Ed Bouchette reports that running back Frank Summers has been working out daily and is recovering nicely from back surgery. Summers could be in the plans as a short yardage guy if he has a great camp.
Bouchette also reports that head coach Mike Tomlin is not high on USC safety Taylor Mays and that with the offseason signings and re-signings, the Steelers no longer have an interest in drafting a safety on the first round.
Florida center Maurkice Pouncey has scheduled a pre draft visit and workout with the Steelers this month. Pouncey could work at guard and be the heir apparent at center when Justin Hartwig is done.
On Friday, Steelers free agent running back Willie Parker, signed a one-year contract with the Washington Redskins. Parker joins a crowded backfield of Clinton Portis and Larry Johnson, but did get Donovan McNabb as his new quarterback on Easter Sunday. Redskins new head coach Mike Shanahan has a history of going with the back with the hot hand that does not fumble, so Parker will indeed have a shot at starting at some point in 2010.
The Browns made a little noise on Friday as they sent backup linebacker Alex Hall and a fourth and fifth-round pick to the Eagles for cornerback Sheldon Brown and outside linebacker Chris Gocong. Both players should start in Cleveland's 3-4 defense.
Steelers.com continues their segment on draft day memories leading up to the 2010 draft. This week it is Mike Wallace who recants what that day almost a year was like for him.
The woman that is suing Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes over a March 7th nightclub incident has changed her mind and now wants criminal charges filed against him. Anshonae Mills originally declined to press charges and stated that she didn't want to get Holmes in trouble. Police have decided to re-activate the case that was closed on Tuesday of this week. Holmes' lawyer is turning up the heat as well. Looks like another soap opera like story line that will play out through the Summer.
Ed Bouchette reports that free agent running back Willie Parker talked to Steelers coach Mike Tomlin this week, and would not rule out a return to the Steelers. Parker described his feelings as "a little salty," not bitter, and that he definitely is not ready to retire. The Steelers could really use the depth and experience Parker would offer.
Scott Brown has a little closer look at the 13 pre draft visitors that the Steelers have brought to Pittsburgh so far. The Steelers will not bring in any more visitors until after Easter, but we have a list of those that are confirmed to come soon.
 |
 |
LYNN SWANN SIGNED FULL SIZE USC TROJANS HELMET STEELERS |  |
3 Bids | US $42.50 | 22m |
 |
Lynn Swann SB 10 touchdown catch photo c370 | |
 |
US $5.00 | 38m |
 |
SPORTS ILLUSTRATED 1/26/76 LYNN SWANN ON COVER STEELERS | |
0 Bid | US $.99 | 41m |
Wide receiver Hines Ward shares his pre draft story with Teresa Varley of Steelers.com. Leading up to the draft, this will be a regular feature on the team's website. Ward states that he thought Tampa Bay or Indianapolis would be the team that drafted him.
NFL.com Senior Analyst, Pat Kirwan list the AFC team-by-team draft needs. He list the Steelers needing CB, DE, QB, RB and LT. He seems to forget a future center and younger safety. I also do not see quarterback and running back as needs, regardless of the Roethlisberger situation. Pat missed the boat on this one.
Hall of Fame Steelers wide receiver Lynn Swann will be walking around the Masters next weekend in his green jacket as he is a new member of Augusta National Golf Club.
I had to add one extra item as Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman was punked by Rich Eisen and the NFL Total Access crew yesterday on April Fools day. Watch the video below:
Another day, another development in the Ben Roethlisberger story. The The 20-year-old female student who accused Roethlisberger of sexually assaulting her will now meet with investigators, according to one of her attorneys. This is the same woman who yesterday was reported as being uncooperative in getting interviewed again by the authorities. She certainly isn't helping her case as of late.
Kelly Naqi of ESPN, reports another part of the he said, she said story. This story revolves around one of the men in Ben's entourage, guarding the door to the bathroom and not letting a friend of the accuser past him.
Tribune-Review writer Scott Brown wrote on his blog yesterday that running back Willie Parker could return to the Steelers as he has not not generated much interest on the free agent market thus far. I also wrote about this as well over a week ago. While it is still pretty much speculation on both of our parts, it certainly becomes more likely each day he is not signed elsewhere.
