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Report: Pittsburgh Steelers and Troy Polamalu could part ways in 2015

By Josh Criswell

Aug 16, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (43) stands on the sidelines prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 16, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (43) stands on the sidelines prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /
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Troy Polamalu may have played his last down in a Steelers uniform, the only one he has ever worn in the NFL.

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Troy Polamalu has never suited up for another team other than the Pittsburgh Steelers during his 12-year NFL career, but it appears that the two parties will go their separate ways in 2015.

Rumors surfaced earlier this offseason that the Steelers organization would like him to retire in hopes of avoiding controversy, but Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette confirmed yesterday that the the eight-time pro bowler is likely not a part of the team’s plans for the upcoming season regardless.

"“Everything I hear is they are planning to play 2015 without Troy Polamalu.”"

Given Bouchette’s three decades of experience covering the team, I trust his comments on the issue.

Polamalu was a ballhawk in the defensive backfield and one of the hardest hitting safeties in the league during his prime. Unfortunately, it appears that time has come to an end.

He no longer has the speed to terrorize quarterbacks by roaming the secondary as he once did in his prime. Injuries have also been an issue for Polamalu in recent years, missing 26 games over the past six seasons.

If the Steelers cannot find a replacement for Polamalu through free agency or the draft, they could look to move free safety Mike Mitchell to strong safety. The move would likely be a fairly seamless transition due to the style of defense the Steelers play.

"“In the Steelers system, SS and FS are really interchangeable and not much to differentiate,” Bouchette said. “The only difference has been the unique talent of Troy Polamalu and how they used that to their effectiveness on defense.”"

Mitchell would have giant shoes to fill, but he did have a very promising first season with the team last year. The 27-year old finished the season with a career-high 71 tackles, good for second-best on the team.

There is still a chance that the Steelers and Polamalu could restructure his contract. If so, he would likely be used less on the field and more as a mentor to younger players.

As great of a teammate as Polamalu has been throughout his 12 seasons with the team, I do not see him making another appearance in the Steelers black-and-gold.

Expect Polamalu to either sign with a team allowing him to start or walk from the game before his play drops off.

Hopefully it will be the latter. It would only seem fitting for him to finish his career a Steeler after playing a key role in ending Pittsburgh’s 26-year championship drought.

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