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| PIT - Justin Brown signed - |
The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed sixth-round draft choice WR Justin Brown to a four-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Footballguys view: Brown (Oklahoma, Penn State transfer) has a good size/speed combination. He's not a lock to make the final roster but could impress in camp enough to earn a spot on the practice squad. With the team's recent track record of drafting quality WRs deep dynasty owners should keep an eye on Brown.
| PIT - Two picks signed - |
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed third-round pick WR Markus Wheaton and fifth-round pick CB Terry Hawthorne to four-year deals.
Footballguys view: Wheaton is one of our favorite WRs in this draft class. He's fast, can track the ball downfield, and is quick in and out of his breaks. Wheaton will help pick up the slack now that Mike Wallace has moved on in free agency.
| PIT - Talking deal with Emmanuel Sanders - |
The Pittsburgh Steelers have opened talks with WR Emmanuel Sanders about a long-term deal.
Footballguys view: The Steelers need to find a way to get a deal done with Sanders. They matched the Patriots restricted free agent offer and Sanders is thus on a one-year deal worth $2.5MM. With Mike Wallace (Dolphins) moving on in free agency we'll see Sanders get a big opportunity as the Steelers WR2. With is durability issues we'll see the Steelers cautiously approach this negotiation.
| PIT - Jarvis Jones limited - |
Pittsburgh Steelers LB Jarvis Jones (hamstring), the team's first-round draft pick, was limited during practice Wednesday, May 22, due to lingering hamstring issues that he suffered while trying to prep for the NFL Draft. His injury isn't serious.
Footballguys view: Speed is the name of the game with Jones. The Steelers will be cautious with their new edge rusher as he deals with this injury.
| PIT - Heath Miller uncertain about return - |
Pittsburgh Steelers TE Heath Miller (knee) said he is happy with the progress he has made in his recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament but is not sure when he will be able to return. He said he has started to run as part of his rehab.
Footballguys view: Miller could return by the start of the regular season. We'll have more clarity on this situation as we get into training camp.
| PIT - Ben Roethlisberger happy with offensive changes - |
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has voiced his happiness over the direction of the team's new offense this offseason. 'There've been some changes this offseason in some of the offensive philosophies, playbook and some things that I think are good,' Roethlisberger said. 'It's some compromise from all the different position coaches, the running back coaches, the line and quarterback coaches. I think we've taken a little bit of everything and made it a lot better.'
Footballguys view: We'll see if year two in the Todd Haley offense is better for Roethlisberger and the Steelers. The team needs to feature more downfield passing which is not a Haley specialty but plays to the strength of their QB.
| PIT - Troy Polamalu says injury could have need avoided - |
Pittsburgh Steelers SS Troy Polamalu (calf) said he believes the calf injury that forced him to miss more than half of the 2012 season could have been avoided. 'There are times when people fall on my knee, and those type of freak accidents that can't be avoided. Last year was the first injury of my career that could've been avoided,' Polamalu said. He has been dealing with calf issues since 2009, but found a physical therapist to break up the scar tissue in the calf.
| PIT - Troy Polamalu will attend OTAs - |
Pittsburgh Steelers SS Troy Polamalu will attend the team's organized team activities that start Tuesday, May 21. Polamalu is in the best shape of his NFL career.
| PIT - Vince Williams signed - |
The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed sixth-round draft choice LB Vince Williams. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Footballguys view: Williams has good upper body strength and packs a big punch when he tackles an opponent. He's known as a hard worker and a hustle player who can fly all over the field.
| PIT - Uncertain if Troy Polamalu will attend - |
Pittsburgh Steelers SS Troy Polamalu has a history of blowing off the voluntary portion of spring drills to train with his guru, Marv Marinovich, in the Los Angeles area. Last season, Polamalu went through most of the spring practice with his teammates - and then missed nine games with injuries. It's uncertain if Polamalu will attend organized team activities (OTAs), which begin Tuesday, May 21.
