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Q: Why do the Steelers offer long term contracts to players older than 30? It is very clear that they are on the downside of their career. Wouldn't it have been a better choice resigning Foote and let Farrior (35 year old) go?

Mike Leach, Easton, Md.

BOUCHETTE: They take each case individually. Would you not have had them offer a contract to James Harrison this year at age 31? How about Hines Ward, 33, who will have his second straight 1,000-yard season after re-signing? Ryan Clark is 30; sign him or pass? Farrior, who turns 35 next month, has been a linchpin of this defense and signing him was the proper thing to do. He then went out and had a Pro Bowl 2008 season, one of only three Steelers to make the Pro Bowl last season.

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