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NFL Free Agent Tracker: Keeping tabs on potential signings from Day 2
As players agree to terms new teams, or stay with their old ones, we’ll keep track of who is off the table in free agency.
And so it continues.
The 2023 NFL season is about to get underway, as the first day of the legal tampering period is in the books. But even though the frenzy has slowed down, it is in no way over. Although those who agreed to terms starting at noon on Monday, March 13, those contracts can’t be signed until the 2023 league year kicks off at 4 PM ET on Wednesday.
So the free agent frenzy continues on. Day 1 saw all kinds of news as the NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles saw a number of key departures. Additionally, the Cincinnati Bengals saw their two high-profile safeties sign elsewhere and the a number of ILBs found their homes for the upcoming season. For a quick rundown of all those moves, check out the tracker from yesterday.
Throughout the day, be sure to continue to check in to this article as we will update the major news surrounding free agents and where these players will be landing for 2023. An editorial note, we will always add the latest news at the bottom of the stream of news.
In the meantime, be sure to keep tabs on BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers as they prepare not just for free agency, but the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Bills have restructured the contracts of QB Josh Allen and OLB Von Miller, creating approximately $32M in salary cap space, per source.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 14, 2023The #Falcons make another big move on defense, as former #Saints LB Kaden Elliss is headed to Atlanta, sources say. With seven sacks and 78 tackles in 11 starts, he became a hot free agent. He shined in his opportunity, now cashes in.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2023The #Vikings are signing pass-rusher Marcus Davenport, sources tell me, @MikeGarafolo, and @TomPelissero. He gets a 1-year deal worth $13M. Impressive.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2023A big one for the #Seahawks: Sources say they are expected to sign former #Broncos DT Dre'mont Jones, a huge addition in the middle of their defense.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2023More cap space for the Jets: the team is converting $6M of DL John Franklin-Myers’ base salary into a signing bonus, creating $4.8M in 2023 cap space, per source.
Now we see what they will use that cap space on…
The #Bears' big spending day continues. They've agreed to a deal with former #Titans DE DeMarcus Walker, per his agents @NessMugrabi, @brian_mcintyre and @davidcanter. Following a 7-sack breakout season, Walker gets over $7 million per year over the next two years.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 14, 2023There are plenty of talented free agents left, including:
* LB Bobby Wagner
* OT Orlando Brown
* S CJ Gardner-Johnson
* WR Odell Beckham, Jr.
* LB Lavonte David
* WR Jakobi Meyers
* S Jordan Poyer
* TE Dalton Schultz
* CB James Bradberry
* RB Miles Sanders
* WR Adam Thielen
Sources: The #Browns are expected to sign former #Vikings DT Dalvin Tomlinson, landing their coveted big-time defenders on Day 1 of free agency. He gets a 4-year deal worth $57M with $27.5M guaranteed.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2023Podcast Roundup: All the latest of the BTSC family podcasts
Get the latest BTSC podcast content in the ‘Podcast Roundup’.
We here at Steel Curtain Network, and our podcast platform, are here with you every step of the way as the Steelers set the stage for 2023. With so much going on, make sure you check out our ‘Podcast Roundup’ article to keep up with the latest podcasts that cover everything Steelers for your black-and-gold knowledge, curiosity and enjoyment.
With that being said and typed, have fun with the shows below with a brief description of each podcast.
BAD Language: All your mocks are worthless with Free Agency herePeople have been mocking for months and that’s tons of fun. But mocks get turned upside down with Free Agency here. With that being said, Steel Curtain Network’s Bryan Anthony Davis decided to make no apologies and share his black-and-gold brand of enlightenment. Join BAD preaching his own gospel of the hypocycloids on his solo show, BAD Language.
- News and Notes
- Throw Out Your Mocks
- and MUCH MORE!
Listen to the show on the player below:
Breaking News: Steelers shake up CB room after signing Patrick PetersonJoin Jeff Hartman as he reports what we know now on this big story and stick with Steel Curtain Network for everything Steelers.
Steelers Hangover: Free Agency FalloutWith Free Agency Tampering in its initial day, all was quiet on the black-and-gold front until a signing in the defensive backfield. But a lot of the moves affect the Steelers in one way or another. Join Steel Curtain Network’s Daniel J, Tony Defeo and Shannon White for another Steelers Hangover in the offseason before the 2023 season.
Check out the rundown of the show:
- Big Monday Moves
- and MUCH MORE!
Listen to the show on the player below:
The Steelers’ Cutting Room Floor: The Steelers defense has some serious questions to answer.We’ve known all along that the Steelers defense has a lot of aspects that need addressed, but the start of Free Agency adds more questions for the Men of Steel. Steel Curtain Network’s Geoffrey Benedict examines this and more on the latest episode of SCN’s “The Cutting Room Floor”.
Check out the rundown of the show:
- More problems for the STeelers defense
- and MUCH MORE!
Geoffrey walks you through everything you need to know regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Listen to the show on the player below:
Be sure to check out this and all episodes on the following platforms:
Apple Users: CLICK HERE
Spotify: CLICK HERE
Google Play: CLICK HERE
Financial details of Patrick Peterson’s contract released
The Pittsburgh Steelers got the veteran cornerback without breaking the bank.
The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2023 offseason with roughly $10 million dollars in salary cap space after they released William Jackson III prior to the start of the new league year. After losing Cameron Sutton via free agency to the Detroit Lions, the team made their first outside move of the offseason by signing veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson to a two-year contract.
At the time the new was reported, the financial terms of the deal were still unknown. However, those details have now be released thanks to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. According to Pelissero, the Steelers’ two-year deal for Peterson is for $14 million dollars with $5.85 million of that as guaranteed money.
