Privately, sources say Cowher has explained to Stewart, among others, that he deliberately started 2000 with Graham in order to change the attitude among Steeler fans who had turned against the quarterback. Steelers brass believe Bradshaw has not helped the situation by telling Stewart that Pittsburgh can be an unforgiving city. He's in the prime of his career. I like the way he started to play the second half of last year. However, Stewart has not demanded a trade or release, according to Rooney and Colbert.
Logic supports that contention.
If Stewart truly wanted out of Pittsburgh, he could have publicly forced their hand prior to the March 1 free-agency date when a handful of clubs were seeking quarterbacks. That never happened, and most of those jobs are gone. Stewart has not responded to interview requests. Last week at the NFL owners meetings, Cowher reaffirmed his confidence in Stewart by indicating he would not pursue another quarterback. He's in the prime of his career.