On The Black Side
  • 06:46 PM ET  03.01
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Die Hard Steel has it from Steelers beat writer Ed Bouchette... it's official: Faneca is a member of the New York Jets, and the highest-paid offensive lineman in football.

His deal is worth $40 million over five years, with $21 million of that guaranteed. It was originally reported that the Jets offered Faneca four years, $32 million, and somewhere between $20 and $23 million guaranteed.

As Scout Ernie Capadino says, "Well this would be MORE then, wouldn't it?" He still would have been the highest paid lineman in the game in terms of overall money and guaranteed money.

If the offer came in Friday evening as it was reported, and Faneca's agent Rick Smith did confirm that it existed, it's interesting to wonder whether Smith took the Jets offer and shopped it around to San Francisco and St. Louis - the other two teams who were bidding for the 10-year veteran's services. The extra year could have been added on to the original deal.

It's the secret the Steelers have known for quite some time now. While most might suggest there is a significant problem among the offensive line, others who watch the team play may dare to suggest that Faneca's seventh trip to the Pro Bowl this past season was purely ornamental. While the ground game didn't necessarily suffer over the course of the year (RB Willie Parker would have been the NFL's rushing champion if he didn't break his leg on the second play from scrimmage in Week 16), the interior line play was suspect at best. C Sean Mahan was brought in to replace former All-Pro Jeff Hartings, and failed by a considerable margin in that goal.

Faneca has played among poor offensive linemen before, and has stood out far more than he did in 2007.

March 1, 2008  06:48 PM ET

New York, New York! Jets are still going nowhere this year.

March 1, 2008  06:50 PM ET

Yeah, but if they don't, they're gonna go down in flames...Ya think they'll pick up Randall Gay next just to try to tick off the Patriots even more?

March 1, 2008  07:07 PM ET

Perhaps...that's the closest thing to revenge Mangenius can get, at any rate.

March 1, 2008  07:51 PM ET

This guy should bring the line together with protection & a running game.We still need a big time receiver opposite of coles.I think with a solid Oline we should start chad what do u guys think???

March 1, 2008  08:01 PM ET

Well, I'd say your offensive line is better than the Steelers, but that's true of 21 other teams in the league.

The Jets can feel satistied that they made improvements in FA, but regardless of that, it's time to give Clemens the reins to that team. I haven't seen much of the Jets, but I know I can see a lot more potential in Clemens than in Pennington.

March 1, 2008  08:18 PM ET

With a running game chad is a better QB & SMARTER.

March 1, 2008  09:27 PM ET

I think it's great that one of those unsung HOGS get a piece of the brass ring. Bravo!

March 1, 2008  09:28 PM ET

Pittsburgh always seems to know when the best time is to switch it up and replace some guys. Last year was Joey Porter...we all see how well he was able to perform with that team. This year, the Steelers will be alright, besides, they are going to be honoring the man that gave them the Terrible Towel....Myron Cope...OONN Sports!

 
March 1, 2008  09:29 PM ET

Pittsburgh always seems to know when the best time is to switch it up and replace some guys. Last year was Joey Porter...we all see how well he was able to perform with that team. This year, the Steelers will be alright, besides, they are going to be honoring the man that gave them the Terrible Towel....Myron Cope...OONN Sports!

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