New #Steelers CB Patrick Peterson's deal is two years, $14 million with $5.85M guaranteed, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 14, 2023At this point it becomes clear the Steelers didn’t have to break the proverbial bank to sign Peterson to what is likely his last contract as a professional. So, most want to know exactly what this contract means for the Steelers salary cap space?
According to BTSC’s Dave Schofield, without seeing the full financial details of the contract, it is projected Peterson will count for roughly $4 million for the 2023 season. Do the simple math and the Steelers will have about $6 million remaining of their cap space heading into the second day of legal tampering before the new league year begins on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.
Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for a complete salary cap update, as well as all the other news and rumors surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the rest of the 2023 offseason.
Steelers signing veteran CB Patrick Peterson
The Pittsburgh Steelers have added to their cornerback room with a veteran in Patrick Peterson.
The Pittsburgh Steelers were dealing with the loss of a cornerback on the first day of the legal tampering period when they lost Cameron Sutton to the Detroit Lions.
To fill the void the Steelers are signing veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson
This per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network:
Source: The #Steelers are signing Pro Bowl CB Patrick Peterson. A surprise! A perennial star headed to a historic franchise to beef up their back end.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2023Peterson is an 8-time Pro Bowler, 3-time All-Pro, who has made a name for himself with many teams, most notably his time with the Arizona Cardinals.
The last two seasons Peterson played for the Minnesota Vikings. In 2022 he tallied 5 interceptions to his name.
It is reportedly a two-year deal, per Adam Schefter, with financial terms unknown at this time.
It's a two-year deal for Peterson with the Steelers, per @AdamSchefter. https://t.co/kIZJba2d10
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 13, 2023Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they continue to make moved through free agency and prepare for the 2023 NFL Draft.
For more on this signing, check out the BREAKING NEWS podcast in the player below:
Cameron Sutton signing a 3-year deal with the Detroit Lions
The Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback is finding a new home via free agency.
The Pittsburgh Steelers list of free agents is long, and while not every player will get the same amount of attention on the open market, it was always assumed cornerback Cameron Sutton would be at the top of that list.
Since the end of the season, many believed Sutton would re-sign with the Steelers, but most also agreed the veteran cornerback would be willing to test the free agent waters. Considering this is the first time he’s tested free agency, Sutton has found a new home with the Detroit Lions.
This per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network:
Source: The #Lions are signing Cam Sutton to a 3-year deal worth $33M with $22.5M guaranteed.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2023Cam Sutton was a third-round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2017 NFL draft. In six seasons with the Steelers, Sutton appeared in 84 regular season games with 39 starts. Sutton had eight career interceptions with the Steelers with three coming in 2022. Cam Sutton ends his time with the Steelers with 168 tackles, five forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, and 38 passes defensed, 15 of which cam this past season.
Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the rest of NFL Free Agency, and the 2023 NFL Draft.
Free Agent Tracker: Keeping tabs on player signings around the NFL
As players agree to terms new teams, or stay with their old ones, we’ll keep track of who is off the table in free agency.
Let the chaos ensue!
The 2023 NFL season is about to get underway, as the legal tampering period gets going two days before the official start of the new league year. The legal tampering period kicked off at noon on March 13th, and is when free agents can begin to negotiate and agree to terms on new contracts. Those contracts can then be signed when the 2023 league year kicks off at 4 PM ET on Wednesday.
This means the free agent frenzy has officially begun. Around the NFL, news has already been flying around with the likes of Tom Brady retiring, teams cutting players like Bud Dupree for salary cap purposes, and more. These moves can be seen in our previous tracker which mainly was keeping track of players being released or retained by their previous team.
Throughout the coming days, be sure to continue to check in to this article as we will update the major news surrounding free agents and where these players will be landing for 2023. An editorial note, we will always add the latest news at the bottom of the stream of news.
In the meantime, be sure to keep tabs on BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers as they prepare not just for free agency, but the 2023 NFL Draft.
Notable recent restructures to clear 2023 cap space:
Dak Prescott (cleared $21.975M)
Tyreek Hill ($18.626M)
Joey Bosa ($15.223M)
Chris Godwin ($15.136M)
Khalil Mack ($10.767M)
Carlton Davis ($10.736M)
Zack Martin ($8.85M)
David Bakhtiari ($7.517M)
Maxx Crosby ($7.503M)
Laken… https://t.co/5d8d2Pl5UZ
The #Browns have restructured QB Deshaun Watson’s contract, creating nearly $36M in cap space, source said. The cap conversion gives plenty of room for Cleveland to work in free agency.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2023Gus Edwards' reworked contract in Baltimore reduces his pay by about $1M (from $4.38M) but includes incentives to earn that money back and more, per source.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 13, 2023#Bills RB Nyhiem Hines is in the process of reworking his deal to stay in Buffalo, sources say. He’ll convert part of his base salary to signing bonus to provide some cap relief. Incentives added give him the chance to earn more than his previously scheduled $4.79 million in ’23.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 13, 2023The #Chargers have agreed to terms with QB Easton Stick, source said. Their fifth-rounder from 2019 will backup Justin Herbert.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2023The #Lions are re-signing DL Isaiah Buggs to a two-year deal worth up to $6 million, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 13, 2023#Bills LB Tyler Matakevich has agreed to terms on 2-year deal to stay in Buffalo, source says. Another day, another LB move.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2023The #Bills have agreed to terms with P Sam Martin on a three-year deal worth up to $7.5 million, source says.
