The career of linebacker Clark Haggans as a member of the Steelers is all but over. Not to much of a surprise, today’s Pittsburgh Tribune-Review is reporting that Haggans will enter free agency next week and will not resign with the Black and Gold. This is a no-brainer, as the Steelers have been grooming their next solid linebacker – 2nd year stud LaMarr Woodley, who was solid in his time on the field as a rookie in 2007. Haggans is now 31, and likely will find it tough to get a big deal on the open market. The Tribune-Review says that he’ll be not much more than a stopgap for a team that runs a 3-4 defense, and most 4-3 teams won’t even take a look at him. For now, Haggans spot will be Woodley’s once the 2008 season starts.
smortas
February 21, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Haggans only role with Woodley’s rise would be as a backup with starting experience. It would have been the job of management to sell him on a role that would have fit with the team’s chemistry and the importance of having a solid backup with experience. If ego and money is the issue, then good riddance. However, players and organizations need to spell out roles for players who are aging and sell the team aspect with the reduced monetary rewards, unless there are built in incentives. It seems the steelers are losing too much depth. Maybe they do need a season to replenish..one step back before going forward?????