Troy Polamalu is a legend in Pittsburgh, but the Steelers organization really hopes that he just goes away and doesn't come back with the team. That would be the ideal situation for Pittsburgh because they are going to cut him if the 33-year-old doesn't retire, and they really don't want to do that.
Videos by FanBuzz
"That is the elephant in the room," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette told 93.7 The Fan. "I expect him not to be here by some means. The Steelers are hoping he would retire, but I don't know if he is going to."
Polamalu is going to be more than a $8 million cap hit if he is on the team this season, and he just isn't worth the hefty price tag anymore. In 12 starts in 2014, the safety finished without a sack or interception. His production level isn't what it once was.
When he does call it quits, he will be a hall of famer, and there's no doubt about that. He's an eight-time Pro Bowler, a four-time All-Pro selection, a member of the 2000s All-Decade team and a two-time Super Bowl champion.
Polamalu has not said if he will retire — but if he doesn't — he won't be back in Pittsburgh. That's just sad.
