Nate Drops Out

Assassin Ryan Clark can add another profile to his target book for the 2009 season, as wide out Nate Washington becomes the Steelers' first major free agent defection of the season. Washington will take his impressive speed and occasionally questionable hands to Nashville in exchange for $27 million.

Nate bracing for a text book drop

One must consider that Nate the Great may join Yancey Thigpen as another Steeler receiver who took the Chattanooga Choo Choo to Tennessee for a caboose full of money only to be eventually regarded as a bust. Washington leaves the team with no hard feelings, as the writing was on the wall that cap money was going towards James Harrison. The master plan states that second year wide out Limas Sweed should step up to replace Washington as the #3 guy. Nate leaves the North Shore with not only some fond memories, but also a pair of Superbowl rings.

All joking aside, this is football business. By not making a truly legitimate offer, the Steelers had quietly acknowledged that Washington was a casualty that they were willing to take. Although Nate garnered a fair helping of scorn due to some buttery finger gaffes, we should also note that he was the primary deep ball receiver on the team. Considering the amount of long passes he snagged in 2008, (adding in two long TDs erased by Willie Colon holdings), and Nate compiled a pretty impressive resume for 2008.

All in all, we wish Nate the best luck, all the stick 'em that 27 mill can buy, and a fair warning to keep his eyes on #25 when the Titans next meet the Steelers.

QUICK HITTERS:

• Washington now joins Marvel Smith and Kendall Simmons as 2008 opening day regulars that are no longer with the team.
• The clock continues to tick on corner Bryant McFadden as he also tests free agency.