Cortez Allen contract

Steelers Exercise Fifth Year Option For Cam Heyward

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The Steelers have exercised the fifth year option for Cam Heyward’s contract according to NFL reports.


The team had until May 3rd to pick up the option. By doing so, they retain the rights to him for an additional year for a salary of $6.969 Mil. That salary is considerably less than a franchise tag would be, so the option makes sense.

The salary is only guaranteed to injury, and the player can be released prior to the start of the 2015 season without penalty. The Steelers will obviously want to extend Heyward before that time.

Beau Allen Steelers

Steelers Draft Visits: NT Beau Allen And LB Anthony Barr Visit Today

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The Steelers have more draft prospects at the south side today. Wisconsin NT Beau Allen and UCLA LB Anthony Barr are both visiting the team today.

Barr is 6’5, 255 lbs. Barr is a very athletic pass rusher who will very likely be selected before the Steelers pick in the first round. Barr’s defensive stats dipped somewhat in 2013, but he was still an impactful edge rusher. Last year, he finished his senior season at UCLA with 10 sacks, 66 tackles (20 for a loss) and 6 forced fumbles. In 2012, 13.5 sacks, 83 tackles (21.5 for a loss) and 4 forced fumbles. Interestingly enough, 2012 was Barr’s first year on defense. Prior to that, he played running back and TE/WR. Barr displays an excellent spin move that stymies offensive linemen at times. He does however lack violence at the point of attack, especially on running plays, which will be a concern for defensive coordinators. Some have projected that Barr would transition to ILB in the Steelers scheme, but personally I think he would struggle in that role. Here are a couple of his games if you’re not familiar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESvEftlYmco
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GauOGG01fX8

Beau Allen is a 6’2, 329 lb defensive lineman out of Wisconsin. He played every game during his four years with the Badgers, which set a school record. He was a 4-3 DT for his first 3 years, but switched to NG last year when the team transitioned to 3-4. In 2013, he totaled 20 tackles (2 for a loss) and 1.5 sacks. He also blocked a field goal against Penn State. He wasn’t invited to the combine, but performed well at his Pro Day. Allen is likely a very late round pick or may possibly be an undrafted free agent after the draft. Here a couple of his games from last year. Thanks for stopping by, and for sharing on the web.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SO5NLcVTh20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihABPW-AZ50

David Decastro contract

Adam Podlesh Contract Appears To Have Been Without A Signing Bonus

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The Steelers signed veteran punter Adam Podlesh last week. When they announced the signing, I mentioned that it would qualify for the veteran minimum benefit. I also opined that it may not have included a signing bonus, which appears to indeed be the case.

While the contract details have not been released yet, the NFLPA salary report shows a difference of $75,000- the lowest amount his contract could count towards the cap without a signing bonus. Due to the vet minimum benefit, his $855,000 salary only counts $570,000 towards the cap. After displacing a low $495,000 contract from the top 51, his signing only moves the cap needle by $75,000. Based on that data, the Steelers now have roughly $300,000 in salary cap space.

Podlesh signed a 5 year, $10 Mil deal with the Bears in 2011, but was released last month. The move saved the Bears $1.025 Mil. Since the signing appears to have not included a signing bonus, the Steelers can release him at any time without incurring any dead money. Thanks for stopping by, and as always, thanks for sharing on the web.

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Report: Steelers Had Private Workout With LB Glen Stanley

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According to NFL DraftDiamonds, the Steelers had a private workout with Albany State linebacker Glen Stanley today. Albany State is a small Division II school in Albany, Georgia.

ASU cancelled their pro day at the last minute, so Stanley did not have a chance to work out for NFL scouts. He says he has already met with the Saints and Ravens. He would be an outside linebacker in the Steelers scheme. He will likely go undrafted. Here is his highlight video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vi-uKfGe7l0

Cortez Allen contract

Analyzing Cam Heyward’s 5th Year Option With The Steelers

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Some NFL teams are starting to pick up the 5th year options for their 2011 first round picks. If you’re not familiar with it, the 5th year option is a provision in the new CBA that allows teams to extend a player’s rookie contract by one year. The window to pick up the option is between the end of the 3rd season, and May 3rd of the fourth year.

