James

Farrior

Farrior is on the short list for defensive MVP candidates. “Oh, there’s no doubt I’ll be playing. There’s no question in my mind that I’ll be ready for the game.”

Farrior’s back has been stiff since he developed spasms Tuesday night, despite ice treatments, electro-stimulation and stretching. ''I need the heat,’' said Farrior. With 94 tackles, three sacks and four interceptions in 2004, Farrior is one of the most complete linebackers in the game.

Also released were LB Malcolm Postell and S Jamar Landrom.

Farrior is 36 years old and nearing the end of the line as the Steelers’ onetime mainstay at left inside linebacker. “We would like to play both men, so we made a commitment early on that both men were going to play, and we stood up to that,” coach Mike Tomlin said. It’s a situation to avoid in IDP leagues.

“It’s not a done deal, but the percentages just aren’t there,” said agent Ralph Cindrich. Farrior, a 15-year veteran and the Steelers’ defensive captain for the last eight seasons, is due $2.825 million in 2012. All of that money would come off Pittsburgh’s salary cap if he is released. The Steelers have not approached Farrior about a pay cut, and he turned 37 in January.

Farrior’s agent expect his client to get the ax, and Foote is nearly six years his junior. The most likely scenario is Foote filling in as the starter while the Steelers develop a middle linebacker prospect from the upcoming draft.

The latest veteran to go in the Steelers’ salary cap purge, Farrior had been Dick LeBeau’s defensive leader and signal-caller for the past decade. The 37-year-old was due $2.825 million after an up-and-down season while battling injuries. The Steelers lose valued team leaders in Farrior, Hines Ward, and Aaron Smith, but they’re also churning over a roster that was simply too long in the tooth. Beat writer Gerry Dulac tweeted Thursday night to “start fitting a Steelers uniform for Dont’a Hightower” if Farrior is axed.

“There is no doubt that he wants to play, and he wants to play here,” said agent Ralph Cindrich. Cindrich added, however, “I don’t see them having the room to be able to bring (Farrior) back unless they have special needs and the ability to do so.” Farrior will be elsewhere if he plays a 16th NFL season.

Farrior was cut in large part due to a $2.825 million salary, but also because his performance has fallen off. “When we terminated those players we felt that their time as a Steeler was over and it was time for everybody to move forward,” said Colbert. “I think when they all left they know that you can never say never. But they also know that was their last time as a Steeler.”

Farrior turned 37 in January and was released by the Steelers on March 3. He’d likely have to settle for a one-year minimum contract in order to continue his playing career. Farrior is not expected back in Pittsburgh no matter what.