As I reported on Twitter yesterday, the Steelers have scheduled a pre draft visit with University of Maryland cornerback Nolan Carroll for next week according to sources. Ed Thompson has reported that William & Mary defensive end Adrian Tracy and cornerback Kareem Jackson from Alabama will also visit the Steelers in the coming weeks.
Steelers free safety Ryan Clark debated with Skip Bayless, on ESPN's First Take, about Ben Roethlisberger's off field issues and how much of a distraction it will or will not be. The video is below.
Steelers cornerback William Gay talked to Steelers.com Teresa Varley about offseason workouts and preparing for the 2010 season. Gay is a restricted free agent that the Steelers placed a tender on. So far he has garnered no interest from other teams as expected.
The lawyer representing Andrea McNulty in the Ben Roethlisberger Nevada case may let McNulty talk to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation concerning the Georgia case. Seems both need info to build their cases against Ben. Long ways to go I assume, but this is getting tiresome.
Steelers unrestricted free agent running back Willie Parker is scheduled to visit the Rams today. I would be very surprised if he is signed to a deal before the weekend. In fact he very well could be thinking about a return to Pittsburgh by now.
The Steelers have scheduled pre draft visits with Penn State linebackers Navorro Bowman and linebacker Sean Lee. Illinois wide receiver Arrelious Benn has a visit scheduled as well.
Ed Bouchette's Steelers chat transcript from Tuesday is up for your reading pleasure. Ed addresses a few of the rumors going around as only Ed can.
Art Rooney, the president of the Pittsburgh Steelers, delivered the evening address at the 105th Annual St. Patrick's Day dinner for the Friendly Sons.
Roethlisberger is officially a part of pop culture now as he was included in the season premier of South Park. The episode centered around rich celebrities with sex addictions. As you can imagine, Tiger Woods was the main focus. You can watch the clip here.
The 3rd and final installment of the interview with defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is up on Steelers.com. Bob Labriola discusses his playing days as a defensive back for the Detroit Lions.
The writing was on the wall that running back Willie Parker would go the way of free agency after the 2009 season. The Steelers had already anointed Rashard Mendenhall the starter and Wille still thinks he has what it takes to be a starter in the league. Parker, however has gotten the cold shoulder since the start of free agency. He had a visit with the Redskins early in March and was scheduled to visit Kansas City before Thomas Jones signed last week. The Redskins since have opted to sign Larry Johnson as well.
Now on Thursday, FWP is scheduled to visit St. Louis. The same St. Louis where another #39 already sits entrenched as the starter in the form of Steven Jackson. Parker surely has surrendered the thought that wherever he signs he will not be the starter. At this point, he likely would just like to have an offer to gauge his value. Now, we do not know for sure whether or not he has received one, but signs are pointing to him not getting one this offseason. Parker is currently the highest profile unrestricted free agent on the market. If no deal is struck with the Rams or any other team by the weekend, Parker will likely be without a team until after the draft in April.
Could Pittsburgh still be an option? Of course it could be. Steelers GM Kevin Colbert has said so in so many words, but it would be for the right price and the right role. Depending on if the Steelers address the running back position in the draft, could also mean that Parker might not be assured a roster spot in 2010, but if he signed before the draft, it would help his chances.
The last and most likely scenario would be for Parker to stay in shape and wait until an injury happens to a starter. There is no guarantee, but as the season gets started, the more desperate teams get because of injury and with no salary cap, Parker could probably demand a higher price the longer he waits. Time is ticking for sure and the road is a bit clearer for a return to Pittsburgh if Willie wants to come back for one more season. I wouldn't throw away those #39 jerseys just yet as the Steelers have been getting the gang back together as of late.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has the latest on the Ben Roethlisberger sexual assault allegations and says one more witness remains to be interviewed along with Big Ben. We should know in a few days or so whether or nor Ben will be charged with any crime.
The Steelers coaching staff and scouts are down in Florida for the well anticipated Pro Day of the Florida Gators. Tim Tebow, Joe Haden, Carlos Dunlap, Maurkice Pouncey, Brandon Spikes and Major Wright are the big names getting the pre draft attention today.
