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if i was the steelers i would proably have done the same thing.they need to focus on a qb and secondary now.maybe next year they will draft a runningback.duce will be 34 when his contract ends.how many 34 year old backs are still playing pro ball?

Gildon didn't restructure his contract, and he WILL be cut June 1 or 2. No question about that. If he isn't, the mgmt needs their heads examined. Bettis knew he was either going to be cut or have to take a pay cut, and that he would play 2nd fiddle to whoever. That's the way the NFL works now. Personally, I wouldn't have been upset to see him cut, but I'm also ok with the pay cut and mentoring another back. I really don't know if Duce is the answer, but I hope he is. My only concern is that he's 29, and that's on the other side of prime for a RB. But he has had some tough breaks, and maybe being in a system that features him will work well. But, cutting Gildon will free up some cap room, which will allow them to sign/draft the desparately needed OL.

Has anyone figured out that I am anti-Gildon? :cheesy: . I look at him as the type of player that gets the big contract, then plays in such a way to protect that contract. That type of player needs to be run out, because it's a cancer. Darrell Gardner comes to mind as another player like that. Play big in a contract year, then wuss out once you have that signing bonus in the bank.

i think its awesome that pittsburgh finally got a good rb b/c the ones we had and have now r just old

Duce Staley didn't pick up the big yards in Philadelphia because not only are they a passing team, they were rotating 3 different running backs around the backfield as well. Duce picked up 482 yards on 96 carries, so he's averaging about 5 yards a pop, which really isn't bad. Jerome Bettis is still a threat of sorts, but not near as good as he used to be. And Gildon is of pro bowl quality, so it will be a shame to see him go.

I agree that Staley was in a RB by committee system which caused his overall #'s to be low. Also, his avg per carry is pretty good. However, those #'s compare very similar to Famous Amos in 2002, and we all saw what he did as the starter in '03. I'm certainly not saying that will be the same for Staley though, because I think he is a quality back.

And now for Gildon. Gidon has been AWFUL for 2+ years. Just watch the tapes of him and you'll see what I mean. He was voted to the Pro Bowl because that is typically a popularity contest anyway. I for one will THRILLED when he hits the road, although it will be 2 years too late.

On another note, I hear that a lot of Steelers (including Cowher) were at the Kevin Jones workout, and that Jones didn't do great, possibly causing his stock to slip. It could all be a smoke screen though.

I've heard that Jason Gildon has been given permission to talk with other teams. And get this.....the Steelers want a second round draft pick for him!!!

And just as unbelievable....the Raiders are showing some interest!!!

I would have been thrilled to get a 6th or 7th round pick for him....or even nothing as long as someone picks up his contract to avoid the cap hit.

Hard to imagine someone would give up picks for this guy when its almost a sure thing he'll be cut.

JVfan - I agree with you. I can't see anyone (including Al Davis or Dan Snyder) being stupid enough to give up a 2nd round pick for him. But if they are, hey we'll take it. The only benefit a team has in trading for him (if they really want him), is that they get exclusive rights to him. Whereas if he is cut, he can sign with anyone he wants, at market price. But, I could see the Raiders going for him, since Davis loves to get the older veterans and bases his team around them.