Martin gets $4.115 million in guarantees to stay in Buffalo, where he registered the second-most yards per punt in his 10-year career after joining the team in August. pic.twitter.com/wtbMmyXvtE
Bengals announced they re-signed safety Michael Thomas to a one-year contract extension for the 2023 season.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2023The #Falcons are trading for TE Jonnu Smith for a seventh-round pick, per source.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 13, 2023The #Chargers and TE Donald Parham Jr. could not come to terms on a new deal and Parham will hit free agency, per source. Parham was a restricted free agent.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 13, 2023Eight-time Pro-Bowl DE Cam Jordan and the Saints are reworking his contract to save New Orleans $10 million against this year’s cap, per league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2023The #Seahawks plan to release DL Shelby Harris, source says. Seattle has explored possible trades but hasn't found a taker yet for the nine-year veteran who played well last season. Harris, who was part of the Russell Wilson deal, was set to make $9 million this upcoming season.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 13, 2023When the negotiating window for free agency opens in under an hour, the Texans and Raiders are expected to pursue former 49ers’ QB Jimmy Garoppolo, per league sources. Jets also could get in, but they’re in wait-and-see mode right now.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2023The #Falcons and OG Chris Lindstrom have reached an agreement on a mega-extension, per source. One of league's best guards will stay put.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 13, 2023Sources: The #Patriots are expected to re-sign standout CB Jonathan Jones. He gets a 2-year deal.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2023Chargers’ RB Austin Ekeler is requesting permission to speak with other teams about a potential trade after preliminary talks with the team aimed at a contract extension did not progress, his agent Cameron Weiss told ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2023He gets $19.5M over 3 years, source said. $12M guaranteed. A big signing for Chicago, and not the last. https://t.co/HSeLf0z6IB
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2023The #Bucs are exploring trade possibilities with guard Shaq Mason, per sources. With a $9.6M cap hit, Mason could become a cap casualty for the cap-strapped Bucs. A quality guard appears ready to enter the market.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 13, 2023The #Chargers are expected to pursue safety John Johnson III, who will be released by the #Browns this week, per source. That would reunite Johnson with Brandon Staley from their Rams days.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 13, 2023The #Ravens released veteran DE Calais Campbell.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 13, 2023Jason Kelce is returning to the Eagles in 2023. https://t.co/SxeW3BduUW
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 13, 2023Guard Ben Powers plans to sign with the Denver #Broncos, per source.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 13, 2023Denver is giving former Ravens’ guard Ben Powers a 4-year, $52 million deal that includes $28.5 million guaranteed, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2023The news #Packers fans have been waiting for: They've agreed to terms with All-Pro returner Keisean Nixon on a 1-year deal worth a max value of $6M, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2023#Falcons have agreed to terms with DT David Onyemata, source says. Reunites with defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 13, 2023He gets a 2-year, $6.75M deal with $4M guaranteed https://t.co/CoVab9p2Iy
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2023Sources: Former #Raiders QB Jarrett Stidham is signing a 2-year, $10M deal with the #Broncos, choosing to play for Sean Payton over other options. The deal, which includes $5M guaranteed and $4M more in upside, reunites him Davis Webb – who he has known since he was a teenager.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2023The #Commanders are re-signing CB Danny Johnson to a two-year deal worth up to $7 million with $2.75M guaranteed, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 13, 2023The #Patriots re-signed LB Raekwon McMillan to a one-year, $1.6 million deal that's worth up to $2.2M with incentives, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 13, 2023Former Eagles’ DT Javon Hargrave has reached agreement on a four-year, $80 million deal that includes $40m guaranteed at signing with the SF 49ers, per sources. Deal negotiated and confirmed by Drew Rosenhaus and Ryan Matha. pic.twitter.com/rQGVb9OAZe
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2023RT Mike McGlinchey is expected to sign with the Denver Broncos, per sources.
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) March 13, 2023Good story here: Former #Giants OL Nick Gates, who broke his left fibula and tibia in a game against Washington in 2021 and battled his way back from seven surgeries, is headed to … Washington.
Gates has agreed to terms on a three-year deal with the #Commanders, source says. pic.twitter.com/TPHfUcu62i
The #Falcons agreed to terms with punter Bradley Pinion on a three-year, $8.65 million deal that puts him among the NFL’s top eight highest-paid at the position, per source. Pinion gets $4.325M guaranteed, including $3.5M this year, to stay in Atlanta.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 13, 2023Source: The #Lions are signing Cam Sutton to a 3-year deal worth $33M with $22.5M guaranteed.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2023Former Saints DT Shy Tuttle reached agreement with the Panthers on a three-year, $19.5 million deal that includes $13 million guaranteed at signing, per source. Deal confirmed and negotiated by Drew Rosenhaus and Kyle Lincoln.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2023The #Raiders are closing in on a deal with QB Jimmy Garoppolo, sources say. After six seasons and a Super Bowl appearance with the #49ers, Jimmy G is on his way to Vegas, the site of this season’s Super Bowl, to reunite with Josh McDaniels. pic.twitter.com/R4dSLyj5SX
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 13, 2023The #Bills have agreed to terms with G Connor McGovern on a three-year, $23 million deal, source says. Former third-round pick of the #Cowboys heading to Buffalo.
This means 50% of the Connor McGoverns available in free agency have agreed to deals.
Miami is giving former Jets’ QB Mike White a two-year deal worth up to $16 million, per source. pic.twitter.com/NTSnFxAvgc
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2023Source: Former #Chiefs RT Andrew Wylie plans to sign a 3-year, $24M deal with the Washington Commanders, reuniting him with OC Eric Bieniemy. Wylie started 59 games in five years for KC and had the game of his life in the Super Bowl against Philadelphia. Now a nice payday.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 13, 2023The #Texans are expected to sign former #Patriots and #Browns pass-rusher Chase Winovich, source said. Nick Caserio had him in New England, of course.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2023Recently cut players the Steelers could look into signing
These players are now without homes but may draw Pittsburgh’s attention.
We are oh so close to one of the most fun times to be an NFL fan: the start of free agency.
