Bryant McFadden

[mesaSteeler]

McFadden comes cheap to Steelers! Why?

By Bob Smizik | Saturday 3:35 p.m.
http://community.post-gazette.com/bl...k/default.aspx

Beware of cornerbacks who can be acquired, along with a sixth-round draft choice, for a fifth-round draft choice.

Yes, the Steelers have the cornerback who started for them when the when the Super Bowl after the 2008 season, but there have to be questions about the return Bryant McFadden, who was acquired Saturday afternoon for a fifth-round draft choice.

For one, the Steelers, who also got a sixth-rounder in the deal, barely seemed interested in keeping McFadden when he became a free agent after the 2008 season.

Of great significance, why exactly are the Arizona Cardinals giving up on McFadden one season after signing him to a two-year contract worth $10 million?

Clearly, the Cardinals were not happy with McFadden. The fact they virtually gave him way speaks directly to their unhappiness. McFadden is due to make $4.75 million this season.

It’s not like Arizona was awash in CB depth. On the Arizona Republic website, beat writer Kent Sommers wrote, ``McFadden's departure leaves Greg Toler as the starter and Mike Adams as the top reserve. The Cardinals have little depth at that spot now, and likely will address it with one of their remaining picks, a sixth and seventh rounders.’’

This isn’t to say the Steelers made a bad move. They needed help at the position and McFadden is an upgrade over what they have. Ed Bouchette, writing on the PG + website, said the deal had been in the works for several days, which explains why the Steelers didn’t take a cornerback in the early rounds of the draft.

McFadden, in almost total certainty, will step into the starting lineup at one cornerback slot with Ike Taylor at the other. William Gay, who started but lost his job last season, will be the top backup. It was Gay who made the departure of McFadden easy for the Steelers to handle. But he faltered badly.

The return of McFadden, who will be a free agent after this season, gives the Steelers a chance to groom the two rookies they drafted last season -- Keenan Lewis in the third round and Joe Burnett in the fifth.

It possible the familiar surroundings and different responsibilities can revitalize McFadden. It's certainly worth a fifth-round draft choice to find out.

[Preacher]

This isn’t to say the Steelers made a bad move. They needed help at the position and McFadden is an upgrade over what they have. Ed Bouchette, writing on the PG + website, said the deal had been in the works for several days, which explains why the Steelers didn’t take a cornerback in the early rounds of the draft.

Ahhh,

Ok. There were a few of us that were speculating after the trade was announced, that this might be the case.

It does make a HECK of a lot more sense now. I'm a little surprised we didn't go for a backup safety in the third instead of a wide receiver, but who knows what was on the board at that time, or what the FO actually has up their sleeve.

[Vincent]

Originally Posted by steelreserve

Is he perfect? No. Is he a HUGE upgrade over Gay. You bet your ass.

He was the best corner taken in the draft. A #5 for BMac and the 6th that got us one of the better backs in the draft.. No, actually a stoner for BMac and the 6th that got us one of the better backs in the draft.

Why is he was the best corner taken in the draft? Because he's "turn key". He knows the defense. He's in his prime. He'll contribute day one. There wasn't a corner in the draft that will have the impact BMac will have for us this year.

Very good move.

[steelerdude15]

I had no clue until now... that's really good. I'm glad to see this.

[CaliStillersFan]

WELCOME HOME BMAC!!!!!!!

[CanadianSteel]

didnt know this either until reading this.... very solid move to hold us over to next year when we draft a stud corner in the 1st round....

[Set-Man]

Originally Posted by CanadianSteel

didnt know this either until reading this.... very solid move to hold us over to next year when we draft a stud corner in the 1st round....

Don't we say that every single year.