The Facts: The imminent release of Hines Ward should make re-signing Cotchery one of the Steelers’ top priorities when it comes to their own free agents. And Cotchery, who provides depth and experience at wide receiver, would love nothing more than to end his career with the Steelers. "Jerricho would very much like to be back,” said Jack Scharf, who represents Cotchery.

Diehards Line:Cotchery told the Newark Star-Ledger as much last month, and Scharf said he had “productive talks” with the Steelers at the NFL Scouting Combine. But as Tribune-Review staffer Scott Brown notes, that doesn’t mean it is a given Cotchery will be back. Cotchery should have an increased role in the Steelers’ offense if he returns, but he will only be a No. 4 receiver (assuming Mike Wallace is with the team in 2012) and that Emmanuel Sanders stays healthy. An unrestricted free agent, Cotchery could draw interest from other teams that can offer him a bigger role. Also, Cotchery, who turns 30 in June, is seeking a multi-year deal with the hopes that his next NFL contract is also his last one. Given the Steelers' need for depth and experience at WR and Cotchery’s desire to stay in Pittsburgh, it seems reasonable to assume that the two sides will work something out.