Footballguys view: The team needs Polamalu to stay healthy this year. They're simply a different (worse) team without him on the field.
| PIT - New faces on defense - |
When organized team activities (OTAs) open Tuesday, May 21, the Pittsburgh Steelers will have at least three new faces among the starters. LB Jason Worilds is in for the departed James Harrison (Bengals) at outside lineback, NT Steve McLendon is in for free-agent Casey Hampton at nose tackle, and CB Cortez Allen takes over for CB Keenan Lewis (Saints) at cornerback.
| PIT - Emmanuel Sanders projected to start - |
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Emmanuel Sanders is projected to take over the spot of departed WR Mike Wallace (Dolphins) at split end, at least for one year.
Footballguys view: No surprise here. Sanders has to stay healthy this year as durability has been a problem with him in the past. He should be able to hold off rookie Markus Wheaton for the starting job.
| PIT - Jerricho Cotchery could have bigger role early - |
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Jerricho Cotchery could have a bigger role early in the season as a possession receiver if TE Heath Miller (knee) is not ready to play.
Footballguys view: Cotchery is a seasoned vet who can work the underneath routes to get open. Even if he gets a bigger role due to Miller's knee injury we're not expecting him to be a startable fantasy option in 2013.
| PIT - Le'Veon Bell's understanding of offense will decide role - |
Pittsburgh Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell's chance at starting this season will be determined by how quickly he will be able to pick up the offense. If Bell struggles to learn the offense, RB Jonathan Dwyer or RB Isaac Redman could start.
Footballguys view: Like all rookies Bell must prove that he knows the playbook and can pass protect. Bell is the favorite to win the starting job in training camp. He has build up speed and can make defenders miss in the open field. Bell lacks instant power but is tough to bring down when he builds a head of steam.
| PIT - Markus Wheaton will miss workouts - |
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Markus Wheaton will not be able to participate in any of the offseason workouts because Oregon State does not finish classes until after the end of organized team activities.
Footballguys view: Wheaton is one of our favorite receivers in this draft class. He's got speed, body control, and strong hands. Wheaton is a savvy route runner who can gain separation and make difficult catches seem routine.
| PIT - Plaxico Burress has Mark Sanchez's back - |
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Plaxico Burress, who also played for the New York Jets in 2011, said QB Mark Sanchez could improve in the future. 'I think he will turn the corner and become a good quarterback in the league,' Burress said. '... I've said that from Day One. But he has to just go out and put it together. I believe that he will.'
Footballguys view: Burress takes the opposite position of Panthers WR Steve Smith who said Sanchez 'sucked' and he wouldn't let him throw a 'paper bag sandwich' to him. Sanchez has his fair share of doubters around the league and within the organization. There are some who say he's regressed as a passer over the last few years and lacks the confidence to be an effective starter.
| PIT - Shamarko Thomas signs - |
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed fourth-round pick SS Shamarko Thomas to a four-year deal.
Footballguys view: Thomas is essentially Bob Sanders 2.0 (former Colts) because of his small stature but ability to crush opponents. He's a hyper aggressive player who understands angles and can get to the ball in a hurry. He's known as a high motor player who can make the big hits that energize the rest of his team. Shamarko does need to play with more control as sometimes he'll overrun plays because of his aggression.
| PIT - Want to see Reggie Dunn as punt returner - |
Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said team knows WR Reggie Dunn is a good kick returner but would like to see him as a punt returner. 'We know what he can do as a kickoff returner, we're anxious to see how he can handle punts. He really didn't do a lot of punt returns at Utah because they had others who were, quite honestly, better during his time there. We're excited because the speed (is something) you can't teach. You have to give that young man the opportunity to prove what he can or can't do on the field,' Colbert said.
| PIT - Sean Spence making progress - |
Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said LB Sean Spence (knee) is making slow progress in his rehab from a major knee injury. Colbert said the team hopes he will fully recover at some point.
| PIT - Landry Jones struggles on the move - |
Since the start of the 2010 season Landry Jones completed 27.4% of his passes with two touchdowns and five interceptions when forced to scramble out of the pocket.
