Steelers tackle Flozell Adams, who signed with the team after starter Willie Colon was injured in last year's preseason, has expressed his desire to return to Pittsburgh in 2011. His agent, Jordan Why, recently spoke with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
↵↵↵"Flo is planning on playing. We will need to talk to Pitt (once the lockout ends) and determine his role and if it will be with the Steelers."
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Okay, so Adams wants to start. You can't blame him. While the 36-year-old veteran filled in very well last season - particularly in the run game, where it seemed like every one of Rashard Mendenhall's big-gainers was the result of guard Chris Kemoeatu pulling right and clearing lanes alongside Adams - he's hardly a lock to return to the team in that capacity.
↵For one thing, Pittsburgh is going to draft at least one tackle prospect in next week's draft and will perhaps use their first-round pick (31 overall) to do so, if they like the player enough. While that player (or those players) is unlikely to crack the starting lineup like Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey did a year ago, former starting tackle Max Starks will return, and Colon's status as a restricted free agent is unknown. (Although it's worth pointing out that Colon could potentially line up at right guard under the right circumstances.) Adams' chances of returning to Pittsburgh as a starter obviously skyrocket if the team parts ways with Colon. Even if the Steelers do spend a high-round selection on a tackle, it's easy to imagine a scenario where Adams plays out the last year of his contract as a starter, serving a mentor role to his young heir.