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Pittsburgh Steelers News & Rumors

Extra Points: Dalton, Housler, Dolphins

May 25th, 2014 at 8:36pm CST by Ben Levine

Following his subpar performances in the last three playoffs, there was some doubt whether Andy Dalton was part of the Bengals future. Furthermore, the quarterback may be seeking an extension with the squad. New offensive coordinator Hue Jackman stated his support for the 26-year-old following the team’s first voluntary on-field practice.

Via Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com:

“He has all the characteristics I like in a quarterback. He’s smart, he comes to work prepared and ready to go, and he comes to the practice field ready to compete. He can make all the necessary throws. I haven’t see any throw he can’t make. That being said, he knows there are things that we talk about that he needs to get better at.”

Of course, Jackman added that it’s time for Dalton and star receiver A.J. Green to prove their talents:

“They’ve been good, now it’s time to be great.”

Let’s take a look at some more notes from around the NFL…

  • Cardinals tight end Rob Housler is a “definite (if not likely) trade candidate”, according to ESPN’s. Josh Weinfuss (via Twitter).
  • Dolphins quarterback Brock Jensen made a couple of good throws in minicamp, but his arm strength was not impressive, opines ESPN’s James Walker (via Twitter). The writer says that he isn’t ready to declare the undrafted free agent as a challenger to Pat Devlin for the third quarterback spot (via Twitter).
  • Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette lists defensive end, inside linebacker and wide receiver as the biggest position battles for the Steelers.

AFC North Notes: Bengals, Steelers, Ravens

May 23rd, 2014 at 3:12pm CST by Luke Adams

As we noted earlier today, significantly more than half of 2014’s draft picks have already signed or at least agreed to terms on contracts with their NFL teams. However, that ratio doesn’t particularly apply to the AFC North — of the division’s 32 draftees, only 13 had reached agreements coming into today, and seven of those were Baltimore picks. In this afternoon’s divisional roundup, we have word of one draftee to add to that list of signed players, along with a couple other notes. Let’s dive in….

  • The Bengals have signed fourth-round center Russell Bodine, the team announced today (via Twitter). Cincinnati has been busy this week, having locked up five of the club’s eight draftees within the last three days. Bodine, the 111th overall pick, is in line for a $456K+ signing bonus, per Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap.
  • Two of the most noteworthy players still available on the free agent market, Santonio Holmes and James Harrison, have interest in returning to the Steelers, Ike Taylor said earlier this week on his TribLive radio show (link via Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review). Speaking about Harrison specifically, Taylor said, “He still wants to play football, and of course his first option would be Pittsburgh. … He’s probably in the best shape of his life. Right now he looks like the Hulk. He’s been banged up, and he feels he has something to prove.”
  • After going undrafted earlier this month, Middle Tennessee State cornerback Sammy Seamster fielded calls from about 20 teams interesting in signing him as a free agent, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. As Wilson writes, Seamster narrowed his options to the Ravens, Dolphins, and Jaguars, and is happy that he ultimately opted to sign with Baltimore.

Minor Moves: Benn, Steelers, Bucs, Chapas

May 19th, 2014 at 9:35am CST by Matt Feminis
  • As expected, the Eagles have re-signed receiver Arrelious Benn days after releasing him. Terms of the deal weren’t announced, but Benn’s contract was reworked in order to avoid the $1.1MM he was due this season, writes Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com. Benn, who missed last season because of a torn ACL, is not guaranteed a roster spot, however, as the Eagles added a pair of rookie receivers — second-rounder Jordan Matthews and fifth-rounder Josh Huff — to groom behind veterans Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper.
  • The Steelers have inked sixth-round nose tackle Daniel McCullers (all 6-7, 350 pounds of him) and seventh-round tight end Rob Blanchflower, per Pro Football Talk. McCullers in particular has a realistic chance of carving a niche with the team, as the mammoth nose tackle with exceptionally long arms is an ideal, two-gapping anchor if he plays to his potential. He’s underachieved to this point, however, and was drafted lower than his ability dictates for a reason.
  • Meanwhile, the Steelers will have to wait until June 2 to free up money to sign their top three draft picks, according to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (via Twitter).
  • The Buccaneers announced they’ve signed fifth-rounder Kevin Pamphile, an offensive tackle out of Purdue.
  • The Ravens will sign ex-Jaguars fullback Shaun Chapas, per Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter). Chapas, 26, was a seventh-round pick of the Cowboys in 2011. He had a brief stint with the Lions in 2012 and spent time on Jacksonville’s practice squad and active roster last season.

