Maurice Jones-Drew Scheduled To Visit The Steelers Today

Adam Schefter reports that the Steelers will host RB Maurice Jones-Drew for a visit today. The soon to be 29 year old running back hasn’t gotten the attention he originally expected in free agency.

Jones-Drew was a highly productive back, but has seen a large drop off in the past couple years, mainly due to injury. Most recently, he suffered a lisfranc fracture during the 2012 season. Other teams are reportedly showing interest, but I wouldn’t expect him to earn a big contract. He’s probably looking at an incentive laden 2 year deal. Another running back hungry team will be able to offer him more than Pittsburgh, though.

Kelvin Benjamin: Football

Colbert, Tomlin, And Other Coaches Finish Their Rounds In Florida

Steelers GM Kevin Colbert, Mike Tomlin, Todd Haley, Carnell Lake, and a slew of scouts have been busy the last couple days. Yesterday morning, Coach Tomlin spoke for the Pittsburgh Pirates clubhouse at spring training camp in Bradenton, Fl.

 

 

 


Kevin Colbert and Todd Haley were also there. Photo

Later that day, they headed north to Gainesville to watch prospects perform at the Florida Gators Pro Day. Several inches of rain fell, which caused problems for some people during parts of the day. “You kind of feel sorry for these guys working out in these conditions,” Steelers defensive backs coach Carnell Lake told Jeff Barlis of ESPN.

Lake was on hand to examine Florida’s top 3 cornerbacks.  Loucheiz Purifoy, Marcus Roberson, and Jaylen Watkins were said to have commanded a lot of attention. Defensive tackle Dominique Easley was in attendance at the event, but did not participate as he is still rehabbing from an ACL tear. He will host private workouts next month.

Watkins decided to let his 4.41 40 time from the combine stand. Roberson and Purifoy were clocked in around the mid-4.5s to low 4.6s on most watches. One scout had Roberson at 4.71 according to Rob Rang of CBS Sports. Florida wide receiver Solomon Patton ran a 4.31 40, and was said to have performed well in drills. The 5’9″, 171 lb receiver was a combine snub, but his speed and special teams ability make him a late round sleeper.

Last night, after the UF festivities were over, Tomlin, Colbert, and Todd Haley were spotted dining and mixing with former Florida State WR Kelvin Benjamin and former Florida State RB Devonta Freeman.

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“Had a great #business meeting/dinner with the#pittsburgh steelers representers. Mike tomlin x kelvin Colbert x Todd Haley” Freeman wrote from his instagram account.

Today, a total of more than 70 scouts and members from NFL coaching staffs were in attendance to watch the FSU prospects perform at the Pro Day. Tomlin, Colbert, Haley, Lake, and others no doubt. There’s no shortage of talent to evaluate there. Names like WR Kelvin Benjamin, DT Timmy Jernigan, C  Bryan Stork, S Terrence Brooks, S Lamarcus Joyner, RB Devonta Freeman, RB James Wilder Jr., LB Telvin Smith, and LB Christian Jones.

Talent evaluator Gil Brandt said that Benjamin stood on most of his combine numbers, but had an impressive day, and made a case for himself to be chosen late in the first round. Lots of reps from the Steelers were said to be focusing on Benjamin for what it’s worth. Here’s a look at some of the FSU Pro Day action made available on the Seminoles website. Thanks for stopping by and be sure to share with your friends.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7xfwZHYgGc

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Cotchery Leaves Carolina Without A Contract

The Charlotte Observer reports that Jerricho Cotchery has left the Panthers without a contract. This is good news for the Steelers, though it doesn’t mean he won’t agree to terms with the Panthers at a later date.

I don’t have any statistical data to back this up, but I’d have to say the odds are not in favor of a free agent signing with a team when they leave without a contract. Hopefully, the Steelers and Cotchery’s camp will come to terms on a deal that’s friendly for both sides soon.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to share with your friends.

James Harrison Steelers

James Harrison Wants To Return To The Steelers

James Harrison was on Total Access last night on the NFL Network as part of the Steelers Dyansty week features. Ike Taylor was also a guest on the show, and had his share of questions for the former Steelers linebacker.

