The Steelers have in fact been concerned about the quality of the options that they have for mitigating impact of losing Willie Colon. The Post-Gazette is reporting that the team has come to terms with offensive tackle Flozell Adams, who signed a two year deal and will join the team in Latrobe when camp commences Friday afternoon.
Just a week ago they signed guard Adrian Jones and earlier this week they worked out Chester Pitts.
Adams was drafted in 1998 by the Dallas Cowboys, where he started at left tackle where he excelled, being named to five Pro Bowls.
Door Opening Options?
The addition of Flozell Adams immediately alters the offensive line calculus for the Steelers. Most observers had penciled Trai Essex in as the prospective starting right tackle, that likely changes now.
The Steelers can now put Adams at left tackle and move Max Starks to the right side if that suits them. Likewise, should Maurkice Pouncey show enough promise, or if injury necessitate it, the Steelers have greater flexibility to move him to center.
Keeping It Real
The Steelers offensive line is certainly stronger today than it was on the day after Willie Colon’s Achilles tendon tear.
But before putting any champagne on ice, Steelers Nation would be wise to keep in mind that both of these free agents were still available in late August both because their best days are behind them and they have injury histories.
Enough talk. Training camp is about to start.
Let’s let the competitors settle the starting slots for themselves out on Chuck Noll Field at St. Vincents.
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Flozell formerly dubbed “The Hotel” sadly has been reduced to what would have been the Plaza to a motel where they charge by the hour; as a Cowboys fan I was certain when painfully watching that playoff loss to Vikings last year that we would not be seeing Adams with a star logo on his helmet any longer as before he departed with injury he played like a fence post and hurt the team that day. Also as he has gradually slowed down his lazy penalty issues became a problem. Is he better than the Steelers probably had on their roster before they signed him? Yes! Do I see him returning to Pro Bowl level? No!
Always good to get an outside view, in this case from DK, who is a diehard Cowboys fan but regular reader here.
While he makes some valid points, developing news favors the Steelers. See the next Post….