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Pittsburgh Steelers News & Rumors

La Canfora’s Latest: Kap, Glennon, Manziel

By | at March 11, 2016 3:07 pm

Colin Kaepernick‘s contract won’t be a stumbling block in a quarterback-needy team’s potential deal for the polarizing passer, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com reports.

Citing the deals given to Sam Bradford, Brock Osweiler and career backup Chase Daniel, La Canfora notes Kapernick’s contract — which the 49ers can shed prior to April 1 — represents less risk than the deals handed to the aforementioned signal-callers. Following this season, a team that trades for Kaepernick could move on from him and take on barely any dead money.

La Canfora, though, expects the 49ers to cut Kaepernick before his $11.9MM base salary becomes guaranteed in April. This will affect the kind of compensation teams are willing to provide in exchange for Kaepernick’s services, La Canfora notes.

The Browns have emerged as the latest team in the driver’s seat for Kaepernick, but the 49ers aren’t in a rush to make a deal. The Broncos, though, strike La Canfora as the best possible landing site for the 28-year-old passer. La Canfora doesn’t believe Ryan Fitzpatrick or Robert Griffin III are too appealing to the Broncos’ brass.

Here are more items from the CBS Sports reporter, beginning with another possible Peyton Manning replacement.

  • The Buccaneers turned down a second-round pick from an unknown team in exchange for Mike Glennon, La Canfora writes. Despite the 26-year-old backup quarterback’s contract expiring after this season, the Bucs are inclined to keep Glennon as of now.
  • La Canfora can’t envision a team taking a chance on signing Johnny Manziel after he clears waivers following his turbulent and ineffective Browns tenure and hasn’t heard any buzz surrounding a potential landing spot for the third-year quarterback.
  • Most personnel men La Canfora’s conversed with rate Derek Wolfe as superior to Malik Jackson, and La Canfora notes the former probably has buyer’s remorse after signing a team-friendly four-year, $36.7MM deal with the Broncos only to watch Jackson land with the Jaguars on a six-year, $85.5MM accord. Pro Football Focus rated Jackson as the far superior player in 2014, when both were healthy after a seizure derailed Wolfe in 2013, but tabbed Wolfe as having a better 2015 season.
  • Following the signings of Janoris Jenkins and Sean Smith, Patrick Robinson should be the most coveted cornerback in the remaining crop, La Canfora writes. Robinson had a bounce-back season with the Chargers, but Prince Amukamara and Casey Hayward remain unsigned as well. The respective markets for that duo’s services could well surpass Robinson’s.
  • La Canfora expects a run on defensive linemen to come this weekend, with the Bears, Jets, Steelers and Washington being the teams who will be atop the list of suitors. Greg Hardy, Robert Ayers and Nick Fairley are among the best still available.
  • Donald Penn would be a suitable replacement for Russell Okung with the Seahawks, La Canfora writes. Penn probably won’t require the annual commitment of Okung as he’s going on his age-33 season. Okung is visiting the Giants and Lions today. Although multiple teams have shown interest, Penn has yet to meet with any teams after his two-year Raiders contract expired.
3 comments Chicago Bears Denver Broncos New York Jets Pittsburgh Steelers San Francisco 49ers Seattle Seahawks Tampa Bay Buccaneers Washington Commanders

Compensatory Picks For 2016 NFL Draft

By | at March 11, 2016 1:04 pm

The NFL has officially announced the 33 compensatory picks for the 2016 NFL draft. These picks are awarded to the teams that suffered the most significant free agent losses during the 2015 offseason. So, for instance, the Lions, who lost Ndamukong Suh, get the top compensatory pick this year.

The comp pick formula assigns picks who suffered the largest net losses, so teams that signed multiple free agents have a lesser chance of receiving picks. These selections can’t be traded.