Footballguys view: Jones was added in the fourth-round to be a developmental prospect behind Ben Roethlisberger and Bruce Gradkowski. He's got the size, experience, and arm strength to be a quality pro. However, he needs to improve his accuracy and decision making if he wants to play up to his potential.
| PIT - Wheaton a big play threat - |
In 2012 Steelers rookie WR Markus Wheaton had 21 receptions, on passes of 15 yards or longer, which ranked 2nd in Pac-12 last year behind Marqise Lee (USC).
Footballguys view: Mike Wallace who? That's what the Steelers are hoping Wheaton makes fans say. Wheaton is fast like Wallace but a more natural receiver who does a good job of adjusting to poorly thrown passes. He'll compete for playing time as the Steelers third WR behind Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders in 2013.
| PIT - Unlikely to re-sign Max Starks - |
The Pittsburgh Steelers likely will not look to re-sign free-agent OT Max Starks after adding OT Guy Whimper.
Footballguys view: The Steelers are moving on from Starks and want more cohesive play from the offensive line. He could draw interest from a team like the Chargers.
| PIT - Rookie Jones hurries the QB - |
Steelers rookie OLB Jarvis Jones led all AQ defenders last year with 15 quarterback hurries. A QBH is defined as a passing play where the quarterback is flushed from the pocket or hurries his throw due to pressure.
Footballguys view: Jones was added in the first-round to boost the Steelers pass rush. He'll start opposite LaMarr Woodley and will fill the shoes of James Harrison (Bengals) who moved on in free agency. His speed and ability to bend the edge will make him an immediate impact player for Pittsburgh.
| PIT - Landry Jones not looking to replace Ben Roethlisberger - |
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Landry Jones said his main goal is to simply gain an understanding of the team's offense and not one day replace QB Ben Roethlisberger as the team's starting quarterback. 'I have no idea,' Jones said. 'You might want to talk to the coaches or Mr. Rooney on that one, what they want to do. I'm just here to learn football. They give me an opportunity to come play.' General manager Kevin Colbert and head coach Mike Tomlin insist the team did not draft Jones as the quarterback of the future but to provide a youth movement at the position.
Footballguys view: Jones is a developmental quarterback for the Steelers and will be third-string behind Roethlisberger and Bruce Gradkowski. He has the arm talent to make all the throws required in the NFL but needs to improve his footwork and make better decisions as a passer.
| PIT - Two players released - |
The Pittsburgh Steelers have released C Ivory Wade and DT Anthony Rashad White.
| PIT - Two players signed - |
The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed free-agent OT Guy Whimper (Jaguars) and undrafted free-agent LB Terence Garvin (West Virginia). Terms of the contracts were not disclosed.
| PIT - Heath Miller on schedule in rehab - |
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said TE Heath Miller (knee) is on schedule in his recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
Footballguys view: Good news for the Steelers here. Miller is a quality veteran and a key piece to the Steelers passing game. He finished 2012 as the fourth best fantasy TE because of his 71 catches, 816 yards, and eight touchdowns.
| PIT - LaMarr Woodley working out - |
Pittsburgh Steelers LB LaMarr Woodley said he has been working out this season in hopes to avoid the injuries he suffered during the 2012 season. 'My offseason is going great. I'm looking forward to getting back with the team in a few weeks,' Woodley said. 'I've been training since the middle of February. ... It was a disappointing season being 8-8 and not making the playoffs. It was disappointing at the end of the day.' There were some criticisms about Woodley's fitness last season.
Footballguys view: Woodley needs to stay healthy as the team lost fellow pass rusher James Harrison (Bengals) in free agency. They need Woodley to help groom new outside linebacker Jarvis Jones. The team selected Jones in the first-round of the 2013 NFL draft and has high hopes for the rookie.
| PIT - Jarvis Jones not comparing himself to former LB - |
Pittsburgh Steelers LB Jarvis Jones said he is not looking to compare himself to Cincinnati Bengals LB James Harrison, who he is replacing, and is working on becoming a better player. 'I don't compare myself in any way to James Harrison,' Jones said. 'He's a great player and I respect him. I've never met him but I love his game. I wouldn't mind being an impact player like James Harrison, but I'm just continuing to do what my coaches ask me to do and continuing to better myself as a player.'