Kevin Colbert admits that the free agency fireworks are likely over for the Steelers now, but is not ruling out talks with their own unrestricted free agents, most notably, Charlie Batch and Willie Parker.
Our old friend Joey Porter will be visiting Redskins Park on Thursday, according to a league source to see if he fits the 3-4 needs of the Redskins. Remember that the Redskins new linebackers coach, Lou Spanos, was a longtime Pittsburgh assistant coach.
Kelly Davies, from Access Athletes, has an excellent interview with Steelers second year running back Frank Summers. The Tank hopes to be recovered from a herniated disc and is training hard getting ready for training camp.
Steelers.com has part 2 of the fantastic sit down interview with new Hall of Famer, Dick LeBeau. Make sure you watch all of these as Bob Labriola does a great job on these.
Incoming search terms for the article:
- ben roethlisberger
Carl Prine of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has some what of a time line going on the night Ben Roethlisberger was accused of sexual assault. What does all this mean? Absolutely nothing other than Ben likes sushi.
As we reported last night, free agent linebacker Larry Foote is in town today and likely will be signed back to the Black & Gold by the end of the day if things go as expected.
I am not too sure what the Browns are doing, but I like it. They have signed quarterback Jake Delhomme and sent a conditional 2011 draft choice to the Seahawks for quarterback Seneca Wallace. They also traded quarterback Brady Quinn to the Broncos for some donuts or some type of food. Keep up the great offseason work, Cleveland.
|
 |
LARRY FOOTE (PITTSBURGH STEELERS) FOOTBALL MINI HELMET | |
|
US $155.00 | 2h 15m |
 |
LARRY FOOTE AUTOGRAPHED WILSON NFL FOOTBALL STEELERS!! | |
0 Bid | US $39.99 | 3h 19m |
 |
Larry Foote Auto Photo 8 X 10 with COA, Steelers SB XL | |
|
US $20.00 | 12h 24m |
Now that LaDainian Tomlinson has signed with the Jets on Sunday, you should finally see our free agent running back Willie Parker get some more looks. It will not be the money he thought he was going to get at the start of free agency and you have to think returning to Pittsburgh is now in the back of his head.
Free agent center Kevin Mawae was unanimously re-elected as president of the NFL Players Association during the union's board of player representatives meeting Saturday. Now if Mawae could only find a team. He would look great backing up Justin Hartwig, but we all know that will not happen.
Steelers.com own Bob Labriola sat down for an exclusive interview with defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau recently to discuss his playing days as a defensive back for the Detroit Lions. Part 1 of 3 is below.
Yesterday, Dan Gigler of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette posted some final thoughts and videos on free agents Ryan Clark, Willie Parker and DeShea Townsend. All three are now considered former Steelers and are free to sign elsewhere
Speaking of Willie, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have already shown interest in Parker. It is still early in the game, but Tampa surely could be one of the few final destinations for FWP.
The Steelers are lining up a few free agent visitors of their own as 49ers free agent wide receiver Arnaz Battle is coming in for a visit this weekend to Pittsburgh.
Another player to be rumored to be on the Steelers radar is former New England Patriots free agent cornerback Leigh Bodden. The problem is that several teams are also interested in Bodden and the price tag will be too high for the Black and Gold.
Former Steelers wide receiver Antwaan Randle El was cut loose by the Redskins on Thursday. El signed a seven-year contract worth $31 million that included $11.5 million in bonuses following the Super Bowl 40 season.
The Fort Cherry alumni play the Pittsburgh Steelers basketball team tonight at 8 p.m. at Fort Cherry High School. Among the Steelers players scheduled to be there are James Harrison, Charlie Batch, Deshea Townsend and Rashard Mendenhall. It will be interesting if indeed Batch and Townsend are there as they both are free agents.
The Steelers 2009 season showed many holes that the Steelers need to address during the 2010 NFL draft. Below I will list I what I feel the draft needs are going into the draft. These are in no particular order and I will have my mock draft up pretty soon in the coming days.