Here’s the full breakdown, by round and by team:

By Round:

Round 3:

  1. Detroit Lions
  2. New England Patriots
  3. Seattle Seahawks
  4. Denver Broncos

Round 4:

  1. Green Bay Packers
  2. Baltimore Ravens
  3. San Francisco 49ers
  4. Baltimore Ravens
  5. Dallas Cowboys
  6. Denver Broncos
  7. Green Bay Packers
  8. Cleveland Browns
  9. Buffalo Bills

Round 5:

  1. Arizona Cardinals
  2. Seattle Seahawks
  3. Cleveland Browns
  4. Cleveland Browns
  5. San Francisco 49ers
  6. San Diego Chargers

Round 6:

  1. New England Patriots
  2. Baltimore Ravens
  3. Detroit Lions
  4. San Francisco 49ers
  5. Dallas Cowboys
  6. San Francisco 49ers
  7. New England Patriots
  8. Seattle Seahawks
  9. Dallas Cowboys
  10. Dallas Cowboys
  11. Buffalo Bills
  12. Denver Broncos
  13. Pittsburgh Steelers
  14. New England Patriots

By Team:

  • Dallas Cowboys (4)
  • New England Patriots (4)
  • San Francisco 49ers (4)
  • Baltimore Ravens (3)
  • Cleveland Browns (3)
  • Denver Broncos (3)
  • Seattle Seahawks (3)
  • Buffalo Bills (2)
  • Detroit Lions (2)
  • Green Bay Packers (2)
  • Arizona Cardinals (1)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (1)
  • San Diego Chargers (1)
4 comments 2016 NFL Draft Arizona Cardinals Baltimore Ravens Buffalo Bills Cleveland Browns Dallas Cowboys Denver Broncos Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Los Angeles Chargers New England Patriots Newsstand Pittsburgh Steelers San Francisco 49ers Seattle Seahawks

Contract Details: Kearse, Whitehead, Hali

By | at March 11, 2016 10:49 am

Here are a few of the latest contract details for players who have agreed to new deals and/or signed them in recent days. All links are courtesy of Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle unless otherwise indicated…

NFC:

  • Jermaine Kearse, WR (Seahawks): Three years, $13.5MM. $6.3MM guaranteed. $5.5MM signing bonus. Up to $4.7MM in total incentives/escalators (Twitter links via Wilson and Tom Pelissero of USA Today).
  • Tahir Whitehead, LB (Lions): Two years, $8MM. $4.75MM guaranteed. $3MM signing bonus. $500K in annual playing-time/Pro Bowl incentives. $200K in per-game active roster bonuses in 2017 (Twitter links).
  • Sherrick McManis, CB (Bears): Two years, $2.85MM. $600K signing bonus. $150K roster bonus due 10th day of 2016 league year. $50K annual workout bonus (Twitter link).
  • Senio Kelemete, OL (Saints): Two years, $2.7MM. $300K signing bonus. $50K roster bonus due third day of 2017 league year. Up to $600K in annual incentives (Twitter links).
  • Kenrick Ellis, DT (Vikings): One year, $810K. $25K workout bonus. $25K bonus for one game on 53-man roster (Twitter link via Pelissero).

AFC:

  • Tamba Hali, OLB (Chiefs): Three years, $21MM. $11.5MM fully guaranteed. $4.75MM signing bonus. $500K annually in weight bonuses (five weigh-ins worth $100K each). $500K annually in per-game active roster bonuses (Twitter links via Wilson and Pelissero).
  • Robert Golden, S (Steelers): Three years, $4.95MM. $1.25MM signing bonus (Twitter link).
  • Eddie Pleasant, S (Texans): Two years, $2.15MM. $311K roster bonus in 2016. $36K roster bonus in 2017 (Twitter link).
  • Shane Lechler, P (Texans): One year, $1.8MM. $500K signing bonus (Twitter link).
  • Khiry Robinson, RB (Jets): One year, $1.175MM. $80K signing bonus. $20K roster bonus for first game. $350K in per-game roster bonuses (Twitter link).
  • Nick Novak, K (Texans): One year, $965K. Minimum salary benefit. $80K roster bonus due March 14 (Twitter link).
0 comments Chicago Bears Detroit Lions Houston Texans Kansas City Chiefs Minnesota Vikings New Orleans Saints New York Jets Pittsburgh Steelers Seattle Seahawks

FA Rumors: Steelers, Fitzpatrick, CBs, Chargers

By | at March 11, 2016 9:50 am

The Steelers are exploring the possibility of adding some pass-rushing help in free agency, and have expressed interest in veteran defensive end Jason Jones, sources tell Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. Jones is said to have a visit with the Dolphins scheduled for today.

