James Walker

  (4:00 PM)

I'm back from Tampa, so let's get into some questions.

Jason (Knoxville, TN)

Hey James, how about that game? Didn't you pick Santonio to be a sleeper MVP pick? Love the blog man and it will be greatly missed this whole offseason.

James Walker

  (4:02 PM)

J. Mills you know I have to take your question first. I did pick Santonio as a sleeper MVP. You have a good memory. But the blog isn't going anywhere. We will take you through the entire offseason.

keiven, charlottesville, va

which starters can pittsburgh expect to lose to free agency?

James Walker

  (4:03 PM)

Expect Pittsburgh to let go of a couple offensive linemen, if not more. I'm almost sure Marvel Smith will not return because of age and injury concerns with his back. I would say Max Starks and Willie Colon are questionable returns as well.

Ryan (Pittsburgh)

James, do the other divisional bloggers have to address you as 'sir' now that The AFC North took home the Lombardi?

James Walker

  (4:05 PM)

No sir, Ryan. In fact, I'm the youngest of the eight ESPN bloggers so that would feel a little odd.

Scott (Pittsburgh, PA)

Great coverage this year James - Thanks. After the 'officiating' controversy in SB XL and some grumbling in this years game about the last play, in particular, do you see these officiating complaints tainting the overall accomplishments of the Steelers in the last few years ?

James Walker

  (4:07 PM)

I'm not going to field too many officiating questions today, because I'm tired of that subject this season. But there shouldn't be any sour grapes from this game because there were bad calls on both sides. Super Bowl XL was more one sided in favor of the Steelers.

Mike (Altoona PA)

Who is a priority free agent that the Steelers need to get signed this off-season? Did you notice the during the commentary following the superbowl that everyone was singing the praises of Ben and Santonio except Holmgren. Every time Holmgren got the chance to talk he turned everyting back to the Cardinals. Still sore after XL?

James Walker

  (4:10 PM)

Picking one, it would have to be Bryant McFadden. He is just starting to scratch the surface and will be a great No. 2 cornerback for Pittsburgh. I was at the game and in the locker room, so I didn't see Holmgren's post-game commentary.

Tom (Boston)

What is it with the Ravens having a winning season then always turning around and having a losing season the following year? It's been an every other year cycle these past several years.

James Walker

  (4:11 PM)

Good question, Tom. The team never had stability at quarterback. Joe Flacco should change that and I expect Baltimore to be a lot more stable. A healthy QB can overcome a lot of injuries elsewhere. See Peyton Manning this year.

Robert (Monrovia, Ca)

Who stays and who goes out of Derek Anderson, Jamal Lewis, Kellen Winslow and Braylon Edwards?

James Walker

  (4:13 PM)

I can only guess because I don't have a feel for the new regime that just came in. I would say Edwards is the only sure person to stay on that list.

chauncey (teaneck)

Who will be the browns QB come week 1?

James Walker

  (4:15 PM)

Brady Quinn. If Anderson is not traded and there is a competition, things could get interesting.

JC [via mobile]

How's everything going James?

James Walker

  (4:15 PM)

I'm good JC. What's on your mind?

Miami, FL.

Hi James, my question is, now that Hines Ward won the Super Bowl again, do you think he will retire?

James Walker

  (4:16 PM)

Nope. Ward still has a few good years left in him. I think he will try to win a third ring, whether it happens next year or two or three years down the road.

JR (Chicago, IL)

If you had to guess, Baltimore's starting WRs next year will be......

James Walker

  (4:19 PM)

Same two: Clayton and Mason. A rookie second rounder will be the team's third WR.

Patrick(Hoboken)

I know who the Steelers are playing next year, but when does the schedule come out?

James Walker

  (4:20 PM)

The schedule comes out in late-April, early-May. Pittsburgh will have one of the easiest schedules in the NFL next year. Check out my blog,

Travis (Bay Area, CA)

Did Santonio holmes just play himself into the #1 slot with that performance? He seems to be pretty legit, and I can see Hines being ok with being the possesion #2 guy.

James Walker

  (4:21 PM)

Santonio needs to work on his consistency. He makes all the big plays and not enough routine plays. Once he gets the latter down, he will be a 1,000-yard receiver.

ray gordon reid ANNISTON AL 36201 ( )

COMMMENT NUMBER .2 AT 4;33 PM NOW JAMES TJ HOUSHMANDZADEH GOOD FIT RECIEVER OF ELI MANNING PASSES?

James Walker

  (4:22 PM)

It would be a good fit. But I don't think New York would give up that kind of money for T.J.

Patrick (San Fran)

What happened to the Steelers D in Q4? Was is poor scheme (prevent) or Warner, Fitz, and crew finally getting it together

James Walker

  (4:23 PM)

Arizona finally caught on to what Pittsburgh was doing. Plus, the Cardinals made great second-half adjustments to get "Fitz" the ball. That's what good teams do.

Scott (Pittsburgh, PA)

Chad Ocho Cinco - Still in a Bengals uniform this year ??

James Walker

  (4:25 PM)

I would say 50-50. We have to see what happens to T.J. first.

Ryan, Ohio

What do you know about these rumors that the Mangini/Kokinis era has gotten off to a rough start?

James Walker

  (4:28 PM)

I wouldn't say a rough start. They haven't done anything yet, football-wise anyway. From what I'm hearing, they have changed the culture dramatically and people aren't happy about it. It may be what the team needs, or it could blow up. Time will tell.

Nate PGH PA

James, will any of the other teams in the AFC North step up or will Pittsburgh continue to Dominate this Division?

James Walker

  (4:29 PM)

The Ravens are just a mature quarterback away as long as they keep their own free agents.