Harrison was released by the Bengals last week. Last night, he was asked where he wanted to play now that he was a free agent. His reply? “Pittsburgh. Everybody knows that.” With the lack of depth at OLB, and the potential need of veteran leadership, Deebo’s return could make sense. He would have to be comfortable with a low, one year contract and knowing he’d be a backup of course. Before you dismiss the idea, ask yourself who’s better on the market right now that the team can afford?

During the interview, Taylor and Harrison revisit the famous interception return during Super Bowl XLIII as well other topics. It’s enjoyable, and I recommend watching it if you haven’t seen it.

James Harrison Interview

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Cotchery Having Dinner With Ron Rivera Tonight

Free agent receiver Jerricho Cotchery is having dinner with Panthers coach Ron Rivera tonight according to Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer.

Cotchery’s visit with the team will continue tomorrow, where he’ll either sign an offer, or he’ll return to Pittsburgh. The Panthers are really in need of a productive veteran receiver, and Cotchery fits that bill. Right now based on the WR market, the odds seem to be in favor of Cotchery getting a decent deal outside of Pittsburgh. We’ll know soon enough one way or the other.

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James Starks Cancels Visit With Steelers, To Sign With Packers

Free agent Running Back James Starks has cancelled his visit with the Steelers to re-sign with the Green Bay Packers according to multiple sources.

Starks was scheduled to visit with the Steelers on Tuesday. The potential signing of Starks would have been a good move to provide veteran depth behind Le’Veon Bell.

WR James Jones Considered Steelers Before Signing With Raiders

Former Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones signed a 3 year, $11.3 Mil contract with the Oakland Raiders today. According to Ian Rapoport, Jones considered signing with a few other teams, including the Steelers, before ultimately choosing the Raiders.

While that might be true about his childhood fanhood, I’m sure the Steelers wouldn’t be able to compete financially. Jones saw 61 receptions for a total of 837 yards and 3 touchdowns last year. Granted, Aaron Rodgers was out for much of the season. The Steelers lost Emmanuel Sanders to the Broncos a few days ago, and are likely to lose Jerricho Cotchery to the free agency from the looks of things.

The Steelers host Lance Moore for a visit tomorrow. Other free agent wide receiver visits will likely be on the horizon.

Ryan Clark Still Negotiating With Redskins, Ravens Also Interested

Ryan Clark, who recently left a visit with the Redskins without a contract, is reportedly still in negotiations with the team. According to USA Today writer Tom Pelissero, the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets are also interested in the free agent safety.

The Washington Post reports that Clark’s asking price is higher than what the Redskins want to pay. According to the Post, talks between Clark’s camp and the Redskins management have stalled. Clark says however that his agent and the Redskins are, in fact, still negotiating.

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Steelers Re-Sign G/T Guy Whimper To One Year Deal

The Steelers have re-signed free agent offensive lineman Guy Whimper today. While the details of the deal haven’t been disclosed, it is a one year deal. I’d expect that it will be a minimum salary, with little to no signing bonus. It could likely be a $65,000 signing bonus, which would make the signing qualify for the minimum salary benefit.

The move comes as a low risk depth addition. While the 30 year old G/T isn’t a reliable starter, he provides cheap multi-positional depth. Whimper was originally signed by the Steelers last spring, after being released by the Jaguars. Affectionately nicknamed “Abdullah the Butcher” by Coach Tomlin, the offensive lineman saw two starts last season- one at right guard (NE), one at left (DET). He also saw spot duty at OT.

Whimper saw a total of 270 snaps last season, and allowed 3 sacks.

Steelers To Host WR Lance Moore On Tuesday

The Steelers will host veteran wide receiver Lance Moore for a visit on Tuesday according to Jason La Canfora.

Moore was a cap release by the Saints on March 7th. Cutting him saved the team over $2.5 Mil. They currently have less cap room than the Steelers do.

The 30 year old receiver is going into his 9th season, and coming off of a down year. Moore is 5’9″, 177 lbs, has very good hands, and is a superb route runner. He’s not a 6’4″ redzone threat, but he’s a chain mover and a play maker. In 2012 Moore had 6 touchdowns and totaled 1041 yards. He saw approximately 40 less throws come his way in 2013.

The Steelers are still hoping to sign Jerricho Cotchery according to reports. Thanks for stopping by and be sure to share with your friends.