Jones, 29, has been a full-time starter in Detroit for the last two seasons, picking up a total of 9.5 sacks in his last two seasons. In 2015, Pro Football Focus ranked him 43rd out of 110 qualified edge defenders, assigning him solid grades as both as a pass rusher and a run defender.

While Jones typically plays defensive end in a 4-3 system, Fowler suggests that the Steelers are intrigued by the possibility of Jones being able to rush from the outside and slide inside when necessary. Pittsburgh runs a 3-4 base, but defensive coordinator Keith Butler runs more 4-3 looks than you’d think, says Fowler.

As we wait to see what happens with Jones, here’s more on free agents around the NFL:

  • The “staredown” between the Jets and Ryan Fitzpatrick is continuing today, according to Michael Silver of the NFL Network, who tweets that New York is considering other options. Silver confirms that the Broncos are pondering Fitzpatrick as a backup plan. We heard earlier today that the Browns and Rams don’t have real interest in the veteran QB.
  • Prince Amukamara visiting the Jaguars could be the first domino to fall in the cornerback market, tweets Peter Schrager of FOX Sports. While most top free agents are off the board, there are still a handful of intriguing corners available, including Casey Hayward, Brandon Boykin, Brett Grimes, and Patrick Robinson.
  • Having lost Ladarius Green to the Steelers, the Chargers are exploring the free agent market for tight ends, and will bring in James Hanna for a visit today, writes Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Hanna, who has been a Cowboy for the last four seasons, is also reportedly on the Vikings’ radar.
  • Appearing on SiriusXM NFL Radio, free agent tackle J’Marcus Webb said he has a visit set up with the Seahawks, but he also believes that the Raiders would like to re-sign him (Twitter link via Eddie Borsilli).
  • After a heavy focus on skill positions on Thursday, the Patriots have linemen on the radar for today as they schedule free agent visits, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com (via Twitter).

Zach Links contributed to this post.

0 comments Denver Broncos Las Vegas Raiders Los Angeles Chargers New England Patriots New York Jets Pittsburgh Steelers Seattle Seahawks

Draft Rumors: Jack, Lawson, Kearse, Alexander

By | at March 10, 2016 5:52 pm

This week being veteran-centric, let’s look at the latest occurring at some of the draft prospects who will soon take over the NFL news cycle.

  • Myles Jack received full clearance during a visit with a UCLA surgeon, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Rapoport adds that Jack, a projected top-10 pick, is ready to ramp up training following this positive diagnosis.
  • Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson met with the Jets, Titans and Saints on Wednesday and told Dan Hope of OrangeandWhite.com (on Twitter) he’s visiting the Browns next.
  • Lawson also has a private workout with the Falcons upcoming, D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution tweets. Lawson told Ledbetter he speaks with Falcons defensive line coach Bryan Cox, illuminating a connection between the defensive end-needy Falcons and the Clemson pass-rusher.
  • During Clemson’s pro day today, safety Jayron Kearse told media (including Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times, via Twitter) he’s scheduled visits with the Buccaneers, Jaguars, Lions, Saints and Steelers.
  • NFL personnel are “gushing” over Clemson corner Mackensie Alexander‘s workout at the Tigers’ pro day, while scouts weren’t as taken with Kearse’s positional-drills work, per Tony Pauline of WalterFootball.com. One source told Pauline that Kearse would be better off “gaining 20 pounds and moving to linebacker.”
0 comments Atlanta Falcons Cleveland Browns Detroit Lions Jacksonville Jaguars New Orleans Saints New York Jets Pittsburgh Steelers Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tennessee Titans

