Agent for Colon Says His Client Won’t Get a Long Term Deal From Steelers

From the comments of agent Joe Linta, it does not look like right tackle Willie Colon will be wearing black and gold all that much longer.

Colon, who currently is a restricted free agent, signed a $2.5 million tender for this season. Linta says that the OL will be playing elsewhere within the next year or two. “Willie obviously loves Pittsburgh. He would love staying there for the long-term. But as of right now, they have not made any decisions that they want him there long-term,” Linta said.

Right now as it stands Colon may be the most important linemen the Steelers have. He has stepped up and been the rock of the O-line, yet it seems the Steelers don’t seem to think he’s worth as much as some right tackles around the league.

He was a fourth-round draft pick in 2006, and is the only blocker to start every game under coach Mike Tomlin — 54 consecutive starts, including the all postseason games.

As far as who is behind him, it’s veteran Jonathan Scott, who has just 14 career starts with Buffalo and Detroit. “Jonathan’s role will be very similar to what it was in Buffalo,” said offensive line coach Sean Kugler, who was Jonathan Scott’s position coach with the Bills. “Jonathan started some games at left tackle. He also started some games at right tackle. … So having the value of being able to play both and be effective at both gives him a good chance.”

He may be playing a big role on the Steelers O-line if Colon leaves, and from the sounds of Linta, his client very well may be playing elsewhere.

“It’s pretty obvious to people that know football that Willie, if he’s not the best, he’s among the top three right tackles in the league,” Linta said.