Antwaan is Gone

The Steelers have suffered their first casualty of free agency. Number 82 Antwaan Randle El is heading to D.C., signed to a contract worth up to a maximum of $31 million over seven years with the Washington Redskins. Randle El wasn't the Steelers top receiver, but he was a great asset for the team due to his versatility - obvious to everyone after the touchdown pass he threw for Pittsburgh in the Super Bowl. As part of the deal, Randle El will receive a reported $8 million signing bonus, $1 million less than the Steelers paid Hines Ward to re-sign in 2005.

The Chicago Bears also showed a strong interest in Randle El, but he rejected the offer from his hometown Bears of a six-year, $18 million dollar contract. The Redskins will introduce the newly signed Antwaan in a live video webcast on Redskins.com at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 13th.

It's disappointing for the Steelers to lose a player of the caliber of Antwaan Randle El, but they'll "figure something out," according to offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt. They plan to give WR Cedrick Wilson the first chance to replace him. In the meantime, the Steelers are busy re-signing some of their other free agents. According to the Post-Gazette, Charlie Batch is expected to sign a contract today to return as Ben Roethlisberger's backup. And linebacker Clint Kriewaldt has agreed to terms on a three-year contract.

Poll: Will the loss of Randle El hurt the Steelers? Yes or No?