Monday, March 11, 2013
Foster in, Colon out?
By Tim Kavanagh
The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't have a lot of space with which to play under the salary cap this offseason -- not exactly a surprising development given how they've operated in recent seasons -- so it was somewhat intriguing that they elected to re-sign veteran O-lineman Ramon Foster as of Monday. It's a three-year pact, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, and could have significant ramifications this spring, as well as this fall.
In terms of this spring, the return of Foster could spell the end of Willie Colon's time with the team, as cutting him would trim $1.9 million off the cap, per ESPN AFC North blogger Jamison Hensley. However, the savings would be even larger if they wait until June, according to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; this would leave Colon in limbo until then.
As for the fall, getting Foster back provides Pittsburgh with a backup option at tackle and guard, and it's possible we could see Foster in the starting lineup at LG.
