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[86WARD]

Steelers check out 2 more free agents

The Carolina Panthers thought center Justin Hartwig would help bolster their offensive line when they signed him to a five-year, $17 million contract as an unrestricted free agent two years ago.

But, after two seasons as a starter, Hartwig was released earlier this week as part of a shakeup on the Panthers' offensive line. Yesterday, he surfaced at the Steelers' South Side facility, meeting with the coaching staff as a possible solution to some of the problems on their offensive line.

Hartwig, 29, was joined on the South Side by free-agent safety Donnie Nickey, a backup for five seasons with the Tennessee Titans who is considered a special-teams standout. Nickey, an Akron, Ohio, native who played at Ohio State, once angered Titans quarterback Vince Young because he hit his teammates too hard in practice.

Hartwig and Nickey bring to eight the number of free agents who have visited the Steelers since the free-agency period began two weeks ago.

Two players -- running back Mewelde Moore and linebacker Keyaron Fox -- have been signed.

But, with the team unhappy with the performance of center Sean Mahan last season, Hartwig (6-4, 312) could be another. He was one of several starters released by the Panthers, along with running back DeShaun Foster, guard Mike Wahle and linebacker Dan Morgan, following a 7-9 season.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

But, with the team unhappy with the performance of center Sean Mahan last season, Hartwig (6-4, 312) could be another.

Just this little sentence in this article makes me happy. It's nice to see that the team realizes there is a problem with Mahan trying to play center there and isn't brushing it under the rug...

I wouldn't mind having Hartwig. Probably has 5-6 more seasons left in the tank. From what I've seen and heard, he's a solid player. Injured in 2006? Maybe a Titans or Panthers fan could give a little update about how they feel on Justin?

[Crowned]

I'd like Hartwig if he stays healthy he'd be a strong center to anchor our offensive line .

[86WARD]

If this were to happen, it kind of reminds me a little bit of the Jeff Hartings signing...

[Crowned]

Yea the more I think about it, I really want this to go through.

[M1LEHIGH]

Yeh, i would be excited, this guys is a true center and can play for a long time if he stays healthy.

[K Train]

i wanted hadnot, but this would be sweet....fucking mahan might as well have a sign that tells the DTs to rape him on his forehead. he was often confused with a revolving door last season

[86WARD]

Originally Posted by K Train

i wanted hadnot, but this would be sweet....fucking mahan might as well have a sign that tells the DTs to rape him on his forehead. he was often confused with a revolving door last season

I don't know about forehead, but maybe on the crown of his helmet.

I really wanted them to sign Jeff Faine and move Mahan to the line. It was a no-brainer for me. They would've gotten a solid Center and automatic depth on the O-line. Hopefully, they can do something like that with Hartwig.