The cost of the 5th year option varies depending on where the player was selected, and what general position they play. Players selected in the first 10 picks carry a one year salary equal to the transition tag amount. Outside of the first ten picks, the numbers are similar to the transition tag, but the top 3-25 salaries are used to calculate the salary, as opposed to the top ten salaries. The money is only guaranteed due to injury.

Here are the top ten option amounts by position:

Quarterback: $14.666 Mil
Running back: $8.033 Mil
Wide receiver: $10.176 Mil
Tight end: $6.106 Mil
Offensive lineman: $10.039 Mil
Defensive end: $10.633 Mil
Defensive tackle: $8.060 Mil
Linebacker: $9.754 Mil
Cornerback: $10.081 Mil
Safety: $7.253 Mil
Kicker/punter: $3.205 Mil

Here are the numbers for picks 11-32 on offense:

Quarterback: $9.686 Mil
Running back: $5.211 Mil
Wide receiver: $6.776 Mil
Tight End: $3.913 Mil
Offensive lineman: $7.438 Mil

Here are the numbers for picks 11-32 on defense:

Defensive End: $6.969 Mil
Defensive Tackle: $5.477 Mil
Linebacker: $7.038 Mil
Cornerback: $6.898 Mil
Safety: $4.670 Mil

As you can see, if the Steelers pick up the fifth year option for Cam Heyward, his 2015 salary will be $6,969,000. While it’s probable that they will indeed pick up the option, it might not be the smartest action from a management standpoint. If they are going to extend Heyward, which I’m sure they’ll want to do, then they could be smart to avoid the 5th year option and just work towards an extension. I don’t have statistical data to back it up, but when you add a fixed one year sum (ie transition or franchise tag), it can add a complication to the negotiation of a long term contract.

Aside from that possible consequence, there really isn’t any harm in picking up the option. While the money is guaranteed in case of injury, the club retains the rights to the player for another year, and can sign the player to an extension at any point.

steelers draft

Steelers To Have Private Workouts With S Williams, G/FB Martin

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According to Bob Marchionte of College2Pro.com, the Steelers have private workouts scheduled with North Alabama SS/FS Nick Williams, and South Florida G/FB Lawrence Martin.

Nick Williams is a 6’2″, 215 lb safety who had 62 tackles and 2 interceptions last year with North Alabama. He missed the entire 2012 season due to a torn left ACL that he suffered during the first 2012 preseason game. I’m not a fan of highlight reels, but being that he’s from a smaller school, it’s difficult to find full games.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7hSdXMMqGc

Lawrence Martin is an interesting prospect. He started last year at right guard, but due to injuries, he moved to full back, and even TE at times. He’s 6’3″, 316 lbs and is pretty nimble for his size. Here are some highlights made available by USF.

[xyz-ihs snippet=”LawrenceMartinSteelers”]

steelers draft

Demarcus Lawrence Has Pre Draft Visit Scheduled With Steelers

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According to ESPN’s Adam Caplan, the Steelers will host Boise State DE (OLB) Demarcus Smith for a pre-draft visit.

Lawrence measured in at just under 6′ 3″, 251 lbs at the combine. Projected by analysts to be selected in the 2nd or 3rd round, the former Broncos defensive end would be an outside linebacker in the Steelers 3-4 defense. Lawrence lined up mostly at 5 tech and 3 tech last year, and finished the season with 10.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles.

Here he is against BYU and Oregon State. Thanks for stopping by and for sharing on the interwebs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E76PoVRY9_4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZH4Thv2_MQ

Report: Steelers Showing Interest In RB Andre Williams

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The Steelers are reportedly one of four teams who are showing the most interest in former Boston College running back Andre Williams, according to the National Football Post.

