3 worst Steelers free-agent signings during the Kevin Colbert Era

Sean Mahan, Center

Mahan was brought onto the team through free agency in 2007. It was a fairly big signing at the time. He signed the dotted line of a five-year 17 million dollar contract. It was one of the first major free agent moves that the team had made in many years. The need for a starting center was there for the team as they looked for answers upfront.

Protecting their young quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger was something the team really wanted to accomplish. A reliable veteran at the center position seemed like a good idea. He did not miss too many games before joining the Steelers. He played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before jumping into the free agency waters. While he was there, he played well enough to garner a nice contract.

Unfortunately for both sides, this contract did not pan out. The team would go onto find another starting center to replace Mahan. The stay with the black and gold was short as he only lasted one season. After joining the team on a deal like that, this was a big disappointment. He would start every game for the team in 2007 but would fail to return. Mahan would go back to Tampa Bay and play two more seasons before finishing his time in the NFL.