Footballguys view: Jones is an athletic phenomenon who uses speed moves to get after the quarterback. He used finesse (speed, spin or twist) moves on 11 of his 14.5 sacks, the highest total among AQ players rated 75 or higher by Scouts Inc.
| PIT - Coach believes Sean Spence will play again - |
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said he believes LB Sean Spence (knee) will be able to play again once he recovers from his serious knee injury.
| PIT - Rookie Jones a finesse rusher - |
Steelers first-round pick Jarvis Jones (Georgia) used a finesse move (speed, spin, twist) on 11 of his 14.5 sacks in 2012.
Footballguys view: Jones is an elite edge rusher because of his speed, quickness, and natural bend. He can be controlled at the point of attack and could add five or ten pounds of muscle to hold up better against the run. Jones should win the starting job over Jason Worilds to line up opposite LaMarr Woodley.
| PIT - Shamarko Thomas expected to be used at FS - |
The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to use S Shamarko Thomas at free safety because that position calls the defensive backfield signals, which is something he did in college. Defensive backs coach Carnell Lake said the team could also use Thomas to cover slot recievers.
Footballguys view: Thomas was a great pick by the Steelers. He reminds many in the scouting community of Bob Sanders (former Colts) because of his tenacity and nose for the football. Thomas rarely hesitates and trusts his diagnostic skills as the play unfolds in front of him. He plays with great energy, a high motor, and should be an impact player for the Steelers from day one.
| PIT - Unsure if Vince Williams is three-down player - |
Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers coach Keith Butler said the team will use training camp to determine whether LB Vince Williams is a two-down player or three-down player.
Footballguys view: Williams was a two down thumper at Florida State. He can stack and shed at the point of attack and does a good job as a chase tackler. Williams will get caught peeking in the backfield too much and sometimes overrun plays. He lacks the ideal range to be effective in coverage.
| PIT - Rookie RB Bell Gets Big Yards After Contact - |
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie RB Le'Veon Bell is known for getting big yards after contact. In fact, last year he lead all AQ runners with 921 yards after contact. Montee Ball (Broncos) was second with 887, and Jonathan Franklin (Packers) was fourth with 765.
Footballguys view: The Steelers need a punishing runner who can be the workhorse they've been missing for years. Bell has the size (6'2" 230) to be a grinder, but also has the athleticism to be effective in the open field. He should be the Steelers lead RB in 2013.
| PIT - Tyler Bray thought he would be drafted - |
The father of Kansas City Chiefs QB Tyler Bray, Jeff Bray, said the Pittsburgh Steelers told his son they would select him in the NFL Draft. The Steelers, however, would eventually select QB Landry Jones.
Footballguys view: Bray went undrafted but the Chiefs scooped him up as a priority free agent after the draft. He's got a rocket arm but maturity and motivation questions abound. He'll compete with Ricky Stanzi to be the team's third string QB behind Alex Smith and Chase Daniel.
| PIT - Emmanuel Sanders explains offensive struggles - |
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Emmanuel Sanders said the team was not on the same page offensively, and that it was obvious, even though it was was not because of the running game. 'I like Jonathan Dwyer. We had a new offensive coordinator. At times, we weren't on the same page. And that's obvious,' Sanders said.
Footballguys view: Hopefully year two in the Todd Haley system will be better. It will help the entire offense if they can run between the tackles with greater effectiveness. Last year they averaged 3.5 YPC between the tackles, a full yard lower than their average in 2011.
| PIT - Isaac Redman could have edge in No. 2 RB job - |
Pittsburgh Steelers RB Isaac Redman appears to have an edge over RB Jonathan Dwyer for the No. 2 running back job at this point.
Footballguys view: Redman is a favorite of the coaching staff and can be relied on as veteran depth. The team should start rookie Le'Veon Bell at the running back position. Bell is seen as a full time back so Redman is unlikely to produce much for fantasy owners.
| PIT - LaRod Stephens-Howling could see time on third down - |
The Pittsburgh Steelers added RB LaRod Stephens-Howling to primarily be a kick returner, but he could also see playng time on third downs. He may have to compete with RB Baron Batch for a roster spot during training camp.