Williams is an extremely productive runner, who hits the hole hard. You won’t see him leaving yards on the field. The Eagles senior was a rotational back his first 3 years at BC, but was basically the team’s entire offense last year. He had more rushing yards than any back in college football in 2013, finishing with 2,177.  Plays like the one below demonstrate how he manages to find extra yards.

Andre-Willams-Steelers

He was almost never targeted in the passing game at Boston College, but he’s an effective blocker. He shouldn’t need as much work in that regard as most backs do coming into the NFL.

The Heisman trophy finalist weighed in at 5’11”, 231 lbs at the combine. You’re probably saying, “…but, the Steelers signed Blount. They’re not going to draft a running back!” You don’t really think that…do you? If the right back falls, you can bank on them taking him.

Here are a couple of his games from last year. Thanks for stopping by and sharing on the interwebs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBLPvUDJkKs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATTpEi_mOeQ

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Kevin Colbert Subpoenaed In Mike Adams Stabbing Trial

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Defense attorneys for the alleged attackers of Mike Adams have subpoenaed Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert. Alan Jennings of WPXI reported the news via Twitter this afternoon.

Apparently, defense attorneys want to see Mike Adams’ personnel file, in hopes that something within the file will harm the victim’s character. Attorneys previously claimed that Adams wasn’t being truthful, and that he “instigated” the attackers. Jerrell Whitlock, Dquay Means, and Michael Paranay were all charged with attempted homicide last year, on top of other charges.

The attack occurred last June, which led to Mike Adams needing surgery to repair a lacerated colon. He needed 33 staples in his stomach, but made a full recovery.

It remains to be seen whether or not the judge will allow any personnel files into evidence. During the pretrial, the judge seemed concerned about protecting the victim’s rights. Thanks for stopping by, and thanks for sharing on the interwebs.

steelers draft

Steelers Draft Visits Today: DE Hageman, CB Gaines, And TE Blanchflower

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The Steelers draft visits continue today as they host three more prospects. Minnesota DE Ra’Shede Hageman, Rice CB Phillip Gaines, and UMass TE Rob Blanchflower are all visiting the south side today.

The prospect who receives top billing out of that group is obviously Ra’Shede Hageman. Many Steelers fans will salivate over the visit, considering the depth at defensive line. Some analysts have suggested that Hageman could go as high as the middle of the first round, but that would be a reach in my opinion. As I’ve said before, I don’t see any 3-4 defensive end prospect in this class that would warrant the #15 pick.

Hageman is 6’6, 310 lbs and has some of the longer arms out of this year’s defensive line class. When I watched Hageman’s film, I saw flashes where he was a difference maker, but much more film of him looking average. When he’s cranked up, he can be a beast to block. He has an inconsistent motor though, which I would imagine would be a concern for scouts. He uses his long arms very well though, and had 8 pass broken up/batted down last year. He also blocked two kicks. Here he is against Wisconsin and Penn St.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHAXRtGJYU8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-Z-W_uxSHE

Former Rice CB Phillip Gaines is 6’0″, 193 lbs. He ran a 4.38 official 40 at the combine. In the 4 Rice games I watched, Gaines lined up almost exclusively in man to man near the line of scrimmage. He has really good ball awareness, which led to 9 passes broken up and 4 interceptions last year. He was targeted 40 times last season and allowed 13 receptions. He would be a great mid-round addition. Here are a couple of his games from 2013.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_RCHLwMqns
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q24dEr-UTFc

Rob Branchflower is 6’4, 256 lbs. Blanchflower had 313 yards on 27 receptions last year at UMass. The red shirt senior missed much of last year due to a bilateral sports hernia. The injury also kept him from participating in combine drills. Branchflower is considered a tough, hard worker on the field. Watching his film, you’ll see that he usually lines up with his hand in the dirt, and is an aggressive run/pass blocker. He could be a great late round/UDFA pick up. Here are a couple of his games. Thanks for stopping by, and as always, thanks for sharing on the interwebs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X0iewQ3cK8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUFp6Wg1Sto