker was suspended in college and Charles in the pros I would say this would have some credit.

I don't know about the drug issues and it wouldn't surprise me if he smoked weed in college since most players do, but here is what I found on one of the fights:

At the same time, he also was dealing with an ugly incident that occurred the night of July 23, when he was the victim of what police in Ionia, Mich., termed "a racially motivated" attack.

On his way home from a concert by rapper Nelly at the Greater Ionia Fair, Duckett, who is black, was taunted by three white men, two of whom then allegedly attacked him with a bottle and tried to throw him off a footbridge over the Grand River.

The men couldn't have picked a worse target.

T.J. Duckett expects to make an impact during his rookie year.

T.J. Duckett expects to make an impact during his rookie year.

According to newspaper reports, Duckett knocked one assailant to the ground and pummeled the other into submission. The third man took more appropriate action -- and ran.

The 23-year-old man accused of using a bottle to strike Duckett was arrested and charged with ethnic intimidation and assault with a deadly weapon -- both felonies. The other alleged assailant, 21, was charged with ethnic intimidation and misdemeanor assault and battery.

Duckett, who was struck by the bottle, suffered a cut on his mouth that required stitches. He also lost a tooth in the fight and was searching for it when police arrived.

"It's part of what happens in life," said Duckett, who doesn't want to comment on the specifics of the attack. "It's nothing special -- nothing that's going to stop me. I don't sit at home and contemplate what happened and let it bother me."

 

[Blackjacks]

I've heard for a couple of years about this former 1st round talent going somewhere. With the bus retiring and seeing quotes that Atl. is looking into trading him, well I actually think this year there could be a chance. My only reason for doubting this to happen is Pitt. really likes character guys and Duckett so far really hasn't been one of those guys. With the talent and size he has I think he is a perfect replacement for the bus. I don't think Pitt. relies on FWP next year and they usually don't draft rb's high. Of course I have Duckett so I'm alittle bias but I want other people's opinion and especially some Steeler fans, chime in and let me know if you think it will happen and if you want it to happen.

Pitt 34

Seattle 20

What are you basing his character on? I never heard a bad thing said about Duckett.

Yeah, BJ, where you getting this garbage from? Casting aspersions onto someone's character like that is a pretty crappy thing to do....Blackjack is in my league. I'm just busting his chops....

When he was originally drafted he got into a fight at a nightclub which resulted in him I believe getting a bottle hit over his head and then alittle later got into another fight in the offseason at a bar, sorry no link but I recall both of these fights happening. Also it has been often mentioned on this board that he, Smoker and Rogers all loved the drugs while at Mich, St. I didn't take any hits with them but while reading some of Rogers posts I was pretty convinced that they all were involved and considering Smoker was suspended in college and Charles in the pros I would say this would have some credit.

I don't know about the drug issues and it wouldn't surprise me if he smoked weed in college since most players do, but here is what I found on one of the fights:

At the same time, he also was dealing with an ugly incident that occurred the night of July 23, when he was the victim of what police in Ionia, Mich., termed "a racially motivated" attack.

On his way home from a concert by rapper Nelly at the Greater Ionia Fair, Duckett, who is black, was taunted by three white men, two of whom then allegedly attacked him with a bottle and tried to throw him off a footbridge over the Grand River.

The men couldn't have picked a worse target.

T.J. Duckett expects to make an impact during his rookie year.

T.J. Duckett expects to make an impact during his rookie year.

According to newspaper reports, Duckett knocked one assailant to the ground and pummeled the other into submission. The third man took more appropriate action -- and ran.

The 23-year-old man accused of using a bottle to strike Duckett was arrested and charged with ethnic intimidation and assault with a deadly weapon -- both felonies. The other alleged assailant, 21, was charged with ethnic intimidation and misdemeanor assault and battery.

Duckett, who was struck by the bottle, suffered a cut on his mouth that required stitches. He also lost a tooth in the fight and was searching for it when police arrived.

"It's part of what happens in life," said Duckett, who doesn't want to comment on the specifics of the attack. "It's nothing special -- nothing that's going to stop me. I don't sit at home and contemplate what happened and let it bother me."

I wish there was a symbol for a man sticking his foot in his mouth...cause I'd use it. I never heard this story put this way. I heard it was at a night club and Duckett was the one charged with assault and battery. I apologize as I was wrong here. The "drug thing" was on a Charles Rogers thread and it was actually quoted as being crack, not weed. I feel bad for even saying that now due to the other incident in which obviously I was way off on. My apologies to the board as well as Mr. Duckett.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

It seems every year people want to think about Black and Gold. This has been rumored for at least the past two offseasons, if not longer. Sure, Duckett would be a nice fit, but he'd be too expensive. If we're not going to go with Duce as a compliment to FWP next year, Jonathan Wells or Kevan Barlow would both be more than adequate, and both would come much cheaper than Duckett.

 

[TheLaw]

Just heard that Duce Staley was in South Carolina to attend a funeral of a family member.  So please do not read anything into my earlier post about his missing media day or the team photo.

Sorry about that, the earlier report I heard didn't mention anything about the funeral.

Apparantly Duce's dad died.

 

[Tyranny]

The rb's will be Parker, Staley and one other on active, one more on practice squad.( Maybe LSU rb Adai or Michael Bush). I believe V. Haynes will be gone. No way Jamal gets a look(way too many character concerns). Same with Najeh"the Tail" Davenport. Will (probably look at Free agents Chester Taylor, Deshaun Foster, and Johnathan Wells. All will be too expensive.

 

[malaka]

With the depth at rb in the free agency market, and what looks like a good crop in the draft, believe or not I think there will be bargains to be found with rbs. I really don't think Parker is the answer, I wouldn't be surprised if some new upstart or free agent signing gives him a run for his money.