Footballguys view: Stephens-Howling will give the team a nice change of pace back behind Le'Veon Bell. He proved last year that he could carry a bigger workload if need be and can be effective as a return man as well.
More LaRod Stephens-Howling info
| PIT - See Le'Veon Bell as every-down player - |
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley said the team sees RB Le'Veon Bell as a three-down running back. Haley said Bell was the top running back on the team's draft board.
Footballguys view: Bell is a three down player. He's a good receiver out of the backfield even though he measures in at 6'2" 230 pounds. Bell has the athleticism to line up in the slot if Haley really wants to get creative. We like his footwork and agility in the open field. Bell is an impressive runner in space but needs to show more instant power if the hole isn't there.
| PIT - Veteran P signed - |
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed free-agent P Brian Moorman (Cowboys) Tuesday, April 30. Terms of the deal were undisclosed. He is expected to compete with P Drew Butler for starting job during the offseason and training camp.
| PIT - Bert Reed cut - |
The Pittsburgh Steelers released WR Bert Reed Tuesday, April 30.
| PIT - Markus Wheaton to play multiple spots - |
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley said he expects third-round pick WR Markus Wheaton to play both inside and outside. The team likes the speed he possesses.
Footballguys view: We love the addition of Wheaton in Pittsburgh. He's got the speed and quickness to get off the line of scrimmage in a hurry. Wheaton is adept at catching the ball in stride and is dangerous after the catch because of his strong plant foot explosion when he makes a break.
| PIT - Met with Brian Moorman - |
The Pittsburgh Steelers recently met with free-agent P Brian Moorman (Cowboys).
| PIT - Jarvis Jones will have chance to win job - |
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said LB Jarvis Jones will be given the opportunity to win one of the starting outside linebacker jobs. 'Obviously it is difficult when you have established veteran players like we have with a lot of continuity. We are not going to close the door on him or anyone else on earning an opportunity, and that is what this is about. This is about people taking advantage of opportunities so he'll be given that,' Tomlin said.
Footballguys view: The Steelers know how to draft and develop pass rushers. Jones has the natural athleticism to bend around the corner and the closing speed to zero in on the quarterback. He's known as a speed player but has to learn how to disengage for blocker and add power to his repertoire.
| PIT - Meeting with Winston Justice - |
The Pittsburgh Steelers are meeting with free-agent OT Winston Justice (Colts) Monday, April 29.
| PIT - Were concerned about Eddie Lacy's injury - |
The Pittsburgh Steelers did not select RB Eddie Lacy (toe) in the 2013 NFL Draft because his big toe has been fused and they were concerned about the injury. Lacy was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the second round.
Footballguys view: This would explain why the best running back on film fell to the end of the second round. The Packers curiously took another top running back who fell too far in the fourth round - Johnathan Franklin of UCLA - so they might have their own concerns about him.
| PIT - 15 rookie FAs added - |
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed undrafted free agents DE Brian Arnfelt, LB Alan Baxter, G Nik Embernate, WR Reggie Dunn, OT Mike Farrell, OT Mike Golic, DE Cordian Hagans, G Chris Hubbard, DT Omar Hunter, LS Luke Ingram, C Joe Madsen, RB Curtis McNeal, C Ivory Wade, DT Anthony Rashad White and WR J.D. Woods Saturday, April 27.
| PIT - Sean Spence unlikely to play in 2013 - |
Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers coach Keith Butler said LB Sean Spence (knee) likely will not be able to play during the 2013 season.
| PIT - Jonathan Dwyer on block - |
The Pittsburgh Steelers are believed to be looking to trade RB Jonathan Dwyer.
| PIT - Markus Wheaton picked No. 79 overall - |
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Oregon State WR Markus Wheaton with the No. 79 overall selection in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Footballguys view: Wheaton was productive in college and able to take advantage of the short passing, quick hit offense of Oregon State. His build is a bit thin and it remains to be seen if he can withstand the beating he'll get at the Pro Level.
