Steelers have an offseason plan

By Dale Lolley

One of the great things about Twitter for journalists is that you have immediate access to thousands of people who are interested in the beat you follow.

One of the worst things about Twitter for journalists is that you have immediate access to thousands of people who are interested in the beat you follow.

Take, for example, the opening week of the NFL free agent period.

Every time a Steelers free agent even visits another team, the doom and gloom begins. “We’re finished.” “What are the Steelers doing?” It goes on and on.

Know this: At this point, the Steelers haven’t lost anyone they didn’t expect – or couldn’t afford – to lose.

Everyone knew at the beginning of the 2012 NFL season that wide receiver Mike Wallace was headed elsewhere. So why the shock and awe when it actually happened?

And when the Steelers signed cornerback William Gay a couple of weeks ago, it all but assured they weren’t going to get into a negotiating battle to keep cornerback Keenan Lewis.

Anyone who has been paying attention should not have been at all surprised that linebacker James Harrison and guard Willie Colon were released in salary cap-related moves. It had been written about as a possibility pretty much throughout the season.

Again, why all of the angst over players who helped the Steelers to an 8-8 record in 2012?

READ MORE: http://www.observer-reporter.com/article/20130316/COLUMN0103/130319395#.UUV5l1ebphs

It's a recipe that, for the most part, has worked in the free agency period.

Maybe this year won't be everything it could be, but I believe that with one bad year (maybe two), comes multiple years of success.

I'd say that's a good trade off.

I mean hell look at the bronws, they've sucked for years!