While players like Derek Carr have already switched allegiances, the legal tampering period officially begins Monday at 12 p.m. ET. As usual, expect quick fireworks with teams zeroing in on big names and offering heaps of cash.
Although there aren’t a ton of bonafide elite players set to hit the open market, the available pool received some additional waves in light of teams trying to create cap space in the last few days and weeks. The Steelers themselves will likely have to do some additional maneuvering — in addition to cutting recently acquired corner William Jackson III — given they only have $10 million in cap space, per Over the Cap.
Even as it stands, Pittsburgh should be able to bolster its roster with some relatively inexpensive players to fill holes before the Draft in late April. Below is a list of players recently let go of that makes sense for Omar Khan to explore adding to his roster.
Eric Kendricks, LBWith neither Devin Bush or Robert Spillane currently under contract, that leaves Myles Jack as the only inside linebacker on the Steelers’ roster. It seems probable that Spillane will be retained, but even then, Pittsburgh needs reinforcing in the second level of its defense.
Draft pundits have pegged Pick 32 as a possible spot for the Steelers to draft an ILB; that certainly aligns with the lack of a young, elite linebacker. However, don’t discount the idea of signing a veteran on a short-term deal, much like the franchise did with Myles Jack last offseason.
Kendricks is definitely a player that could provide an upgrade to a weak inside linebacker corps. In the last two seasons, the former Viking played a combined 32 games, notching two interceptions, 10 pass deflections, two fumble recoveries, six sacks and 16 tackles for loss. That’s the type of impact Mike Tomlin is craving from an ILB.
At the same time, Kendricks is 31 and has not posted a season with a PFF grade above 61 since 2020; he was especially liable in coverage, earning a 46.4 mark. If younger options such as Tremaine Edmunds, Germaine Pratt or T.J. Edwards fall through, Kendricks could be good insurance at the right price.
Donovan Smith, OTSmith struggled pretty mightily last year, committing 12 penalties — tied for fifth among all offensive linemen in football — while playing only 13 games for the Buccaneers. However, it is worth noting that Smith mentioned he was dealing with “personal” matters.
It would have been hard to fathom Tampa Bay moving on from Smith before this year: he posted three straight campaigns with a PFF grade north of 70, including a career-best 83.3 grade in 2021. Still yet to turn 30, Smith might make sense heading back to Pennsylvania, where he played college.
As Dan Moore Jr. enters his third season, questions linger about his consistency and ceiling; it’s no coincidence that experts continue to project the Steelers to take a tackle high, possibly at Pick 17. If that doesn’t occur, though, Smith could be a low-risk, high-reward add to create a battle to protect Kenny Pickett’s blindside.
Though Smith signed a two-year, $31 million extension with the Bucs, it’s tough to imagine him making similar money as he seeks to rebound in 2023 and beyond. Don’t be stunned if the Steelers express interest in the veteran.
Gabe Jackson, OGAfter playing 31 games in Seattle the last two seasons, the soon-to-be 32-year-old Jackson is now able to pick any team he wants. While Pittsburgh’s offensive line jelled as the 2022 season progressed, the team will likely explore upgrades along its left side, including at left guard, in light of inconsistencies from Kevin Dotson. Consequently, Jackson may make sense.
Though Jackson hasn’t played LG since his first two seasons in the NFL (2014-15), he could offer solid depth, if not competition for Dotson. This move might be appealing if the Steelers feel more inclined to bolster their tackles in the draft, as opposed to the interior line play.
Cam Dantzler, CBIt was a bit surprising to see the Vikings move on from Dantzler by releasing the 24-year-old. Granted, Minnesota did just hire former Steelers defensive assistant Brian Flores to be its new defensive coordinator, but both Patrick Peterson and Duke Shelley are free agents; cornerback isn’t exactly a luxury for the team right now.
Regardless, Dantzler should have interest from teams, and the Steelers may be one of them. The former Mississippi State Bulldog had two solid years to begin his NFL career but played just 505 snaps in 2022 because of a lingering ankle injury.
The Steelers took a (non-literal) waiver on Ahkello Witherspoon by trading for the 26-year-old in 2021, and the team may explore a similar approach with Dantzler. In fact, there would be little downside to producing a deal given Dantzler’s age and Pittsburgh’s need for cornerbacks.
Graham Glasgow, OGGlasgow, who played for the Broncos for the last four seasons, is somewhat similar to Mason Cole: a veteran who can play center or guard. That type of versatility is always coveted, especially when a team is trying to fortify its offensive line.
Similar to Jackson, Glasgow has not suited up at left guard — likely his most probable fit on the Steelers’ offensive line — since 2016-17, his initial two years as a pro. But, the soon-to-be 31-year-old could still be a sound player in the mix or as a backup, especially if on a rather cheap and short deal.
Shaquill Griffin, CBWhen Griffin inked a three-year, $40M deal with the Jaguars two offseasons ago, it seemed as if Jacksonville had landed a premier cornerback that would stay in Duval County for years. However, the two sides have already broken matters off before the contract ran its course.
Griffin only played in five games last year, but he tallied four pass deflections and three tackles for loss in 2022. Just 27, the former third-round pick could provide insurance in case the Steelers aren’t able to come to terms with Cam Sutton, who figures to be in line for a major payday.
While Griffin probably isn’t a true No. 1 corner, he still holds value in deepening a weak Pittsburgh cornerback room. On top of that, the veteran could help mentor a rookie, assuming the Steelers select one in April.
Ronald Darby, CBDarby is in a similar situation to Griffin, having only played in five contests last season and being cut by the Broncos. Even at 29, he still seems to have some decent years of football ahead.
