Category Archives: Steelers News

Chuck-Noll-Day

Former Steelers Head Coach Chuck Noll Has Passed Away

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Former Steelers head coach Chuck Noll has passed away tonight. Noll coached the Steelers for 23 years, until Bill Cowher took the helm in 1992. He was the most successful coach in NFL history in terms of super bowl victories, and finished his career with a record of 209-156-1. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993.

Chuck Noll

Noll’s health had been declining over the years, and he was reportedly under doctor’s care for an undisclosed illness. Severe back pain forced him to walk with two canes, and caused his public appearances to wane over recent years. According to the Allegheny County Medical Examiner, Coach Noll died of natural causes at his home in Sewickley. His wife Marianne called 911 after finding him unresponsive.

There’s so much to be said about Chuck Noll. The man was a legend and was literally my idol growing up. He epitomized the hard working, lunch pail philosophy of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

I’ll close this with a couple short videos. Share your memories of Coach Noll in the forum thread here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-RMEPgCk6U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOvD4yTkPX0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eH42CwFZsFk

 

 

 

steelers contracts

Breaking Down Maurkice Pouncey’s Contract Extension

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As you know, the Steelers signed Maurkice Pouncey to a five year extension yesterday. Initial reports revealed that the 5 year deal included a total value of $44 Mil, with a $13 Mil guaranteed signing bonus. Thanks to additional numbers provided by Jason LaCanfora, Tom Pelissero, and Aaron Wilson, I can break down the contract for you. FYI, anyone who says they aren’t using numbers provided by the latter two to give a full breakdown, are straight up full of it.

Pouncey’s total deal is for 6 years, $48 Mil. The contract includes roster bonuses that are due the 5th day of 2015 and 2016 league years, which are for $3.75 Mil and $3.5 Mil respectively. Pouncey’s 2014 salary has been reduced to $1 Mil, and now has just over a $5 Mil cap number. His 2014 cap number has been lowered a couple hundred thousand.

[table]

Year, Base Salary, Prorated Bonus, Roster Bonus, Cap Hit, Dead Money

2014, “$1,000,000″,”$4,000,625″,”$0″,”$5,000,625”, “$14,400,625”

2015, “$1,750,000″,”$2,600,000″,”$3,750,000″,”$8,100,000”, “$10,400,000”

2016, “3,500,000”,”$2,600,000″,”$3,500,000″,”$9,600,000″, “$7,800,000”

2017, “$7,500,000″,”$2,600,000″,”$0″,”$10,100,000”, “$5,200,000”

2018, “7,000,000”,”$2,600,000″,”$0″,”$9,600,000″, “$2,600,000”

2019, “$7,000,000″,”$0″,”$0″,”$7,000,000”, “$0”

[/table]

As you can see, the deal is actually very team friendly, and is structured so that the team can get out easily in the last couple years. Don’t get too wrapped up in that ‘total value’ number. The only money that is truly guaranteed is the $13 Mil signing bonus. If he is on the roster in March of ’15, and ’16, he’ll receive those roster bonuses. Hopefully Steeler Nation is feeling a little better about this now.

*Edit. I’ve added a column for dead money by year should he be released.

David Decastro contract

Steelers Announce Dri Archer Signing

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The Steelers officially announce what I reported yesterday– 3rd round pick Dri Archer has been signed.
https://twitter.com/steelers/status/477461988801409025

With Archer now under contract, Stephon Tuitt is the only remaining unsigned draft pick. While the CBA makes rookie signings much easier than they used to be, there is some wiggle room in his contract, which is what is likely causing the delay in his signing.

According to the National Football Post, the total value of Archer’s four year deal is $2,748,000, with a signing bonus of $506,016. My estimates from last month were a little off. The signing bonus money was a couple hundred dollars off, and the total value was less. Here is how Archer’s contract effects 2014.

[table]

Base Salary, Prorated Bonus, 2014 Cap Hit

“$420,000”, “$126,504”, “$546,504”

[/table]

After displacement, his signing should only move the 2014 salary cap needle by $51,504.

