Joey Porter Will Be Barking Up Another Tree Come 2007

The Steelers released OLB Joey Porter, realizing that he earns too much money to justify his status as "Most Laughably Featured as 'Most Feared Player in the NFL' in Sports Illustrated's 2006 NFL Preview Issue."

I trully believe Porter would make a good 4-3 weakside backer, a la Derrick Brooks, but it looks like the Steelers will be making a slow transition in the 4-3 direction. However, Porter does not fit the 3-4, either--he just can't rush the passer anymore.

Plus, Coach Mike Tomlin is clearing away the deadwood, and the Steelers have been known for keeping around key players well past their prime--Jason Gildon, Jerome Bettis, Brett Alexander, Lee Flowers, etc.

This move virtually guarantees that the Steelers will go with a pass rusher in the 1st round, but I think there's enought talent there at 15 that tipping their hands in this way won't be that big a deal.