Steelers Should Try to Sign Every Available Bills' Special Teamer This Offseason

A lot's changed under new head coach Mike Tomlin: the yelling, screaming, spitting, all gone; veteran linebacker Joey Porter, released; and offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt is now in Arizona.

But one thing is the same as it's always been: dreadful special teams. Steelers former special teams coach Kevin Spencer was the scapegoat this off-season, and the new guy, Bob Ligashesky, was supposed to fix everything with his gadgets, drills, and hours of training camp devoted just to "teams."

Seventeen weeks later, it's the same 'ol, same 'ol. Pittsburgh is one of the worst coverage teams in the league, and save kicker Jeff Reed (and maybe rookie punter Daniel Sepulveda) there's not much to be excited about.

Which is why this off-season, the Steelers should make a legitimate effort to sign every available Bills special teamer. For the last few seasons, Buffalo has been a top-5 unit in every phase: field goals, punts, coverage and returns -- special teams coach Bobby April has done a splendid job of preparing his guys.

Most of the glory goes to kicker Rian Lindell and punter Brian Moorman - both Pro Bowl caliber at their positions - and returners Terrence McGee and Roscoe Parrish, but players like Stamer, Haggan, Neufeld and Aiken are just as valuable in April's system. April hands out an award at the end of each year to the top player on the unit. Aiken won the award in 2005 ... But by next season, April could be working in a new group.

"It's been a pleasure to work with them, but the reality is they won't be here," said April, shaking his head. "That's a tough one."

All four players -- Josh Stamer (LB), Mario Haggan (LB), Ryan Neufeld (FB) and Sam Aiken (WR) -- will all be free agents. And while they're listed at various positions, let there be no confusion: they are primarily special teams maniacs. And that's exactly what the Steelers need.

Or maybe it would be easier if the Steelers could figure out a way to kidnap Bobby April.