Steelers news

Why Cody Wallace Missed The End Of OTA’s

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Steelers back up center Cody Wallace missed the last few practices at OTAs. More often than not, the organization keeps its collective lips sealed about such absences. Even though OTA’s are completely voluntary, they certainly aren’t without value. When a player who isn’t Polamalu has an extended absence, a fraction of the fanbase wonders ‘is he injured?’. ‘Is it serious?’.

Fortunately, according to Scout writer Jim Wexell, Cody Wallace has missed the end of OTA’s due to the birth of his child. Congratulations to mom and dad.

Wallace was a free agent this offseason, and the team re-signed him to a three year deal in March.  Originally a 4th round pick, the versatile lineman proved to be a valuable addition to a line that was plagued with injuries last season.

Back to OTA’s- With Pouncey not participating in team drills today, Chris Snow filled in as first team center. Wallace’s backup role was filled by rookie jack-of-all-trades Wesley Johnson.

 

Cortez Allen contract

Report: Dri Archer Signs Rookie Contract

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The Steelers have signed their 3rd round pick Dri Archer today, according to ESPN reporter Field Yates. The team has not made an official announcement yet.

https://twitter.com/FieldYates/status/477184715556806656

With the signing of the speedy running back, the team only has one draft pick who remains unsigned, and I imagine Stephon Tuitt will be doing so in the near future. Here is a look at the salary cap numbers I’ve projected for Archer.

[table]

Player, Total Value, Signing Bonus, 2014 Cap Hit

Dri Archer, “$2,906,784”, “$506,376”, “$546,594”

[/table]

 

As you can see, Archer’s 2014 salary cap impact is minimal. After displacement of the top 51, he should only move the 2014 Steelers salary cap needle by $51,594 (give or take) by my estimation. I’ll update when the specific numbers are available.

 

 

 

steelers contracts

Steelers Agree To 5 Year Extension With Maurkice Pouncey

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According to various media reports this morning, the Steelers and center Maurkice Pouncey have agreed in principle to a five year extension.
https://twitter.com/ProFootballTalk/status/477078744230666240

The exact contract details obviously aren’t available yet, but the initial numbers point towards Pouncey becoming the highest paid center in the NFL, in terms of new money. Preliminary reports indicate that the 5 year extension is worth just over $44 Mil, and includes a $13 Mil signing bonus. With the last year of his rookie deal remaining, it’s six years for just over $48 Mil.

The Browns signed Alex Mack to a 5 year, $42 Mil contract last year matching the Jacksonville Jaguars offer sheet. The Steelers are obviously happy with Pouncey’s knee recovery, and wanted to lock up their star center before he became a free agent next year.

steelers

Worilds, Palmer Still Rehabbing At OTA’s

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Steelers outside linebacker Jason Worilds is still rehabbing the unspecified left leg injury he suffered in practice on May 27th. He’s been seen sprinting and running on the sideline at times, but he is still rehabbing what’s most likely a hamstring injury, though some reporters have labelled it a calf injury. There’s no reason to be alarmed though. Training camp is over 6 weeks away, and Worilds, who’s set to make $9.754 Mil this season thanks to the transition tag, doesn’t have to participate in voluntary OTA’s at all.

His absence has been good for the likes of linebackers Arthur Moats and Chris Carter, who have been getting additional reps during his time away. The extra time certainly can’t hurt the versatile Moats, who’s adapting to a new defense. Carter, according to Dale Lolley, has been showing good burst off the edge.

Tight End Michael Palmer was also rehabbing at practice today. He suffered a lower leg injury during practice last Wednesday.

In other news from today’s OTA practice, Dri Archer was sidelined for most of the day. Archer said it was nothing serious, and according to Scout writer Jim Wexell, he said they were waiting for MRI results to confirm that.

Cody Wallace, Ike Taylor, Troy Polamalu, and Jordan Zumwalt were all absent from practice today (and yesterday).

