Pittsburgh Steelers: The lingering question of Lawrence Timmons

Yes, Lawrence Timmons appears to be the missing piece to the puzzle for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but his time in the Steel City is over.

As much as Lawrence Timmons would love to come back to Pittsburgh, and as much as the team could use him, he won’t return. The inside linebacker became a beloved member of the Pittsburgh sports scene for 10 years while playing in the black and gold. But now, he’s career is elsewhere, and a return doesn’t look promising.

Why? The answer to that is debatable. It could be because of his strange string of events in Miami, last year. The day before Week 1 and he decides to leave the team isn’t bringing positive attention to his resume.

It could also be his age. The Steelers have redefined their defense by going young. Joe Haden isn’t even 30-years-old, and he’s the biggest veteran presence on the defensive side of the ball. Timmons isn’t “old” at 32, but he doesn’t meet the criteria of the youthful defense in Pittsburgh.

The most reasonable answer is his ability, though. Timmons has turned into a liability in coverage. The Steelers aren’t looking for another run stuffer or pass rusher. Vince Williams and Jon Bostic are most than enough in that category.

Instead, they need someone who’s young and athletic. A player who can drop back into coverage and stick with any tight end or running back trying to cross the middle. Years ago, that was Timmons, but in today’s game, he isn’t someone you trust to play a majority of the downs when your other coverage option is a guy like Vince Williams.

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So, no matter how many fans will itch for Timmons’ return, it’s unlikely. Bostic was the proven offseason signing this team needed. Now, they need to meet criteria in certain skills. That means Timmons is on the back burner, and someone who’s strongest asset is protecting against the pass is first on the list.