Future is now

Steelers' drafting makes for tough free agency decisions

When it comes to selecting players in the draft who will materialize into quality NFL starters, Pittsburgh is second to none.

The Steelers have three restricted free agents who were former third- or fourth-round draft picks: linebacker Joey Porter, defensive end Aaron Smith and running back Amos Zereoue. The team might be wise to offer all three the highest possible tender to protect itself from the expansion Texans. With its boatload of draft choices, Houston could sweep in, sign one of these players to an offer sheet and easily pay out the compensation in picks.

Both Porter and Smith would be attractive to Dom Capers, who is building a defense very similar to the Steelers' 3-4. But perhaps Zereoue would draw the most interest. One personnel director told me that "more than one team would be willing to give up a third-rounder for Amos, especially when you consider the lack of quality backs in the draft."

Zereoue's late-season heroics led one GM to say that he could be "this year's Priest Holmes." Given that Jerome Bettis didn't finish the season in strong fashion, Pittsburgh would be wise to offer Zereoue the highest tender, which is a difference of just $664,000 in cap space. Is it any coincidence that the man who drew up Zereoue's rookie deal with the Steelers, Dan Ferens, now handles contract negotiations for the Texans?

Tag -- they're not 'it'

Last week the franchise tag was placed on two unlikely players, raising eyebrows throughout the league. Free safety Kwame Lassiter had a terrific season for the Cardinals with nine interceptions and 100 tackles, but he'll be 33 years old in December. And corner, not safety, is traditionally the harder position for which to find talent.

The franchise tag ensures that Lassiter will make $3.3 million next season -- not bad for a guy who earned $900,000 last fall. The pressure falls squarely on the club now. If the Cardinals don't sign Lassiter to a long-term deal with a lower cap number by March 15, they will be forced to let him play for $3.3 million or will lose the franchise tag for next season when wideout David Boston becomes a free agent.

Throw in the fact that both of Arizona's starting corners, Tom Knight and Corey Chavous, are hitting free agency this week, and the tag makes for an interesting discussion.

Lassiter sounded disappointed that he was tagged and more than tripled his salary. Go figure!

Dallas tagged tackle Flozell Adams, jumping his salary from a reasonable $525,000 to $4.9 million. I couldn't find anyone outside the Cowboys organization who felt Adams was worth that number. With Tony Boselli and Ryan Young, the Texans already had secured their two tackles, so the competition for Adams' services might not have been there.

Decisions made during the next few days will have more to do with most teams' success next year than the play-calling during the season. Keep a close eye on your favorite team's business moves to get an indication of where it's headed and why.

Pat Kirwan, who spent 12 years as a pro football coach, scout and personnel administrator, is an NFL analyst for CNN/Sports Illustrated and CNNSI.com.

 

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