 

steelers training camp

Steelers Release 2014 Training Camp Schedule

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The 2014 Steelers training camp schedule has been announced today. Camp is scheduled to begin on Friday, July 25th with team meetings and the annual conditioning test. The first practice open to the public is Saturday, July 26th. The 26th and 27th are open to the public, and are mandatory ‘helmets and shorts’ practices per the CBA.

Here is the complete schedule:

[table]

Date, Time, Open To The Public?
“Friday, July 25”, “All players report by 4 p.m.”, No
“Saturday, July 26”, “2:55 p.m.”, Yes
“Sunday, July 27”, “2:55 p.m.”, Yes
“Monday, July 28”, “2:55 p.m.”, Yes
“Tuesday, July 29”, “Players Day Off/No Practice”, No
“Wednesday, July 30”, “2:55 p.m.”, Yes
“Thursday, July 31”, “2:55 p.m.”, Yes
“Friday, August 1”, “7 p.m. Night Practice at Latrobe’s Memorial Stadium”, Yes
“Saturday, August 2”, “2:55 p.m.”, Yes
“Sunday, August 3”, “2:55 p.m.”, Yes
“Monday, August 4”, “2:55 p.m.”, Yes
“Tuesday, August 5”, “Players Day Off/No Practice”, No
“Wednesday, August 6”, “2:55 p.m.”, Yes
“Thursday, August 7”, “2:55 p.m.”, Yes
“Friday, August 8”, “No Steelers Practice”, No
“Saturday, August 9”, “First Preseason Game at N.Y. Giants (7:30 p.m. KDKA-TV)”, NA
“Sunday, August 10”, “Players Day Off/No Practice”, No
“Monday, August 11”, “2:55 p.m.”, Yes
“Tuesday, August 12”, “2:55 p.m.”, Yes
“Wednesday, August 13”, “2:55 p.m. joint practice with Buffalo Bills”, Yes
“Thursday, August 14”, “5:30 p.m. evening practice at Saint Vincent College with Buffalo Bills”, Yes
“Friday, August 15”, “No Steelers Practice”, No
“Saturday, August 16”, “Camp Breaks – Second Preseason Game vs. Buffalo Bills (7:30 p.m. KDKA-TV)”, NA
“Thursday, August 21”, “Third Preseason Game at Philadelphia Eagles (7:30 p.m. KDKA-TV)”, NA
“Thursday, August 28”, “Fourth Preseason Game vs. Carolina Panthers (7:30 p.m. KDKA-TV)”, NA

[/table]

David Decastro contract

Steelers Announce Signing Of Martavis Bryant

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Confirming the report from earlier today, the Steelers announce that 4th round pick Martavis Bryant has been signed.
https://twitter.com/steelers/status/476098949644701697

While the exact details of the deal haven’t been announced, I can tell you with a great amount of certainty that the details of the 4 year deal will look like this:

[table]

Player, Total Value, Signing Bonus, 2014 Cap Hit

Martavis Bryant, “$2,723,198”, “$439,220”, “$529,805”

[/table]

 

After displacement, his signing should only move the 2014 salary cap needle by approximately $34,805. Now that Bryant is signed, there are only two remaining picks left to get under contract. Second round pick Stephon Tuitt and 3rd round pick Dri Archer should be signing their contracts in the very near future.

 

Cortez Allen contract

Report: Martavis Bryant Expected To Sign Contract Today

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According to Yahoo Sports reporter Rand Getlin, Steelers rookie receiver Martavis Bryant is expected to sign his contract today.
https://twitter.com/Rand_Getlin/status/476060155029626880

While these kinds of reports often don’t prove to be accurate, and should only be taken with a grain of salt, it’s not surprising. I’d expect any of the team’s remaining draft picks to sign at any time now. As I projected a few week’s back, Bryant’s four year contract should have a total value of roughly $2,723,198, and carry a 2014 cap number of $529,805. That will barely impact the salary cap due to displacement of the top 51. 

Bryant, who was signed with the team’s fourth round pick, is accompanied by Stephon Tuitt and Dri Archer as the remaining unsigned draft picks. You can see their projected contract values here: http://thesteelersfans.com/2599/breaking-rookie-salaries-cap-implications/