AFC Notes: Garoppolo, Broncos, Steelers, Bills

May 18th, 2014 at 10:57pm CST by Dallas Robinson

A final batch of AFC notes as the weekend comes to a close…

  • Like Tom Brady, Patriots rookie quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo studied under a QB coach as he progressed, writes Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald. Garoppolo’s tutor, former NFL quarterback Jeff Christensen, bases his teachings on one particular NFL signal-caller…Tom Brady. Christensen, for his part, is excited about the future for Garoppolo and the Pats, citing the young QB’s excellent work ethic. “I have zero doubts about the outcome of this one. It’s so perfect,” he said. “You have to know where you’re at in the equation, accept it, and then work like a crazy man to get great. That’s the kind of kid you want to coach.”
  • Within the same piece, Broncos receiver Emmanuel Sanders says he is excited to replace Eric Decker in Denver. “My whole deal is when I first came out in free agency, I wanted to go to a spread attack. I like to block, but I’m not trying to block 75 percent of the time. I’m 185 pounds…All the numbers lined up, and now I’m here.”
  • The Broncos coaching staff has spoken to running back Ronnie Hillman about his fumbling problem, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post. Hillman, expected to backup starter Montee Ball in 2014, coughed up the football four times over the past two seasons.
  • The Steelers are excited about rookie pass rusher Howard Jones, who faces a tough road as an undrafted player from a Disivion II program, writes Alan Robinson of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
  • Speaking of the Steelers, Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review believes that despite being front seven players, Ryan Shazier and Stephon Tuitt will help Pittsburgh’s secondary. Not only will an improved pass-rush aid the secondary in coverage, Kovacevic writes, but Shazier’s presence in particular will allow Troy Polamalu to stop moonlighting as a linebacker.
  • Seantrel Henderson is aware that he needs to mature in order to succeed in the NFL, and Bills general manager Doug Whaley has made it clear that this is Henderson’s final chance. “We’ve talked to Seantrel and he knows that he’s got one shot,” said Whaley after selecting Henderson with pick No. 237. “He’s been dealing with some demons. Hopefully those demons are out of his life and why not give somebody — this is America — give somebody a chance?”

Sunday Roundup: Garoppolo, Steelers, Boyd

May 18th, 2014 at 11:53am CST by Rory Parks

It’s been a fairly slow Sunday morning as beat writers continue to evaluate how new draftees are faring in rookie minicamps, but let’s take a look at some other noteworthy tidbits from around the league:

  • Mike Jones of the Washington Post writes that, of all the undrafted rookies the Redskins signed, BYU WR Cody Hoffman might be the one to watch.
  • Dave Spadaro of PhiladelphiaEagles.com looks at the Eagles‘ depth chart at wide receiver behind the top four of Jeremy Maclin, Riley Cooper, Jordan Matthews, and Josh Huff. Spadaro also notes that there is no news on potential roster additions at this time.
  • John Glennon of The Tennessean looks at four undrafted wide receivers that could make an impact on the Titans this season.
  • The Jaguars are the only team that has just one quarterback with regular season experience on its roster, but Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union expects the club to add a quarterback with some such experience before the end of offseason workouts.
  • Although Mike Reiss of ESPN.com believes the Patriots drafted Jimmy Garoppolo as a possible successor to Tom Brady down the road, he believes “Garoppolo’s presence is closer to 80 percent about filling the No. 2 role set to be vacated by Ryan Mallett (likely in 2015) at more manageable rookie financial rates, with the other 20 percent or so tied to possible succession plans.“
  • Ben Volin of The Boston Globe, meanwhile, thinks the Patriots definitely had Brady’s heir apparent in mind when they drafted Garoppolo, and Volin examines the similarities in the skillsets of the two quarterbacks.
  • Alan Robinson of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review writes that, although it wasn’t that along ago that even top draft picks were not expected to make an immediate impact on the Steelers‘ defense, new draftees Ryan Shazier and Stephon Tuitt might be expected to inject their blend of speed and athleticism on the team’s defensive unit right away.
  • Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post writes that the Jets may use newly-drafted Tajh Boyd as a running back or in the Wildcat, a prospect that does not enthuse Boyd. However, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes that rumors concerning Boyd’s move to another position is “premature.”

