Levon Kirkland - Some Steeler fans are shocked by the release of Kirkland. Others have realized that professional football is all about money these days, and business is "business." Kirkland is totally aware of that. How much will he release change the Steelers' defense? They may not be so bad off. Especially if some of the guys waiting in the wings can bring their game up to another level. John Fiala has been outstanding on special teams and is quicker than Kirkland. Kirkland was a menace to opposing running games, and Fiala will not be able to perform to that level against the run. But Fiala is also a restricted free agent, so the Steelers have to contend with making him happy enough to want to remain in Pittsburgh. In 2000 though, Kirkland was a bit overshadowed by Jason Gildon's performance. He did not have a monster season like he has become accustomed to. In fact, Kirkland was a bit on the "tame" side. But he still put on a solid performance on the field. He is far from through in this league, and there are those who think he might end up back in Steeler's training camp come July. It will be hard to fathom Kirkland playing in a different uniform, and will be even more difficult to see someone else on the Steelers wearing number "99." 

Mike Vrabel (LB) - Vrabel is an unrestricted free agent and the Steelers have no plans of resigning him. He will find a home elsewhere based on his tenacity and quickness, but he did not do enough to warrant a new contract with Pittsburgh. 

Kevin Henry (DE) - Henry made one big play in the playoffs a few seasons back against the Patriots, but has really never done anything special for Pittsburgh outside of that. He was getting older and not getting any better. He was essentially ineffective for Pittsburgh and was long overdue to be replaced. 

Jon Witman (FB) - Witman said before his release that he would enjoy the competition between himself and Dan Kreider in training camp this year. That is not to be now, and I'm sure Witman wishes he never broke his leg last season. Take away that event, and Witman probably still has a job with the team. On the other hand, Kreider may not admit it publicly, but he must be saying to himself, "thank you, thank you" to whoever was responsible for laying the block on Witman that caused his broken leg. If not for that, Kreider would probably still find himself on the practice squad. There are several teams interested in Witman, but the truth is, that he was not really that good a Fullback anyway. 

Jeremy Staat (DE) - Can you say "Jamaine Stephens?" That would be the way to describe Staat. Stephens hung around the Steelers for several seasons, never impressing anyone, before the coaching staff got smart and cut him. The same goes for Staat. He had plenty of time to show that he can play in the NFL and yet, he never accomplished anything or proved to Bill Cowher that he fits in somewhere in the Steelers defensive plans. It was only a matter of time before he was cut loose. Like Witman, there are teams showing interest in the 6'5" 300 pounder. 

Dermontti Dawson - You just hate to see the good old guys go. Dawson, whom I met personally, was probably the nicest, most down-to-earth athlete I ever met. But in this day and age, football is about money, and what you can do on the field. I am 100% behind the Steelers in their decision to cut Dawson. He has been hampered by a hamstring injury that has yet to heal completely. For the money they saved by releasing him and Levon Kirkland, the Steelers were able to land Jeff Hartings from Detroit who will do a great job for the Steelers. Still, you have to feel for Dawson, and like Mike Webster before him, he refuses to retire. Webster went on to play one more season in Kansas City before realizing he didn't have it anymore. The best thing that Dawson could do now is retire, retire as a Steeler and wait for the Hall of Fame to come calling.

Jeff Hartings (OL) - The plan is to have Hartings play Center, which in turn means Dermontti Dawson has no chance of returning. Roger Duffy will back up Hartings, and with his signing Rich Tylski can remain at his natural position of Guard. Hartings is an exceptional athlete, who might not be or develop into the finesse type player Dawson was, but he has more speed. Coming to Pittsburgh Hartings only makes the Steeler offensive line even better. Russ Grimm must be licking his chops about now in regards to what he has in front of him. He gets to coach three former number one draft picks, and a number two in Wayne Gandy. Gandy played most of the season in 2000 with a very bad shoulder, so coming into this season 100% healthy, the Steelers O-line with Hartings, Gandy, Alan Faneca and either Marvel Smith or Larry Tharpe will be one of the best and fastest in the NFL. Now it is up to Kordell Stewart, his receivers and Jerome Bettis to do their part.