Free Agent Rumors: Robinson, Raiders, Weddle

By | at March 10, 2016 2:59 pm

Can Nate Robinson go from the pages of Hoops Rumors to Pro Football Rumors? In a YouTube video released this week, the diminutive former NBA guard announced that he is going to make a run at the NFL. The well-produced video features testimonials from Marcedes Lewis and Brendon Ayanbadejo, former NBA teammates Jamal Crawford and Glen Davis, as well as former football coach Rick Neuheisel, all of whom insist that Robinson is perhaps the only athlete who could make the transition from professional basketball to professional football.

Robinson originally went to the University of Washington on a football scholarship and made a name for himself on the gridiron with his electrifying plays, but it has been many years since he tried his hand at football. The 31-year-old (32 in May) did not say which position he would like to play in the NFL, but he spoke about both offense and defense in the video, inferring that he might try to market himself as being able to play on either side of the ball.

Here’s the latest news on some of this week’s more typical NFL free agents:

  • The Raiders are zeroing in on Eric Weddle, Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle tweets. It’s not immediately clear whether Weddle has a visit scheduled with Oakland. We learned last night that the Steelers are also fond of the veteran.
  • The plan is for Akiem Hicks to visit the Bears tomorrow, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune tweets.
  • Safety Rashad Johnson is traveling Friday for a visit with the Titans, a source tells Josina Anderson of ESPN.com (on Twitter).
  • Chargers GM Tom Telesco says he’s ready for the second wave of free agency, as ESPN.com’s Eric D. Williams writes. Telesco also says that he is open to newly signed safety Dwight Lowery serving as a stopgap for Eric Weddle.
  • Cardinals free agent linebacker Sean Weatherspoon will meet with the Falcons on Friday, per Jay Adams of the Falcons (on Twitter).
0 comments Arizona Cardinals Atlanta Falcons Chicago Bears Las Vegas Raiders Los Angeles Chargers Pittsburgh Steelers Sean Weatherspoon Tennessee Titans

Steelers Sign Ladarius Green

By | at March 10, 2016 2:03 pm

THURSDAY, 2:03pm: The Steelers officially announced the signing.

WEDNESDAY, 8:30pm: Green is in line for a $20MM deal across four years, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (on Twitter). When he signs, Green will receive a signing bonus of $4.75MM. As presently structured, Green’s contract will pay out base salaries $1.25MM, $5MM, $4.5MM and $4.5MM, respectively, the next four seasons.

11:47am: Tight end Ladarius Green is expected to sign with the Steelers, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Green is set to visit Pittsburgh on Thursday, according to Albert Breer of NFL.com (on Twitter). Ladarius Green (vertical)

The Chargers have re-signed Antonio Gates, but they apparently will not retain their other primary tight end. Green is viewed as the superior run-blocker to the 35-year-old Gates (36 in June), but Gates proved last season that he is still an effective pass catcher. Gates, an eight-time Pro Bowler, racked up 56 receptions for 630 yards and five touchdowns in just 11 games last season. Green, meanwhile, caught 37 passes for 429 yards and four touchdowns in 13 games (11 starts).

Green has long been viewed as a potential star in the game thanks to the athleticism he provides coupled with his 6-foot-6, 237-pound frame. Many expected 2015 to be the year that Gates would cede the torch to Green, particularly given Gates’ suspension to start the season, but that was simply not the case. Now, if he signs with Pittsburgh, Green could very well break out as one of the better pass-catching tight ends in the game.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was always been fond of feeding tight end Heath Miller and he’ll need a new target underneath now that the 33-year-old has retired. Green could also see additional looks with so much attention devoted to Antonio Brown by opposing defenses.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

6 comments Newsstand Pittsburgh Steelers Transactions

AFC Free Agent Rumors: Hogan, Pats, Steelers

By | at March 10, 2016 9:30 am

The latest free agent rumors out of the AFC:

