Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette believes the Steelers are prepared to make dramatic changes to their offensive line in the coming months and he expects Max Stark and Ramon Foster to leave during free agency, with Willie Colon being released outright. Colon ended the season on IR after suffering another knee injury, the third season in a row that Colon has dealt with a knee injury, so there are plenty of question marks regarding his health in the coming years. 7th round pick Kelvin Beachum could be a replacement option for them at guard. Mike Adams figures to take over as the team’s right tackle, with Marcus Gilbert manning the left tackle position next season. David DeCastro and C Maurkice Pouncey would be the only two members retaining their original positions. Source: NFL Trade Rumors
I could see one of those three that are supposedly "leaving" being retained and Beachum being used as depth. Foster would be my guess.
Starks goes the FA route then? Think he'll command top dollar out there? I personally don't think he's worth it but you know how people go tackle-crazy in free agency.
Our running game seemed alot more effective with Mike Adams in the lineup, but then what does Gilbert do? Unless he moves to LT and they cut ties with Starks. I'm not opposed to this, Gilbert looked really good at LT his rookie year (in pre-season albeit).
So Starks is the odd man out, that's the consensus it seems. Any other Steeler fans on why/if Starks should stay?
Well Starks was definitely our best linemen this year without a doubt. He was a monster on Ben's blindside 98% of the season. I just don't see Gilbert sitting the bench, maybe he will return to RT and Mike Adams will be the reserve linemen.
I could see them waiting on Starks again. Not sure there would be a whole ton of interest out there for his services...maybe more than last year considering how well he did in 2012. But he doesn't seem like the kind of guy right now that is looking to run away from the Steelers for a couple extra dollars. If that makes sense.