Despite last playing a full season in 2020, Darby has continued to post solid run defense grades, albeit in smaller sample sizes. The journeyman — having been on the Broncos, Washington Football Team and Eagles in the last four seasons alone — also has experience in multiple systems and against some of the game’s premier receivers. Those sentiments of leadership would apply, even if he became a No. 2 or No. 3 corner in the Steel City.
Darby signed a one-year, $3 million deal with Washington in 2020; the year before, he garnered a one-year, $6.5M contract with the Eagles. Expect Darby to agree to terms on another short, prove-it situation for a similar amount of money — frameworks which could fit the Steelers’ interests.
Bud Dupree, OLBThis is the name you were probably waiting for.
Ever since news came out on March 6 that the Titans were planning to cut Dupree, Steelers fans have been clamoring for a reunion.
The fit does make some sense given that Pittsburgh needs more edge rushing depth. However, Dupree has just seven sacks in the last two seasons and did not exceed 30 pressures in either campaign. Plus, he’s on the wrong side of 30.
Then again, Dupree has familiarity with Tomlin and the organization, given he played in the 412 for six seasons. Assuming Dupree signs a much less expensive deal than his five-year, $82.5 million contract with the Titans, it would be a fun story to see him return. Yet, the Steelers will likely still have to extend Alex Highsmith, and it remains to be seen if Dupree would be willing to be relegated to more of a backup role.
5 teams positioned for a jump in 2023 with a big Free Agency
What teams can help themselves the most if they nail their signings in the coming weeks?
While the NFL Draft is about building the future of your team, NFL Free Agency is about adding the pieces to help you right now. All 32 franchises will soon set off on the high-stakes, high-speed chase that is Free Agency. For some teams, salary cap restraints will inhibit them from really being able to plug the necessary holes to earn contender status, but for others, a couple or three good signings can really make a difference in their overall outlook and expectations for 2023.
With that in mind, here are the five teams I believe are a good Free Agency period away from taking a quantum leap forward this coming season, in no particular order.
CHICAGO BEARSThe Bears have the most money to spend this FA period, so that makes them an obvious candidate for this list. What makes them a team to watch as a potential rebound candidate in 2023, though, is the presence of potential breakout star Justin Fields at QB. Adding real talent around him has to be priority No. 1. After last weeks humongous draft trade news, Chicago has already added a big time piece on offense in former Panthers’ WR DJ Moore. Look for the Bears to pursue several high-priced assets on Defense, such as DT Javon Hargrave and CB James Bradberry, while continuing to build around Fields on “O” by upgrading the OL and adding proven playmakers at RB, WR, and even TE. With almost $76M in cap space to spend, it’s not about how much can they add, it’s about can they use it all in a wise, franchise-altering way. It’s a big year in the Windy City.
DENVER BRONCOSThe Broncos were all the rage last offseason after the trade for QB Russell Wilson, adding him to a locked and loaded playoff roster seemingly missing only a stud QB to make them a Super Bowl contender. Things went south quick on that sentiment, and the Broncos are now busy clearing cap space at a furious pace to prep for a make or break FA period under new coach Sean Payton. With a solid amount of cap to spend, the Broncos will look to boost the defensive front and offensive line over the next few weeks. With very little valuable draft capital at their disposal after the Wilson trade, nailing Free Agency will be key to making last year’s vision this year’s reality. If the Broncos hit on some signings and Payton can fix Wilson’s 2022 woes, watch out NFL.
ATLANTA FALCONSThe Falcons have a big-time opportunity in front of them this offseason with almost $64M in cap space to play with. They could walk away as the biggest winners of Free Agency if they decide to get back into the seemingly inevitable Lamar Jackson sweepstakes and land some high-profile defenders to fix a moribund defense. The Falcons have a good Head Coach in Arthur Smith, and that offense is young, explosive, and even deep at the skill positions. Another team that should be in on the Javon Hargrave bidding, the Falcons need to get DT Grady Jarrett and CB A.J. Terrell some real help on that side of the ball. This free agent class is deep at IDL and ILB, which are positions of need for the Dirty Birds. Atlanta’s one of the few teams who can just throw money at big names without taking on much collateral damage, and they should. If they get it right, the NFC South could be theirs for the taking.
DETROIT LIONSThe Lions are many pundits’ off-season darlings, and for good reason. Dan Campbell’s squad is ahead of schedule and they are cohesive and gritty on both sides of the ball. The foundational pieces are in place for a playoff run in 2023 behind Jared Goff, Amon Ra St. Brown, Aidan Hutchinson, and Malcom Rodriguez, and the team has a decent amount of Cap space to work with (approx. $21.3M). Adding some key contributors at DL and in the secondary, as well as shoring up the interior OL should be priorities. If handled correctly and the players work out, the Lions could make a jump from fun upstart to NFC North champion contender in a hurry.
PITTSBURGH STEELERSFor the Steelers, all eyes will be on the growth of Kenny Pickett and whether or not Matt Canada’s offensive concepts can actually take full advantage of the plethora of weapons the team possesses at the skill positions in 2023. The defense needs some retooling as well, but has 3 big-time building blocks in place in Cam Heyward, TJ Watt, and Minkah Fitzpatrick. You’re banking on this foundation taking the next step in 2023. Assuming it does, Free Agency becomes a major hinge point for the Steelers entire 2023 story. Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin will have to be resourceful, prioritizing their own key contributors (Cam Sutton, Alex Highsmith, Terrell Edmunds) while at the same time finding good deals on veteran stalwarts to plug holes and provide depth across the board. Specifically, depth along the OL and DL is lacking, but adding some high-upside, potentially low-cost pieces at positions of need such as OT Andre Dillard, DT Dalvin Tomlinson, LB Germaine Pratt, or any number of solid contributors at these important spots could solidify a roster that wants to compete for the AFC North right away. The opportunity is there. Play Free Agency right and the Steelers could go from over-achieving, we’ll-coached roster in 2022 to AFC North bullies once again. It’s exciting to ponder the possibilities.
