Lawrence Timmons: 5 best fits in NFL free agency

Oct 16, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (14) is tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (94) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins won 30-15. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (94) prior to the game against the Denver Broncos in an AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

While there are some options that would be intrigued to look into Timmons on the open market, the smart money is on Timmons coming back to Pittsburgh for the 2017 season and beyond. Timmons has spent ten seasons in Pittsburgh, and it would likely be tough for him to go anywhere else, and tough for the Steelers to see him anywhere. He is Mike Tomlins first pick as an NFL coach, and many in the locker room have mentioned Timmons is always in good favor of the coach because of this.

The Steelers have Ryan Shazier in the middle but beside him, they would have huge questions if they moved on from Timmons. Vince Williams signed an extension this offseason, but his role with the team has been special teams performer, not impact starter.

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There also is not a team as close to the Super Bowl that will have interest in Timmons, as the Steelers were in the AFC Championship last season. The Steelers can speak to their loyalty to Timmons by showing the price tag they paid for him last season. They can preach that he can retire with the team he came up with, and that they deserve some sort of hometown discount. It is really tough to see the Steelers letting Timmons slip away this offseason, and he should be one of the free agents that is expected to re-sign with his current club this offseason.

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