Steelers Put Le’Veon Bell Talks On Hold
The Steelers are putting negotiations with star running back Le’Veon Bell on hold while the team continues to navigate free agency and prepare for the draft, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. GM Kevin Colbert indicated that his club will resume talks with Bell’s reps “eventually,” and he hopes Bell will report to training camp.
Colbert added, “We’re not intentionally ignoring [Bell’s contract]. More urgent business needs to get taken care of. We will reassess where that is. He’ll reassess where his interests are as well. I anticipate us continuing that process once we get through the free agency period and maybe even through the draft. The draft can change things on both sides.”
We heard several weeks ago that Pittsburgh was getting closer to meeting Bell’s asking price, but obviously the team has not gotten there yet. Bell, of course, was hit with the franchise tag for the second consecutive season earlier this month, and while he will receive a healthy $14.544MM if he plays out the 2018 campaign under the tag, he is still looking for long-term security at a rate that the Steelers do not seem to be willing to pay.
Nonetheless, both Fowler and Mark Kaboly of TheAthletic.com (Twitter link) believe it is unlikely that the Steelers rescind Bell’s franchise tag. If they did, it could leave Bell in a tough position, as many teams have already spent their free agent budget, and even those that have not done so would probably be just as unwilling as the Steelers to satisfy Bell’s contract demands. Therefore, Bell may have to simply sign the franchise tender at some point prior to the start of the season. He has indicated previously that he will not attend training camp if he does not get a multi-year deal to his liking, even though his early-season performance in 2017 was not up to his usual standards, perhaps because he also skipped last year’s training camp.
Colbert’s comments that the team cannot divert its attention from free agency right now may raise some eyebrows given the Steelers’ small amount of cap room, but Kaboly tweets that Pittsburgh may not be done in free agency if a player it likes unexpectedly becomes available.
The Steelers also have several other in-house matters to resolve. Colbert said that the team could still extend Ben Roethlisberger‘s contract this offseason, which was mentioned as a possibility last month (Twitter link via Fowler). Big Ben’s current deal keeps him under club control through 2019.
Also, Kaboly tweets that no decision has been made with respect to Bud Dupree‘s fifth-year option, which must be exercised by May 3, but Fowler tweets that Colbert seems open to exercising it.
Should Steelers Extend Fifth-Year Option To Bud Dupree
Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette looks into whether the Steelers should extend linebacker Bud Dupree the fifth-year option attached to rookie contracts for first-round picks. Over the last two years, the Steelers extended the offer for the option to Ryan Shazier but did not for Jarvis Jones, who left in free agency.
Bouchette sees the decision, which must be made by May 3, as a “minimal risk” for the Steelers, as such fifth-year options are not guaranteed. He also pointed to the Steelers decision-making with former linebacker Jason Worilds, who was given a transition tag worth $9.75MM in 2014 before announcing his retirement following that season. Bouchette also believes Dupree’s fifth-year option would cost less than Worilds’ transition tag.
The Steelers selected Dupree with the 22nd overall pick of the 2015 draft out of Kentucky. He started a career-high 15 games last season, resulting in a career-best six sacks. He tallied 8 1/2 sacks combined through his first two seasons.
Contract Details: Burnett, Bodine, Williams
Let’s take a look at the most recent new contracts around the NFL:
AFC
- Morgan Burnett, S (Steelers): Three years, $14.35MM. $4.25MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle).
- Kyle Williams, DT (Bills): One year, $5.5MM. $4.5MM guaranteed. $2.25MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Mike Rodak of ESPN.com).
- Russell Bodine, C (Bills): Two years, $5MM. $2.15MM guaranteed. $1.15MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Rodak).
- Matthew Slater, ST (Patriots): Two years, $5.2MM. $1MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Ben Volin of the Boston Globe).
- Clinton McDonald DT (Broncos) Two years, $7MM. $1MM roster bonus. $3MM guaranteed (Twitter link via Mike Klis of 9News).
NFC
- Tramon Williams, CB (Packers): Two years, ~$10MM (Twitter link via Ian Rapoport of NFL.com).
- Alex Okafor, DE (Saints): Two years, $6.787MM. $1.5MM guaranteed. $1.5MM signing bonus (link via Nick Underhill of the Advocate).