AFC Notes: Clary, Johnson, Archer, Pats

May 17th, 2014 at 10:08am CST by Matt Feminis

During Chargers rookie minicap, third-rounder Chris Watt was working at right guard, “the same position of Jeromey Clary, who is to make $4.55 million in total compensation in 2014,” writes ESPN’s Eric D. Williams. “Watt lining up at right guard probably is not a coincidence.”

This comes on after an ESPN Insider piece (subscription required) about veterans whose jobs are in jeopardy in which Nathan Jahnke put the magnifying glass on Clary: “Thanks to the drafting of D.J. Fluker in 2013, Clary was moved from right tackle to right guard last year. The move didn’t work out well for Clary, who had the third-lowest run-block rating for all guards per PFF. In addition, the Chargers’ running backs averaged 4.6 yards per carry when running to the left compared to 3.6 yards per carry when running to the right, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Clary had something to do with that large difference.”

Here’s a few more AFC news and notes:

  • Any rumors of Andre Johnson being reunited via trade with Gary Kubiak in Baltimore were quashed by ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.
  • Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com passed along a few Patriots tidbits: The team will carry three quarterbacks (Tom Brady, Jimmy Garoppolo and Ryan Mallett), but Mallett is expected to depart via free agency at year’s end; Shane Vereen could earn a contract extension with a healthy, productive season; and 2013 fourth-rounder Josh Boyce, who struggled with the “mental aspect” as a rookie, will “compete for the kickoff return job while also vying for a role as a No. 3-5 option on the depth chart.”
  • Free agent linebacker James Anderson, who started all 16 games for the Bears last season, tried out for the Patriots, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune (via Twitter).
  • On third-rounder Dri Archer, Steelers GM Kevin Colbert told Post-Tribune writer Alan Robinson, “We think we got the fastest player in the draft.” The Steelers hope to take advantage of Archer’s versatility, according to Colbert, who says the rookie could be used as a kick returner, in the slot, in the backfield and maybe as an H-back.
  • When asked about potential surprise cuts depending on how many rookies/young players make the Jaguars, ESPN’s Michael DiRocco mentioned Tyson Alualu, Denard Robinson and Ricky Stanzi as bubble players.
  • With the Jets adding Daryl Richardson via waivers, Mike Goodson is not expected to be with the team, reports Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News (via Twitter).

AFC North Notes: Bridgewater, Steelers, Ravens

May 13th, 2014 at 11:16am CST by Luke Adams

Let’s round up the latest out of the AFC North….

  • Appearing on the Dan Patrick Show today, new Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater revealed that he knew he could land with the Browns during last week’s draft, but told his agent “that’s not the place I wanted to be.” Andrew Krammer of ESPN 1500 Twin Cities has the details and quotes from Bridgewater.
  • Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review conducted a Q&A with Steelers GM Kevin Colbert, discussing the team’s draft preparation, its first-round pick (Ryan Shazier), and the apparent focus on adding speed to the roster.
  • One of a handful of undrafted free agents who reportedly agreed to terms with a team and then didn’t land with that club, Texas Tech linebacker Terrance Bullitt saw a shoulder issue scuttle his deal with the Ravens, which would have included a $5.5K signing bonus, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
  • UNLV wideout Jerry Rice Jr., the son of the Hall of Fame receiver, wasn’t among the Ravens’ UDFA signings, but he’ll participate in the club’s rookie minicamp in the hopes of earning a contract, a source tells Wilson.

