The Carolina Panthers thought center Justin Hartwig would help bolster their offensive line when they signed him to a five-year, $17 million contract as an unrestricted free agent two years ago.

But, after two seasons as a starter, Hartwig was released earlier this week as part of a shakeup on the Panthers' offensive line. Yesterday, he surfaced at the Steelers' South Side facility, meeting with the coaching staff as a possible solution to some of the problems on their offensive line.

Hartwig, 29, was joined on the South Side by free-agent safety Donnie Nickey, a backup for five seasons with the Tennessee Titans who is considered a special-teams standout. Nickey, an Akron, Ohio, native who played at Ohio State, once angered Titans quarterback Vince Young because he hit his teammates too hard in practice.

Hartwig and Nickey bring to eight the number of free agents who have visited the Steelers since the free-agency period began two weeks ago.

Two players -- running back Mewelde Moore and linebacker Keyaron Fox -- have been signed.

But, with the team unhappy with the performance of center Sean Mahan last season, Hartwig (6-4, 312) could be another. He was one of several starters released by the Panthers, along with running back DeShaun Foster, guard Mike Wahle and linebacker Dan Morgan, following a 7-9 season.

Meantime, coach Mike Tomlin, who is accustomed to standing before his team and delivering a speech, has been chosen to deliver the commencement address at his alma mater, the College of William & Mary, May 11.

He will also receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters at the commencement ceremony, along with Rabbi David Ellenson. Retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor will also be in attendance and deliver welcoming remarks.

Tomlin, 35, was a wide receiver when he played at William & Mary, which is located in Williamsburg, Va.