Hope/No Hope

Ed Bouchette of the Post-Gazette reports that the Steelers got into the free agency game today, signing Ryan Clark from the Redskin Potatoes to replace Chris Hope. Clark started as strong safety last year alongside Sean Taylor. Though he has little in the way of name recognition, he comes from a team that put a premium on defense, which I think bodes well.

The Steelers also re-signed Brett Keisel to replace KVO, who signed with the Jets (a team planning a move to the 3-4) today. Keisel was a 7th round draft choice, hailed as the Steelers' best bargain that year. And now he gets his chance. This patience, this emphasis on developing players, makes the Steelers special. (For the opposite approach, see the Washington Racists: the New York Yankees of the NFL.) I bid Kimo a fond farewell.

The Clark signing comes after Hope rejected offers from the Steelers; he has visits planned to Miami and Houston. I admire that the Steelers don't beg; we saw the same attitude with Plex Burress last year. "If you think you're worth more," the franchise says, "go get more." I hope you enjoy playing for the Texans, Chris. My farewell to you is less fond.

Another Steeler has been insisting on his own value: Jerame Tuman is apparently also rejecting the Steelers' offers. As a result, Aaron Shea visited today. Whatever.

More later on the big QB signings today.