Just Missed: New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Rams
These 5 squads can change their whole outlook for 2023 with a brilliantly executed Free Agency period.
Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC and The Steel Curtain Network of podcasts for all the latest Pittsburgh Steelers and NFL Free Agency news.
Mock Draft Monday: Steelers look to add a hometown DL with their top pick
In the latest mock draft, the Steelers look to add another player from the team next door with their first-round selection.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into the 2023 offseason. With free agency as the next big event to shape next season’s roster, it will be followed by the NFL draft in April. The Steelers will have a number of decisions with players who were on the 2022 roster and will have the opportunity to add some free agent acquisitions before making their first draft selection. The conclusion of NFL combine and player pro days will also shape the team’s big boards before the draft.
When talking about mock drafts or NFL free agency, you have to first identify the team’s main needs for the offseason. Before any gains or losses in free agency, there are some who would like to see the Steelers go with either offensive line or defensive line with their first-round pick. Others feel inside linebacker or cornerback could be on top of the list. With plenty of chances for the Steelers to shape their roster prior to April, their goal is usually to get into position to draft the best player available rather than target a specific position. When it comes to what position the team will select with their first pick, it is certainly up for debate.
In the latest mock drafts by Sportsnaut, they have the Steelers addressing the defensive line position before anything else. While the position is one which needs to be addressed, the bigger question is if the first round is the place to do it. Since the Steelers could go in any number of directions with their first selection, it is important to look at all the possibilities presented by various mock draft outlets.
Check out the Steelers 17th pick:
17. Pittsburgh Steelers | Calijah Kancey | DT | Pittsburgh | Jr. |
Still being in the middle of the draft process, there may be some players most fans are not familiar with. If this is the case, here is a breakdown of Kancey according to thedraftnetwork.com:
Calijah Kancey NFL Draft Scouting Report
IDL, Pitt Panthers
A Miami, Florida native, Calijah Kancey took his talents to Pittsburgh and developed into one of the most dynamic defensive linemen in college football. After emerging as a starter late in 2020, Kancey was a first-team All-ACC selection in 2021 before earning consensus All-American honors in 2022 while also being named ACC Defensive Player of the Year.
Kancey is a spark plug on the interior of the defensive line. He plays with incredible urgency and fires into the neutral zone with quickness and intent. He’s extremely physical and tough, willing to exchange power with blockers that have 30-plus pounds on him on a weekly basis. He does well to take advantage of his quickness and built-in leverage to win with first contact, shoot gaps, and work to the edges of blocks. Kancey is slippery working off contact and he’s pretty flexible. Overall, his contact balance is very impressive given his size.
His style of play lends itself well to gap penetration, which gives him chances to make plays behind the line of scrimmage against the run and pass. His motor always runs hot and he battles to be around the football. Kancey keeps his hands engaged and showcases the ability to string together moves and get off blocks.
There’s no denying that Kancey is considerably undersized and lacks length. It’s easy to love the way he plays with quickness, urgency, and competitive toughness, but his frame presents challenges forecasting him to the next level. Kancey has to work overtime to clear his pads and simply cannot afford any technical lapses. He severely lacks mass and length, which brings into question how the dynamic playmaking ability he showcased at Pitt will translate to the NFL with any degree of consistency.
Projecting Kancey to the next level is challenging. Can he be an outlier? At a minimum, he should provide exciting penetration skills for an up-the–field defense but forecasting the extent of his role is difficult.
Top Reasons to Buy In:
Penetration Skills
Flexibility and variety of ways to beat blocks
Motor and competitive toughness
Top Reasons For Concern:
Mass and length
Translatability
Scheme and role specificity
For all you who are preparing yourself for the draft, what do you think of the selection? Would you be on board with the Steelers taking Kancey with their first pick? Or do you feel there is a better player at this position, this position should be avoided, or that Kancey is worthy of the 17th pick? Personally, I am wary of the player who shoots up the board based on their combined results. Kancey was projected as a third-round pick at the end of January and is now the best option at 17? I’m not so sure. Although the notion of a slightly undersized defensive lineman with great speed and quickness out of Pitt is enticing (see the 2014 NFL draft), I’m not sure if this trend where Kancey continues to rise will continue all the way to the end April. But perhaps it does. I would really be surprised if this is the pick saying Joey Porter Jr. was still on the board. But if this is the pick come April 27, I’m not going to be angry.
Note: This series began in January and will run all the way up to the 2023 NFL draft. Each week highlights a new player. For this reason, sometimes it takes an outside-the-box mock draft in order to highlight a different possibility. These mock drafts are in no way an endorsement from BTSC.
The perfect 2023 offseason plan for the Pittsburgh Steelers
If the Steelers follow this formula during the offseason, they could become immediate contenders.
The 2023 NFL league year is just days away, with free agency officially opening up on Wednesday. Before the legal tampering period begins, it is time to reveal my perfect offseason plan for the Pittsburgh Steelers in an exciting, but slightly satirical, form that will have you either laughing in the isles or floating away in fantasy land.
This article is sure to get feedback, most of which will be of the negative sort. As a disclaimer, this is not in any way based on what I am hearing from insiders and analysts, nor is it what I think the Steelers will actually do. This is my way of sharing everything I would do this offseason in one concise article and explaining how all of it is feasible.
This is also a basic, layman’s terms outlook. This will simply show contract totals, signing bonuses, and how much each contract will count against the cap each season, in order to make it fit this year’s cap.
Disclaimer 1: Unlike my mock drafts, this is an exercise showing what I would like to see done this offseason, not necessarily what I think will happen this offseason. This is just for fun, and I realize that the vast majority of these recommended moves will not happen.