- Jonathan Cooper, G (49ers): One year, $4.95MM. $4MM guaranteed. $2MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Tom Pelissero of NFL.com).
- Sylvester Williams, DT (Lions): One year, $3.5MM. $3.4MM guaranteed. $1.5MM available via playtime incentives (Twitter links via Pelissero and Cameron Wolfe of ESPN.com).
- Luke Willson, TE (Lions): One year, $2.5MM. $1.4MM guaranteed. $900K signing bonus (Twitter link via Justin Rogers of the Detroit News).
- Kai Forbath, K (Vikings): One year, $790,000 base salary (Twitter link via Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press)
Steelers Unlikely To Sign Alfred Blue
- Several teams have been in contact with free agent running back Alfred Blue, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com (Twitter link). The Steelers, presumably in the market for a veteran backup to Le’Veon Bell, are one of those clubs, but it doesn’t appear as though Blue will be signing with Pittsburgh. Blue, 26, hit his high-water mark in 2015 by rushing for 698 yards in nine starts for the Texans, but the addition of Lamar Miller has forced Houston to scale back Blue’s role since then. In 2017, Blue played on 21% of the Texans’ offensive snaps but managed only 3.7 yards per carry.
Minor NFL Transactions: 3/22/18
Today’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Claimed off waivers: WR Cobi Hamilton
- Re-signed: OL Daniel Munyer
Los Angeles Rams
- Signed: LB Ramik Wilson
Oakland Raiders
- Re-signed: LB Shilique Calhoun (ERFA)
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Re-signed: DT Daniel McCullers
Falcons Interested In LB Arthur Moats
The Falcons have expressed interest in free agent linebacker Arthur Moats, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com (Twitter link), who adds the Steelers haven’t ruled out a reunion with Moats.
An eight-year NFL veteran, Moats has split his career equally between Buffalo and Pittsburgh. The 30-year-old started 12 games and played 50% of the Steelers’ defensive snaps as recently as 2015, but his role was drastically reduced in 2017. Pittsburgh turned to younger defenders such as Bud Dupree, so Moats only saw action on 8.4% of the club’s snaps.
Still, the Falcons are searching for rotational edge rushers, and Moats could fit that bill, as he was typically good for three-to-four sacks annually during his best seasons with the Steelers. Not only did Atlanta lose Adrian Clayborn to the Patriots in free agency, but it also released defensive end Derrick Shelby. Moats isn’t the only defender on the Falcons’ radar, as they also met with Pernell McPhee today, while the club also has interest in ex-Buccaneer Robert Ayers.
NFL Draft Rumors: Chubb, Bucs, Steelers
Long considered to be a top-three pick, Bradley Chubb might be sliding down mock drafts after the Jets traded with the Colts to get to No. 3 in the upcoming NFL Draft. The move, which could signal a run on quarterbacks early in the draft, isn’t slowing down the N.C. State pass rusher, however.
According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, who spoke with Chubb’s agent, the top defensive end in the rookie class already has meetings scheduled with five teams between Sunday night and Monday before his pro day. All of those teams currently are slated to pick in the top seven spots in the draft.
Florio also spoke with longtime assistant coach Jim Washburn, who praised the defensive end as a potential perennial double-digit sack producer if he ends up in the right system. “If I was the team in need I would be very, very careful on passing on him,” Washburn said.
The flurry of moves could push down one of the top talents in the draft past the top five and to a team like the Buccaneers at pick No. 7. The move would be a steal for Tampa Bay, who is already locked in to Jameis Winston as the team’s franchise quarterback and ranked dead last in the NFL in sacks a year ago.
Regardless where he goes, Chubb is slated to be an impact performer from the moment he steps on the field.
Here’s more from around the NFL:
- Earlier in the week, the Steelers signed linebacker Jon Bostic to a two-year deal to potentially replace Ryan Shazier, who is recovering from a devastating injury in 2017. Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, however, tweets the former Colts linebacker is merely just a seat warmer for whoever the team drafts in the first two rounds. One of those players who could be available is Boise State’s Leighton Vander Esch, who Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller projected to Pittsburgh in his latest mock draft. On Vander Esch, Miller writes: “Boise State’s Leighton Vander Esch is a 6’4″, 256-pound linebacker with good speed (4.65 in the 40) who possesses the ability to take on tailbacks in run support, the speed to pursue on the edge and the instincts to cover pass-catchers over the middle.”
