Kidding Aside, Pittsburgh Steelers Should Really Sign Max Starks

Dec 16, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) in action against Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Max Starks (78) at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Steeler Nation learned earlier on Wednesday that the Steelers are placing most of their eggs in the “Mike Adams Will Get Better” basket.  With Gilbert, Beachum as the starting tackles, that leaves Adams as the lone backup.  That should make everyone shake in their black and gold britches.  There’s a solution to the problem – not popular and certainly just a band aid – but there’s one out there.  I realize I’m sticking out my chin and begging someone to take a swing by saying this, but the Steelers really need to just go ahead and sign Max Starks back to the roster.

Max Starks joined the crew at The Fan on Wednesday and said that he would be ready should he get the call from the Steelers.  He might be ready, but even he doesn’t believe that the Steelers will pick up the phone and dial the digits.

"They drafted two guys pretty high.  They don’t see me as an option for the future."

While that may be true, I’m sure even Starks can see that things aren’t panning out so well with Adams and Gilbert as those ‘high’ picks.  I think most of us can spot a bust when we see them, and Adams is teetering very closely to the brink of obscurity.  The Steelers are reeling at the tackle position.  With Levi Brown down and out for the season, that leaves Guy Whimper the only other option to Mike Adams as a backup to Beachum or Gilbert.  *GULP*  The Steelers need another option.

I know that Starks was cut twice this season.  But, Starks was never a first option for the Steelers for almost the entire time he played for them.  He was brought on late in camp or late in the season only to silence his critics.  Starks has always performed well while in Pittsburgh.  Besides, what does the team have to lose by signing Starks?  They have room in the cap to sign him the vet minimum.  If he doesn’t work out, cut him then sign the next best dude.  I know it’s not a popular decision with some of you out there, but at this point, what else is there to do other than wrap Big Ben in kevlar and bubble wrap?