Tim (Beaver Falls, PA)

How much easier will the afc north's schedule be, and do you see that helping with the division's overall record?

James Walker

  (4:30 PM)

Not playing the NFC East next year alone will help. I think all four teams will be better off.

Jason (Bmore)

Mitch Berger always seem to put the defense in tough field positions, but they managed to overcome them continually. How much better can this D be with a healthy Sepulveda?

James Walker

  (4:32 PM)

If the Steelers do not make a major signing this offseason, Daniel Sepulveda could be the best addition for Pittsbirgh in 2009.

John (Cleveland, OH)

You mention that you can see the Steelers not resigned Marvel Smith, Starks, or Colon. How can they replace both starting tackles. The top tacckles in the draft will be gone by the end of round 1. I expect them to take a G or C with their 1st pick since a good one should be available when the Steelers pick.

James Walker

  (4:34 PM)

The team has free agency and the draft to address the o-line.

Tim from PA

Where do you think Byron Leftwich will end up this offseason, the Lions? Also do you think the Steelers will keep Charlie Batch or make Dennis Dixon the no. 2 guy?

James Walker

  (4:38 PM)

Byron wants to play, and he deserves another chance. Detroit and Minnesota are possibilities. Batch could return on a short-term deal. Maybe for one year to see if the team and continue to groom Dixon.

Jack Boston

What are your impressions of this Super Bowl?

James Walker

  (4:40 PM)

Memorable game...Arizona belonged...But the better team won this year.

James Walker

  (4:40 PM)

Memorable game...Arizona belonged...But the better team won this year.

Mike (OH)

With Ryan Fitzpatrick becoming a free agent, doyou feel that the Bengals will sign him to back up Carson or try to pick up a veteran?

James Walker

  (4:41 PM)

Fitzpatrick isn't high on their list, Mike. T.J. and Benson and are the top guys for now, and they'll address Ryan later. But I don't think they will be saddened if he got a deal eslewhere.

Steiny (NYC)

Walker my man. Sorry I am late. How are you doing today?

James Walker

  (4:41 PM)

Steiny!!!!!!!!!!!!!

John Boy (Cincinnati)

How long til the Bengals can turn themselves into North champs ala 2005 (before the squeelers stole the division back with a cheap shot)?

James Walker

  (4:43 PM)

I can only take these things year to year, John. The Bengals will not rule the division in 2009.

luke (minneapolis,mn)

do you think the cardinals making it to the super bowl was luck

James Walker

  (4:44 PM)

They were not the best team during the season, but they were the hot team in the playoffs. I don't know if you can call that luck. More so just playing their best at the right time.

Steve (Milltown, NJ)

James, what do you think of speculation that Peppers may come to the AFC North? I've heard this a lot, and I just don't see it. Steelers don't need him. Baltimore can't afford him, and I doubt he'd want to play for the Browns or Bengals. Your thoughts?

James Walker

  (4:47 PM)

His talk of wanting to play in a 3-4 prompted the speculation. Baltimore and Pittsburgh are two of the best at it. The Browns also run it. It's only natural. But I don't see it happening.

Greg (Holmdel, NJ)

James! YOu see my boys the Eagles doin something big? Super Bowls?

James Walker

  (4:48 PM)

It depends on what they do with McNabb. No McNabb, no chance for big things.

Steiny (NYC)

Do you tihnk Edgerrin James will be back next season?

James Walker

  (4:49 PM)

Steiny, Edge likely will be a goner and it will be a mutual parting from both sides.

Joshua (Cleveland, OH)

How much longer will Derek Anderson remain a Brown. A guy like him doesn't deserve to be a backup for the rest of his career.

James Walker

  (4:51 PM)

He has two years left on his deal, so that's the max. I don't think it will come down to that. My guess is he is traded this offseason.

Ray (Akron, OH)

Brady Quinn has the job at QB, but the question is, how much longer will the Browns hold on to Derek Anderson for?

James Walker

  (4:52 PM)

Ray, they are trying to decide that now. If they keep Anderson, it's probably a sign that they want to open up a QB competition. If they trade Anderson, then Quinn is obviously the guy.

John Boy (Cincinnati)

Hypothetical here... If Kimo doesn't take out Carson's knee, are the Bengals 2 time Super Bowl winners instead of the Squeelers?

James Walker

  (4:54 PM)

C'mon man!

Scott (Pittsburgh, PA)

There ha been a lot of talk in the NFC West blogs about Terell Suggs wanting to go home to Arizona. Assuming Baltimore keeps Ray Lewis, any chance they can realistically also keep Suggs ?

James Walker

  (4:56 PM)

It is realistic for the team to keep both Suggs and Lewis. But it will be tight after that. That's why Bart Scott looks like the odd man out.

Scott (Breckenridge, Co)

Just got back from the superbowl...man what an awesome game. Do you see the steelers being a player in offseason free agency signings?

James Walker

  (4:58 PM)

Not huge players. That's just not their style. But I do think they will make a good signing or two on the o-line and keep some of their own key players.

Scott (Dallas)

Do the Steelers let Marvel Smith or Max Starks go, or both?

James Walker

  (4:58 PM)

Marvel definitely. Starks possibly.

Jeff ( West Deptford N.J. )

James , do you see the ravens trading chris mcalister this offseason to free up some cap space and what free agent WR could you see playing in a Ravens uniform?

James Walker

  (4:59 PM)

McAlister's salary is pretty high and he's coming off an injury. So a trade seems unlikely. The Ravens can cut McAlister, though, which is what most people expect.

James Walker

  (5:01 PM)

Thanks for the time everyone. There were a ton of questions today and hard to get to all of them. Send me a note in the AFC North inbox and don't forget to check out the blog. -JW