Disclaimer 2: Not everyone is going to love these ideas, but that’s okay This is my own fantasy bubble, and there ain’t room for all y’all in it anyway!
Disclaimer 3: If you struggle with incontinuity, do not read this. I am the GM for the day, and the lack of continuity in the team-building below could cause major side-effects, such as trouble swallowing, vomiting, and endless crying for Kevin Colbert to return. Continuity my heinie!!!
This is going to be a straight-to-the-point synopsis, moving from one roster move to the next. So fasten your seatbelts, Steelers fans! Here is every move you should be praying the Steelers make this offseason.
Current Cap Space Approximately $9,900,000 Bye-ByeIn this business, feelings have to take a back seat to money at times. Best wishes to Worms, Snail, Rudolph the Red-Zone QB, and all the other creatures who must be let back into the wild, but the time has come for new owners to watch over you. Enjoy retirement, Tyson! May your days be filled with people not named Antonio Brown, and may Jesse “Waste of $3M” Davis work his powers on the enemy and sign with the Ratbirds or Bungles!
Free AgencyMason Rudolph
Cameron Sutton
Derek Watt
Jesse Davis
Tyson Alualu
Marcus Allen
Robert Spillane
Malik Reed
Chris Wormley
Damontae Kazee
Trenton Scott
Karl Joseph
Miles Boykin
Benny Snell, Jr.
James Pierre (RFA)
Zach Gentry
Myles Jack (cap savings: $8,000,000)
Ahkello Witherspoon (cap savings: $4,000,000)
Montravius Adams (cap savings: $2,500,000)
Gunner Olszewski (cap savings: $2,000,000)
Arthur Maulet (cap savings: $1,790,000)
Emeke Egbule (cap savings: $1,010,000)
J’Marcus Bradley (cap savings: $940,000)
Dan Chisena (cap savings: $940,000)
Kendrick Green (cap savings: $876,748)
Updated Cap Space: $31,956,748 Restructures T.J. Watt (Full Restructure)
2023 Cap Savings: $12,613,333
Minkah Fitzpatrick (Full Restructure)2023 Cap Savings: $10,065,000
Cap Space Created: $22,668,333Updated Cap Space: $54,625081 Welcome back!
-
Re-sign Terrell Edmunds
— 3 years, $21 million
$9 million in signing bonus ($3M pro-rated each year)
Cap hits by year:
2023- $4,000,000
2024- $7,000,000
2025- $10,000,000 -
Re-sign Larry Ogunjobi
— 2 years, $9 million
$4 million in signing bonus ($2M pro-rated each year)
Cap hits by year:
2023- $3,000,000
2024- $6,000,000 -
Re-sign Steven Sims (RFA)
— 2 year, $2 million
Cap hits by year:
Year 1- $1,000,000
Year 2- $1,000,000 -
Re-sign Devin Bush
— 1 year, $3 million -
Re-sign J.C. Hassenaur
— 1 year, $800,000
Updated Cap Space: $42,825,081 Greetings and Salutations!
-
Tremaine Edmunds (ILB)
— 5 years, $85 million
$25 million in signing bonus ($5M pro-rated each year)
Cap hits by year:
2023- $7,000,000
2024- $18,000,000
2025- $15,000,000
2026- $24,000,000
2027- $21,000,000
#Bills LB Tremaine Edmunds could receive a contract in the $15 million a year figure, according to @tompelissero
Edmunds is still only 24-years old despite already playing 5 NFL seasons. pic.twitter.com/AaOb73OQ0h
-
Isaac Seumalo (G)
— 3 years, $30 million
$12 million in signing bonus ($4M pro-rated each year)
Cap hits by year:
2023- $5,000,000
2024- $10,000,000
2025- $15,000,000 -
Sean Murphy-Bunting (CB)
— 3 years, $24 million
$12 million in signing bonus ($4M pro-rated each year)
Cap hits by year:
2023- $5,000,000
2024- $8,000,000
2025- $11,000,000 -
Foster Moreau (TE)
— 3 years, $21 million
$9 million in signing bonus ($3M pro-rated each year)
Cap hits by year:
Year 1- $6,000,000
Year 2- $7,000,000
Year 3- $8,000,000) -
Dalvin Tomlinson (DT)
— 2 years, $16 million
$4 million in signing bonus ($2M pro-rated each year)
Cap hits by year:
2023- $7,000,000
2024- $9,000,000 -
Josh Dobbs (QB)
— 2 years, $6 million
$2 million in signing bonus ($1M pro-rated each year)
Cap hits by year:
Year 1- $2,000,000
Year 2- $4,000,000) -
Chase Winovich (EDGE)
— 2 years, $2.3 million
$1 million in signing bonus ($500K pro-rated each year)
Cap hits by year:
Year 1- $1,150,000
Year 2- $1,150,000 -
T.Y. Hilton (WR)
— 1 year, $2.2 million -
David Long, Jr. (CB)
— 2 years, $2 million
Cap hits by year:
Year 1- $1,000,000
Year 2- $1,000,000 -
Jabrill Peppers (S)
— 1 year, $1.1 million
Updated Cap Space: $5,375,081 Trade Mitch Trubisky
I love my boy Mitchy Biscuits, but with the starting job no longer his, the $8 million that can be acquired by a release or trade may have more value. In this scenario, Green Bay sees one of the top pass catchers drop out of Round 1, and they send an offer early Friday morning for the 32nd overall pick to secure their guy. After an hour of negotiating, Brian Gutekunst finally agrees to trade 2023 3rd, 4th, and 5th round picks along with a 3rd round pick in 2024, while Green Bay gets pick 32 and Mitch Trubisky. In this whole process, they not only get the pass-catcher they want, but they find a new backup quarterback who could potentially push Jordan Love for the starting job. The return may not seem to pass the eye test, but Green Bay is also taking on Trubisky’s full salary, which gives us an additional $8 million to work with.
