As a result, players such as Chad Brown, Leon Searcy, and Mike Vrabel were among many who were allowed to leave when their original rookie contracts ran out.
Not so, they tend not to keep guys that intend to break the bank or guys that are lockerroom distractions.
Chad Brown's wife wanted him to leave dirty old Pittsburgh for trendy, sushi laden Seattle. Leon Searcy wasn't as good as his press clippings and made a boat load of money, but was never heard from again when he left for Jacksonville. Vrabel was not half the player he is now. He toiled on special teams even though he seemed to be a Cowher favorite for years. He was given ample opportunity to break into the starting line up. He moved on to New England and became a star. Good for him and them.
Others were cancerous in the locker room (Eric Green) didn't pull their weight (Brenson Buckner) or were long in the tooth (Kevin Greene, Greg Lloyd, Rod Woodson).
One thing I admire about Dan Rooney is that he's a real "football man", not just some rich owner who likes glitzy toys.
For a small market team with an incredible national fan base, the Rooney philosophy is hard to second guess.