Nose Tackle - Regardless if the Steelers decide to franchise Casey Hampton or not, the Steelers need a young 3-4 nose tackle in waiting. There are rumblings a future shift to a 4-3 defense may be coming in future years, but I do not see this happening while Dick LeBeau is still in charge of the defense. If one is drafted, you could see one that is a bit lighter and mobile that could transition into a 4-3 interior defensive tackle.
Inside Linebacker - James Farrior has definetly lost a step. A 3 down inside linebacker that has leadership qualities is needed badly. One that can play the pass as well as the run. A future captain for the defense could very well be drafted this year and play both inside and outside while delivering on special teams in his rookie year.
Cornerback - The Steelers drafred Joe Burnett and Keenan Lewis in 2009. Burnett is still learning and Lewis barely saw the field. Neither showed qualities of being a shut down corner. William Gay and old man Deshea Townsend are both free agents and both are only fringe nickel corners at best if either are brought back.
Safety - Other than Troy Polamalu, the Steelers are weak at the both strong and free safety. Ryan Clark and Tyrone Carter are both free agents and even if Clark is brought back, father time has caught up with him. You could see both a strong and free safety addressed in the draft. Hopefully both are hitters who can make an instant impact on special teams.
Offensive Line - You can never have enough good offensive linemen. The Steelers have 4 of the 5 starters under contract and Ramon Foster proved he can be a swing guy. A left tackle that can play both sides early on would be a welcome sight. A center needs to be groomed for the future as well.
Running Back - Rashard Mendenhall showed he can fit the role of a 3 down running back, but with Willie Parker likely gone and Mewelde Moore being a 3rd down back only, it leaves the Steelers with a bulky Frank Summers and practice squaders Isaac Redman and Justin Vincent as the only true backups to Mendenhall. If Summers is groomed as a pure fullback, then the Steelers are even thinner at the position.
Right Defensive End - Brett Keisel will be 32 in mid September and Nick Eason is a free agent. A young right defensive end is needed to get groomed fast. Rookie Ziggy Hood is better suited on the left side, but regardless, the defensive line needs younger bodies.
Tight End - Matt Spaeth is a free agent and not a blocking tight end. Heath Miller will be the man for a while, but the other tight ends on the roster are mostly H-Backs. A true duel threat tight end that can both block and catch should be addressed. If nothing else for depth in case Miller were to go down or need a breather.
Incoming search terms for the article:
- pittsburgh steeler rookie 2010 draft highlights
- frank summers steelers 2010
- Steelers 2010
- steelers draft needs
- steelers draft 2010
- STEELERS 2010 DRAFT
- pittsburgh steelers 2010 draft choices
- 2010 steelers draft choices
- NAMES OF 5 PEOPLE ON DEFENCE 5 PEOPLE ON OFFENCE FOR THE STEELERS
- how will the steelers do in 2010
It's that time of year again. Here is a closer look at the 2010 Steelers free agents list as we head into the offseason. I listed the probability of their return with a brief summary of the player. The 3 most high profile free agents are Casey Hampton, Jeff Reed and Willie Colon. I also noted if they are restricted or unrestricted free agents.
LB Patrick Bailey RFA – Bailey is a special teamer that registered 13 tackles on returns in 2009. He was also part of one of the worst Steelers special teams units in quite a while. Bailey is a coin flip at best to return in 2010. He could be re-signed and brought to camp, but with another draft right around the corner, he likely could be beat out by another rookie linebacker.
Probability of returning: Coin Flip
RT Willie Colon RFA - Because of 2010 looking like an uncapped season, Colon will not qualify to be an unrestricted free agent. With a little more emphasis expected to be on the running game in 2010, Colon likely will be tendered at a first or second round offer in hopes of bringing him back. He also might be considered for a new contract before the start of free agency. Either way, I feel pretty good about him being back on the roster in 2010.
Probability of returning: 75%
RB Carey Davis RFA - Davis was brought back at the end of September when rookie running back Frank Summers was placed on injured reserve with a back injury. Davis was inactive a few games nonetheless and the Steelers will likely just keep his number in the Rolodex.
Probability of returning: 5%
CB William Gay RFA – Big Play William Gay lived up to his name in 2010 by giving up several big plays. At the end of the season veteran Deshea Townsend was having to start in his place. I doubt he will be tendered and will be allowed to sign elsewhere when free agency starts.
