For Whom the Bell Tolls...

Pittsburgh Steelers fans rejoice. The above is something that will continue to be a common site around Heinz Field. Roethlisberger isn't going anywhere - Big Ben's time in Pennsylvania is not yet at a close. Some other big names, though, are without the support of their former clubs and are looking for new homes as the draft approaches. Let’s take a look at three Pro-Bowl standouts, drifting in the mire of unsigned talent.


Landanian Tomlinson


Long-time Chargers stalwart, Tomlinson, has found himself marooned in free-agency. The one-time league rushing force is now the wrong side of thirty and hoping that a contender will offer him decent money for a one or two year contract – at this stage in his career, having lost the step on his younger rivals, he can’t hope for anything better despite his undisputed pedigree.

Given his advanced years and increasingly injury-prone status he will likely end-up serving as a mentor/back-up to a young prodigy. I could see the bolstering Jets as an ideal landing spot for LT. Shonn Green is expected to carry the load, but having released veteran back, Thomas Jones who wound-up in a Chiefs uniform, they could do with a bit of experience in their run-first system.

No doubt Bill Belichek of the New England Patriots would like to add Tomlinson to his already deep and exceptionally old corps of runners, but would probably not be able to offer the money to buy his services.

The Seahawks need a rusher to replace long-gone Shaun Alexander – their last league MVP, but under Pete Carroll they are aiming to get younger and if CJ Spiller falls to them in the draft, Tomlinson may be surplus to requirements.

Maybe Green Bay would care for his services? Even Chicago, who are doing everything they can to get better in the trenches, on both sides of the ball. Either the Jets, Packers or Bears would pose attractive opportunities for a player who’s got it all but a ring.


Albert Haynesworth


After his massive season with Tennessee, Haynesworth found himself in a position to sell himself to the highest bidder; securing bucket-loads of cash in the process. The Redskins stepped-up with an almost foolishly brash bid. He was a bust in DC. Now he's looking for a new home. Plenty would take the Haynesworth who anchored the Titans to a league-shaking 13-3 record, but few would pay over the odds for the decidedly average player that suited up in burgundy and gold.

I wouldn't be surprised if he went to the Patriots for love over money - he surely has enough of the latter by now. What Haynesworth needs if he hopes to ever recapture the value of his Tennessee days is a bit of team success.

Like Tomlinson he needs a ring, but not as urgently – he will likely return to form in the right set-up. If the Pats fail to sign our next point of call – Jason Taylor – they could come knocking: Haynesworth, if he hopes to regain a bit of credibility, would be wise to answer the door.


Jason Taylor


Well, we know he can dance, but can he still play? JT is a Miami legend – it’s rare that a player so in demand returnes to the team he has played all but one of his pro-seasons with for personal reasons, when, at one time at least, so much money would’ve been pushed his way for his services.

Taylor’s desire to remain in the Dolphins’ fold, though, has lowered his potential value – the Dolphins aren’t offering their only current Hall of Fame lock a big contract because they know they can pull on his heartstrings and get him for cheap. They might be wise to sign him, though – even at his age he is still a productive player with superb leadership qualities. And Taylor, who is also hungry for a Super Bowl ring, might find hanging around in Miami a good way to get his hands on one. I’m not saying the Dolphins rank amongst serious contenders, but it’s worth considering that they were good last year and have got a lot better already in free-agency. Parcells is a draft wizard, too, and it should be no surprise if it transpires that they, not the Patriots, are vying with the Jets for the AFC East.

Whatever happens, Taylor should stay in that division. Any of the four teams there would benefit from his services, and given the fact he’s playing-out the twilight of his career, he’s great value for whoever picks him up.


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