Rumor and reports have it that Jeff Saturday, the former center for the Colts, would be OK with being a Steeler. I think this is good, as it may provide some leverage in the Kemo negotiations. It may reduce the price the Steelers have to pay Kemo to keep him. Saturday made $3.5M last year, and is 34 years old. He was an undrafted FA, so his salary history has not been too crazy. Let's look at the pros and cons for signing Saturday:
Pros
1. You know what you are getting from him. Jeff is a known quantity.
2. Jeff has played in the zone blocking scheme that Zierlein likes to run. I'm not a fan of it, but get guys that know it if you are going to do it.
3. He is position flexible in the interior. Jeff is an established center and guard who can certainly pass protect. Pass pro and short yardage situations seemed to be the Achilles heel for the Steelers OL in 2008.
4. He is smart and can make all of the protection adjustments. Currently Ben runs those calls, but it would be good to have another pair of experienced eyes to help him.
5. Hartwig is in the last year of his 2-yr $3.725M deal. This would give some flexibility if Hartwig does not re-sign.
Cons
1. He's 34.
2. He might not want to take a pay cut. I think the Steelers would want to pay him at most $2.7-$3M per year. With Starks and Harrison getting new deals, how much will be left?
3. Jeff has had an increased injury problem the past two years.
The Steelers did sign Hartings when he was 30, but that gave him 6 years with the team. At 34, the Steelers will probably get 2-3 good years from Saturday.
So, my hunch is that the Steelers will not sign Saturday due to his age and injury situation. The Benglas, however, are a team who will overpay for an aging player that will not provide a long term answer.
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