- The Browns signed one of this year’s top free agent running backs in Carlos Hyde, but they have not ruled out selecting Penn State star Saquon Barkley.
Steelers To Sign Morgan Burnett
The Steelers will sign defensive back Morgan Burnett, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com (on Twitter). It’s a three-year deal worth close to $14.5MM, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).
Burnett just wrapped up a four-year, $24.75MM deal with the Packers and he was said to be seeking a deal worth more than $8.5MM per year at one point. He fell short of that goal, but he still did well considering how stagnant the free agent safety market has been this year.
In eight years with the Packers, Burnett logged snaps at cornerback, free safety, and even linebacker. Heading into free agency, the Bears and Browns had some interest, but it’s not clear if they ever made offers to him. Ultimately, Burnett chose the Steelers because he wanted the chance to play for two historic franchises that also value veteran leadership, Fowler hears (on Twitter).
With the Steelers, Burnett seems likely to take over at one of the starting safety spots in place of Mike Mitchell. He’ll also help fill in some gaps at cornerback and free safety now that Will Gay is out of the picture.
Burnett, 29, has been an effective and versatile player throughout his career, but injuries have been an issue. He has not played a full season since 2012 and he has missed ten regular season games over the past three seasons.
News of Burnett signing with the Steelers was first reported by former Packer James Jones (Twitter link).
AFC Contract Details: Butler, Johnson, Bridgewater
Here are figures on some of the recent contracts signed around the NFL, with all links going to Twitter unless noted otherwise.
- Malcolm Butler, CB (Titans): Five years, $61.25MM. $10MM signing bonus. $3.5MM and $10.5MM guaranteed base salaries for full guarantee of $24MM (max value $25.1MM). $11MM 2020 salary becomes guaranteed on fifth day of league year (via Ben Volin of the Boston Globe).
- Trumaine Johnson, CB (Jets): $20MM signing bonus. Base salaries of $6MM (2018), $8MM (2019), $11MM (2020), $13MM (2021), $14.5MM (2022) (via Calvin Watkins of Newsday.com).
- Teddy Bridgewater, QB (Jets): $5MM base salary, $500K signing bonus, $500K workout bonus. $9MM in incentives include $250K/game he plays at least half the snaps, $250K for 2500 yards, $500K for 2751 yards, $1.25M for 3001 yards, $250K for 10 touchdowns, $500K for 16 touchdowns, $1.25M for 21 touchdowns, $2.5M for half the snaps and playoffs (via Albert Breer of The MMQB).
- Donte Moncrief, WR (Jaguars): $5.6MM base salary, $4MM salary, $9.6MM fully guaranteed. $2MM worth of incentives (via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle).
- Jon Bostic, LB (Steelers): Two years, worth up to $4MM. $1.4MM signing bonus (via ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler).
- Zach Fulton, C (Texans): $13MM guaranteed, $5MM roster bonus. Base salaries of $1.5MM (2018, guaranteed), $6.5MM (2019, guaranteed), $6.5MM (2020), $6.5MM (2021). $31K per-game bonus, $200K workout base (via Wilson).
S Michael Thomas Visits Steelers
The Steelers hosted safety Michael Thomas on a visit, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic tweets. This is the first known visit for Thomas, who spent five seasons with the Dolphins.
However, Kaboly reports Thomas left Pittsburgh’s facility without a contract. Both sides could be surveying their options, and the Steelers are in need of safety help.
Pittsburgh cut longtime back-line starter Mike Mitchell, though the Steelers are interested in a reunion at a lower rate, and has not seen its second-round investment in Sean Davis pay off just yet. Despite restructuring the deals of several players, the Steelers still have barely $2MM in cap space.
Thomas, who turned 29 over the weekend, served as a part-time starter and full-time special-teamer in Miami. He made 24 starts (12 in 2015) during his tenure with the Dolphins.