Steelers To Sign Nine Undrafted FAs

May 12th, 2014 at 10:30am CST by Luke Adams

MONDAY, 10:30am: Carrington will now be coming to camp on a tryout rather than as a player under contract, tweets Lauten. That means the Steelers will have exactly 90 players on their roster and won’t need to make a corresponding move to clear room for their UDFAs.

SATURDAY, 8:23pm: The Steelers have agreed to sign 10 undrafted free agents, according to the team’s PR rep, Burt Lauten. In a series of tweets, Lauten listed the following UDFAs, who are set to head to Pittsburgh:

  • Devon Carrington, DB, Stanford
  • Chris Elkins, OL, Youngstown State
  • Ethan Hemer, DE, Wisconsin
  • Kaycee Ike, OT, UAB
  • Howard Jones, LB, Shepherd
  • Brendon Kay, QB, Cincinnati
  • Josh Mauro, DE, Stanford
  • Roy Philon, DT, Louisville
  • Will Simmons, G, East Carolina
  • Eric Waters, TE, Missouri

AFC North Notes: Steelers, Ravens, Jones

May 11th, 2014 at 9:49pm CST by Ben Levine

Many recent Steelers draftees have found themselves buried on the depth chart, but a handful from this year’s class will have an opportunity to start, writes Ed Bouchette of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Fourth-rounder Martavis Bryant has a good chance of starting, with wide receivers coach Richard Mann telling Bouchette that they “feel like (they) got a guy to put opposite of Antonio Brown.”

Bouchette adds that the team’s two big holes, inside linebacker and defensive end, could adequately be filled by their first two picks, Ryan Shazier and Stephon Tuitt.

Let’s take a look at some more notes out of the AFC North…

  • The Steelers announced the signing of 10 undrafted free agents yesterday, and ESPN.com’s Scott Brown focuses on five who could make a difference. Brown lists Howard Jones, Josh Mauro, Ethan Hemer, Eric Waters and Devon Carrington as the most likely to stick around.
  • San Jose State offensive lineman Ryan Jones didn’t pass his physical with the Ravens, tweets Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun. Wilson adds that the undrafted player had foot surgery last year.
  • Michigan running back Fitz Toussaint will join the Ravens for rookie minicamp on a tryout basis, tweets Wilson.
  • The Ravens didn’t address their need at offensive tackle in the draft and now need to look at help internally or in free agency, writes Ryan Mink of BaltimoreRavens.com. Mink suggests veteran Eric Winston, who played for Raven Offensive Coordinator Gary Kubiak in Houston.

Prospect Notes: Eagles, Steelers, Saints

May 11th, 2014 at 5:59pm CST by Ben Levine

Aaron Rodgers knows a few things about receivers, so it was notable when he showed interest in Kansas player Tarik Black. Why was it notable? Black is a 6’9″ forward for the Jayhawks basketball team who has never played football. Following a chance encounter at an airport, Rodgers expressed his desire to throw to the Kansas senior. In a story told by Yahoo’s Eric Adelson, the interest progressed to the point where Black was beginning to receive calls from NFL teams.

Well, that dream may not become reality. CBSSports.com’s Jason La Canfora reports (via Twitter) that multiple teams have interest in the player as an undrafted free agent. The catch is that Black has already committed himself to an NBA evaluation camp this weekend. As a result, he will not join an NFL team until the NBA camp is finished.

Now for some more notes on undrafted prospects…

  • The Eagles have agreed to terms with Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez, tweets Reuben Frank of CSNPhilly.com. Frank expects the team to use Martinez at either cornerback or receiver, but not quarterback.
  • The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane adds that one of the Eagles other rookie free agents must have jumped elsewhere (via Twitter). The team announced the signing of 15 undrafted free agents yesterday.
  • Penn State offensive tackle Adam Gress will work out with the Steelers at their rookie minicamp, reports Mark Kaboly of The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (via Twitter). St. Francis safety Jake DeMedal will also get an audition, Kaboly adds in a later tweet. The team announced their ten undrafted additions yesterday.
  • Illinois wideout Steve Hull will be at the Saints rookie camp on a tryout basis, tweets Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun.
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