Steelers Veteran Corner Will Allen Goes To Dallas
Today, the Steelers lost yet another veteran. Last season, Allen started for the injured Troy Polamalu playing in seven games.
Allen was drafted by the New York Giants in 2001 in the first round where he played five seasons from 2001 to 2005. Subsequently, he also played for the Dolphins, Patriots and Tampa. He joined the Steelers in March of 2010.
Steelers Reported To Be Interested In Former Giant Bradshaw
Steelers Sign TE Matt Spaeth
Two years ago, TE Matt Spaeth signed with Da Bears as a free agent. Today, he's a Steeler once again.
"It means so much to be back...It's like home for me," said Spaeth immediately upon his return.
Spaeth was a third-round draft pick in 2007. After playing with Chicago for two years, he was released by the team on March 13. He said it was an easy decision returning to Pittsburgh.
Will James Harrison Return To the Steelers?
Corner Keenan Lewis Signs With The Saints
Late today, word came down from the Steelers that Corner Keenan Lewis signed with New Orleans for a reported $26.3 million including a $10.5 million signing bonus.
Lewis, a New Orleans native, was a third round draft pick in 2009. At 26, the Saints are getting a player in the prime of his career.
This makes Lewis the fifth Steelers starter who will not be returning for the 2013 season with the loss of Harrison, Colon (released), Mendenhall and Wallace.
Also:
Pittsburgh Native Bruce Gradkowski Signed By Steelers
Today the Steelers announced the signing of 30 year-old QB Bruce Gradkowski to a 3 year deal. It's been clear that Roethlisberger needed a primary backup. It appears that Gradkowski will fit into that roll. With his signing, Leftwich will most likely not be resigned.
Gradkowski played with the Bengals last season and appeared in five games. Prior to the Bengals, he played for Oakland, Cleveland and Tampa Bay. He brings a 6-14 record to the Steelers with a weak career completion record of 52.9. The upside? He's considered a tough player when called upon. He was drafted in the sixth round by Tampa Bay in 2006. He started 11 games that season as a rookie taking over for the injured Chris Simms. In 37 career games, Gradkowski completed 375 or 709 passes for 4,057 yards with 21 touchdowns and 24 interceptions.
"To grow up as a kid {in Pittsburgh} and think one day I would be playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers, it's a dream come true," said Gradkowski.
Mendenhall Signed With Cardinals
ESPN Confirms Wallace Signed With Dolphins
Earlier today, ESPN confirmed WR Mike Wallace signed with the Miami Dolphins. The deal is reported to be $60 million over five years with $30 mil in guarantees.
Wallace was a third-round draft choice in 2009 out of Mississippi. Wallace led the Steelers in receiving touchdowns the last two seasons.
Guard Ramon Foster To Remain A Steeler
It was close. But before Ramon Foster had a chance to become a free agent, he agreed to remain a Steeler.
"I didn't want to go anywhere, " said Foster. "The history of the Steelers is something that went into it," he added obviously happy with his decision to remain in the Steel City.
Steelers Release Guard Willie Colon
To make room under the salary cap, Steelers released Guard Willie Colon. In addition, Yardbarker is reporting Steelers plan on re-signing Plaxico Burress to a one-year deal.
Yarkbarker, ESPN, Pittsburgh Steelers.com, CBS Sports
Steelers Release Linebacker James Harrison
Five-time Pro Bowler James Harrison was released today.
"It's been a great run but all good things must come to an end...Thank you Steelers nation I will miss you all," posted Harrison on his Twitter account earlier today.
Harrison was scheduled to make $5.7 million in 2013 and $7.6 in 2014. With his release, Steelers created $5.1 million in cap space. It was the first cap move made by the team this offseason.
Steelers need to get under the expanded $123 million salary cap by this Tuesday. Roethlisberger and Timmons have already restructured their contracts (see previous posts).
"James has played a major role in the success of this organization during his time in Pittsburgh, " said Coach Tomlin.
Last year, Harrison recorded 6 sacks in 13 games down from 9 the previous year. As AP Defensive Player of the Year in 2008, he recorded a high of 16 in 15 games. Harrison was signed as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2002.
Harrison helped the Steelers in two Super Bowl wins with the longest interception return in Super Bowl history of 100 yards in Super Bowl LXIII.
ESPN, Steelers.com, Yardbarker
William Gay Signed Back Home
Veteran corner William Gay agreed to a 3 year-deal with the Steelers. The move should give the Steelers some insurance if unrestricted free agent Keenan Lewis decides to play somewhere else. Gay had expected to play with Arizona another season but was released last Friday. According to reports, Gay never even sold his condo because of his love of Pittsburgh. "I'm happy to be home," said Gay.
Harrison Still Playing Coy
As reported last week, Steelers have restructured several contracts. James Harrison continues to be hesitant about restructuring his $6.5 million contract. According to his agent, both sides have been working hard to work something out. Harrison will be 35 in two months.
The good news? They are still talking.
Dick LeBeau: Steelers Health Key To 2013
LeBeau is making it very clear: to be successful this coming season and continue to have a shot at the Super Bowl, the Steelers need to remain healthy especially the offensive line.
It's clear the Steelers still have a talented roster. However, if they continue to experience injuries like the did last season (Polamalu, Woodley, Roethlisberger, and other key players), the coming season could be a struggle. There is scuttlebutt of the Steelers pursuing a new conditioning coach.
Steelblitz, Steelers.com, SportsOverdose
