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Question: Ed, do you get the impression that the stalemate between the Steelers and Alan Faneca is based more on money or the fact Mike Tomlin was chosen over Russ Grimm to replace Bill Cowher? If the team offers close to Derrick Dockery or Eric Steinbach money, would that still be enough to keep him? Or would Faneca prefer not to play for Tomlin?

James Detlefsen, Lincoln, Neb.

BOUCHETTE: I believe money is the reason for the stalemate at the moment, and that it has nothing to do with the coach. I also think Faneca will turn out for the Steelers required minicamp May 11-13 and report to training camp on time. I'm putting 50-50 odds on the Steelers re-signing him. Yes, he liked playing for Russ Grimm, but coaches and players come and go in this business and he still has plenty of friends on the team. As long as the money's right, I think Faneca will stay. Remember also that the kind of money those other guards got came when they were free agents. Faneca won't be a free agent for one more year.