  • Bills restricted free agent Chris Hogan is visiting the Patriots today, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). The Pats could sign the wide receiver/special-teamer to an offer sheet that the Bills would have five days to match. Pats head coach Bill Belichick has done serious research on Hogan and he likes the fact that he could serve as a backup punter, Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News tweets.
  • Steelers H-back Will Johnson has talked with the Jets, Bears, Chargers, and Titans since the opening of free agency, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com writes. Johnson is a versatile blocker and special teamer, but Fowler adds that he could be looking for more carries, too.
  • The Chiefs weren’t close to matching the Raiders‘ offer for cornerback Sean Smith, per Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star (on Twitter).
  • The Bengals are trying to close on re-signing linebacker Vincent Rey today, as Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com tweets.
2 comments Buffalo Bills Chicago Bears Cincinnati Bengals Kansas City Chiefs Las Vegas Raiders Los Angeles Chargers New England Patriots New York Jets Pittsburgh Steelers Tennessee Titans

AFC Contract Details: Osweiler, Ivory, Iloka

By | at March 9, 2016 9:45 pm

Here are the latest updates on many recently agreed-upon or signed contracts from around the AFC:

AFC West:

  • Brandon Mebane, DT (Chargers): Three years, $13.5MM. $5.5MM guaranteed. $3MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle).
  • Jaye Howard, DT (Chiefs): Two years, $10MM. $8.26MM guaranteed. $5MM bonus. $3.27MM guaranteed at signing for injury. Pro Bowl escalator worth up to $2MM $12,500 per-game active roster bonuses worth up to $200K in 2016. $15,625 per-game active roster bonuses worth up to $250K in 2017 (Twitter links via Wilson).
  • Dwight Lowery, S (Chargers): Three years, $7.2MM. $1.5MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Wilson).
  • Frank Zombo, LB (Chiefs): Three years, $3.6MM. $500K signing bonus. Roster bonus of $100K in 2016 and $150K the next two seasons (Twitter link via Wilson).

AFC South:

  • Brock Osweiler, QB (Texans): Four years, $72MM. $37MM fully guaranteed in first two years – $21MM in 2016 ($12MM signing bonus, $5MM roster bonus, $4MM salary), $16MM in 2017. The remaining $35MM is non-guaranteed, including $18MM salary in 2018 and $13MM in 2019. Deal includes a $4MM roster bonus due March 2019 (all Twitter links courtesy of USA Today’s Tom Pelissero).
  • Chris Ivory, RB (Jaguars): Five years, $32MM. $10MM guaranteed. $5MM bonus (Twitter link via Wilson).
  • Jeff Allen, G (Texans): Four years, $28MM. $12MM guaranteed. $5MM signing bonus. $3MM roster bonus due this month. Annual per-game roster bonus worth $31,250 (Twitter links via Wilson).
  • Brad Nortman, P (Jaguars): Four years, $8.8MM. $1.65MM guaranteed. $650K roster bonus in 2016 (Twitter link via Wilson).

AFC North:

AFC East:

  • Richie Incognito, G (Bills): Three years, $15.75MM. $3.45MM signing bonus. $2MM base salary in 2016 is fully guaranteed. $100K workout bonuses in each season (link via Mike Rodak of ESPN.com).
  • Isa Abdul-Quddus, S (Dolphins): Three years, $12.75MM. $2.5MM signing bonus. $6MM in guarantees (Twitter link via Wilson).
  • James Develin, FB (Patriots): One year, $750K. $150K playing time incentives. $50K signing bonus. $25K workout bonus (Twitter link via Wilson).
1 comment Buffalo Bills Cincinnati Bengals Houston Texans Jacksonville Jaguars Kansas City Chiefs Los Angeles Chargers New England Patriots Pittsburgh Steelers

RFA Tender Decisions: 3/9/16

By | at March 9, 2016 9:10 pm

Unrestricted free agent news will obviously dominate the day, but several clubs also had to make decisions on whether to offer tenders to restricted free agents. We’ll round up those decisions here:

Tendered

Non-Tendered

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