(UPDATED February 22nd) I have changed by stance on Gay based on the landscape of free agency and removing my personal bias. It does indeed make since that he will be tendered at some level and better than average shot of being brought back.
Probability of returning: 5% 55%
P Daniel Sepulveda RFA – Sepulveda was a welcome sight to Steelers fans. He did not amaze in 2010, but I can not remember any shanks either. He could be a sought after free agent, but the Steelers likely will tender him high enough to keep him. The last thing the Steelers want to do is to waste a draft pick on a punter or worry about bringing in someone else late in free agency.
Probability of returning: 95%
TE Matt Spaeth RFA – Spaeth is a curious subject and could go either way. He is the only other real pass catching tight end on the roster besides Heath Miller. If he is tendered or resigned, he likely will have some competition in form of a draft pick or free agent signing.
Probability of returning: Coin Flip
C/G Darnell Stapleton RFA – Stapleton never made it out of training camp with a knee injury and spent the season on IR. He is better suited at center, but can play some guard, but not at a high level. The Steelers will likely draft a guard or center in the draft and if Stapleton signs for the minimum, he might be in camp fighting for a roster spot.
Probability of returning: 25%
QB Charlie Batch UFA - Father time tracked down Charlie in 2008. He and Dennis Dixon sprinted past him in 2009. Batch likely will retire and at best be a training camp invite. Based on his veteran minimum, he will be too expensive to be a number 3 in 2010.
Probability of returning: 10%
LB Rocky Boiman UFA – Boiman was brought in late for special teams help and I can't see him being brought back.
Probability of returning: 0%
SS Tyrone Carter UFA – Carter has a history with Tomlin and is much better suited as a backup free safety instead of a backup strong safety. All that said, the Steelers need to get younger in the secondary, so Carter has likely played his last game in Pittsburgh.
Probability of returning: 0%
FS Ryan Clark UFA – Clark has seen his better days and really played below the line in 2009. I can't see the Steelers re-signing him or placing a tag on him. In an uncapped year, Clark can get bigger money elsewhere for his final contract. This one still could really go either way.
Probability of returning: 35%
DE Nick Eason UFA - Eason will be 30 in May and while he showed some glimpses of good play in a few games, he was inactive for several others. He will likely be signed by another team needing backup defensive end help. I doubt he will be back.
Probability of returning: 15%
NT Casey Hampton UFA - Big Snack claims he wants to come back. He made the Pro Bowl this year and will be very upset if he hit with the franchise tag without the promise of working out a bigger contract. He stands to make big money if not tagged and could hold out if he is slapped with an exclusive tag. The Steelers certainly will be looking for another nose tackle early in the draft and that might not set will with him either. If I was a betting man, I say he is gone, but for right now it is a toss up.
Probability of returning: Coin Flip
DE Travis Kirschke UFA - Kirschke will be 36 at the start of the 2010 season. He does not have much left in the tank and will likely sign elsewhere as a reserve.
Probability of returning: 5%
RB Willie Parker UFA - FWP is saying all the right things, but simply will not be back. He also had his best performance in week 17 versus Miami and that alone will get him big money elsewhere. He does not want to be a number 2 to Rashard Mendenhall if brought back. Off he will go to free agency.
Probability of returning: 0%
K Jeff Reed UFA - Despite his off field problems and early season hiccup, Reed was money this year. No one knows Heinz Field like he does and he can win games for the Steelers. He will be a perfect candidate for a transition tag or a new deal. He needs to work on his kickoffs in the offseason.
Probability of returning: 90%
CB Deshea Townsend UFA - I just can't see Townsend being worth any type of money. There are holes in the Steelers secondary and they will be filled with younger bodies in 2010.
Probability of returning: 0%
WR Joey Galloway UFA - Who? Signed for the final 2 games, Galloway never was active. He was merely a veteran to use in case Hines Ward could not heal his hamstrings. Gone for sure.
Probability of returning: 0%
Incoming search terms for the article:
- deshea townsend free agent
- steeler free agents
- Steelers free agency
- who did the steelers pick up in free agency
