A Busy Day in Free Agency for the Steelers

When Ryan Clark took a trip down to Miami to visit the Dolphins on Sunday, it seemed like an absolute certainty that he had played his last game with the Pittsburgh Steelers. But in a rather stunning change of events, the free safety agreed to a four-year contract to remain with the Steelers. Clark is a nine-year veteran and has been with the Steelers since 2006. In 2009, he started fifteen games and had 68 tackles to go with his three interceptions.

Monday also saw the return of yet another familiar face, Antwaan Randle El. Randle El was originally drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. During his tenure in Pittsburgh, Randle El played wide receiver and was utilized in the return game. He was also used often in gadget plays, none of which was more notable than his touchdown pass to Hines Ward in Super Bowl XL. Randle El reportedly agreed to a three-year contract to return to the Steelers. He had been member of the Washington Redskins since 2006.

Earlier in the day on Monday, the Steelers added depth to their roster. The team signed wide receiver, Arnaz Battle, along with safety, Will Allen. Battle is a seven-year veteran who has played for the San Francisco 49ers. Allen has been in the league for six years, all of which have been spent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Both players were signed to three-year deals.

By M.C. Smith

Steelers Preparing to Part Ways with Willie Parker

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With NFL free agency set to begin on Friday, it’s becoming quite obvious that Willie Parker has probably played his last game with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 29 year-old halfback will be an unrestricted free agent come March 5th, and will have the freedom to sign with another team. It will be a sad day if Parker does, indeed, decide to depart from the team. He has provided the Steelers and their fans with some of the most memorable moments in recent history.

How can anyone forget Willie Parker’s 75-yard touchdown run in Super Bowl XL? The play is still considered the longest touchdown run in Super Bowl history and helped give the Steelers their first Lombardi Trophy in twenty-five years. Jerome Bettis’ retirement following Super Bowl XL allowed Parker to become the premiere back for the Steelers entering the 2006 season. There were high expectations for Parker going into the season, and he would respond in a big way. The halfback would go on to have the best statistical season of his career, rushing for nearly 1,500 yards and having 13 rushing touchdowns.

While Parker has had some great moments with the Steelers, he has also dealt with his share of struggles. Parker was leading the league in rushing going into a Week 15 matchup with the St. Louis Rams in late 2007. In the first half, Parker would fracture his leg. Suddenly, his season was over. One could argue that Willie Parker has never been the same since that injury. His career since then has been riddled with injuries. No matter if it’s a toe, knee, hamstring or shoulder, Parker has been unable to stay healthy for the past three seasons. Parker’s injury problems eventually led to the Steelers drafting halfback, Rashard Mendenhall, in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft.
In his six-year career, Willie Parker has rushed for over 5,300 yards and has 24 rushing touchdowns. In 2007, Parker set a new Steelers’ franchise record for rushing yards in a game, when he rushed for 223 yards against the Cleveland Browns. He is also a two-time Pro Bowler, and was been a key component in the Steelers’ two Super Bowl victories in 2005 and 2008. At this point, the likely landing spots for Parker are San Diego, Washington, and Philadelphia. Though he may soon be gone, it is safe to say that “Fast” Willie Parker will never be forgotten.

By M.C. Smith