Cap Space Created: $8,000,000Updated Cap Space (after draft-day trade): $13,375,081 The Draft
Note: These wishes are subject to, and most likely to, change by draft day.
Round 1- Joey Porter, Jr. | CB | Penn StateWatch the tape. He’s more than just a legacy pick.
Round 2- Trenton Simpson | ILB | ClemsonThis would be a little bit of a fall for Simpson, but it is not out of the question he slides this far. While there are questions about his lack of instincts and production, he has aced the draft process thus far, both athletically and personally. He has made it a point to improve the rougher parts of his game, and the talent is undeniable. Putting him next to Tremaine Edmunds would be the ideal situation for him.
Round 3a (via GB)- Mazi Smith | NT | MichiganSmith’s arms measured in longer than expected at the combine, which is a huge win for him. He does not have the production, but he is the most physically gifted defensive lineman in the class. Yes, even more gifted than Jalen Carter.
Round 3b- Blake Freeland | OT | BYUI am not impressed by Freeland’s body of work up to this point, but he redeemed a poor Senior Bowl performance with a huge combine. As much as I want to replace Dan Moore, the options are limited this year. The next best thing may be to bring in a talented, but raw, tackle who may be able to take the reins in 2024.
Round 4a (via GB)- Clark Phillips III | CB | UtahDon’t read into his testing numbers too much. The tape is what counts, and his tape was fantastic in 2022. The productive corner has seen his stock drop due to the depth of the class and subpar athletic testing, but he looks the part of an NFL nickel corner. He is a steal if he falls this far.
Round 4b- Bryce Ford-Wheaton | WR | West VirginiaFord-Wheaton lacks focus at times, which has resulted in the occasional drop. However, his lack of production is entirely due to poor quarterback play. In a solid offense, he would have been a consensus top-50 player in this class. Athletically, he is on Martavis Bryant’s level.
Round 5- Jake Andrews | G/C | TroyAndrews may not have prototypical length, but he is tough, physical, and consistent. He maintains a consistent pad level as a run blocker, and he rarely makes a mental error. He is going to grind and claw his way not only onto an NFL team, but also to a starting role down the line.
Round 7a- Kyle Patterson | TE | BYUPatterson is a big-bodied tight end with respectable athleticism and a strong blocking prowess. He would provide more upside than Zach Gentry has offered the Steelers thus far into his career.
Round 7b- Lindsey Scott | QB | Incarnate WordThe Steelers have stated they are looking for mobility at the quarterback position. Scott was not tested against strong competition, but he lit up the FCS, passing for over 4,500 yards, 60 touchdowns, and only 8 interceptions in 2022. He also added 712 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground.
UDFA: Keaton Mitchell (RB — East Carolina), Reese Taylor (CB — Purdue), Tashawn Manning (OL — Kentucky), Shaka Heyward (ILB — Duke), Jordan Murray (TE — Hawaii), Andre Jones (EDGE — Louisiana), SirVocea Dennis (ILB — Pittsburgh)
Second-Wave Free Agency-
William Jackson (CB)
— 1 year, $2 million
Still a valuable depth corner if healthy. -
Mike Remmers (OT)
— 1 year, $1,075,000
A veteran presence who will likely remain on the practice squad until an injury occurs. -
Maurice Hurst (DL)
— 1 year, $1 million
A victim of bad circumstances thus far into his career, but a lineman who has proven he can play in this league. Quality depth piece. -
Brett Rypien (QB)
— 1 year, $1 million
A fourth camp arm who, with a strong showing, could entice us to keep him on the roster over a late-round rookie. -
Donald Parham (TE)
— 1 year, $1 million
A big body who can compete with the rookie for TE3.
Updated Cap Space: $7,300,081
Approximately $5,000,000 is needed to sign a typical draft class.
53-Man RosterQuarterback (3): Kenny Pickett, Joshua Dobbs, Lindsey Scott
Running back (4): Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Master Teague, Connor Heyward
Wide Receiver (6): George Pickens, Diontae Johnson, T.Y. Hilton, Calvin Austin, Steven Sims, Bryce Ford-Wheaton
Tight End (3): Pat Freiermuth, Foster Moreau, Kyle Patterson
Offensive Line (9): Dan Moore, Jr., James Daniels (switch to LG), Mason Cole, Isaac Seumalo, Chukwuma Okorafor, Kevin Dotson, Blake Freeland, J.C. Hassenaur, Jake Andrews
Defensive Line (6): Cameron Heyward, Dalvin Tomlinson, Larry Ogunjobi, Mazi Smith, DeMarvin Leal, Maurice Hurst
Outside Linebackers (5): T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Chase Winovich, Jamir Jones
Inside Linebackers (4): Tremaine Edmunds, Trenton Simpson, Devin Bush, Mark Robinson, SirVocea Dennis
Cornerbacks (6): Sean Murphy-Bunting, Joey Porter, Jr., Levi Wallace, David Long, Jr., William Jackson III, Clark Phillips III
Safety (4): Minkah Fitzpatrick, Terrell Edmunds, Jabrill Peppers, Miles Killebrew
Special Teams (3): Chris Boswell, Pressley Harvin III, Christian Kuntz
Practice Squad (16): WR Anthony Miller, QB Brett Rypien, OT Mike Remmers, RB Anthony McFarland, Jr., TE Donald Parham, OLB Quincy Roche, DL Isaiahh Loudermilk, DL Jonathan Marshall, DB Tre Norwood, DB Elijah Riley, RB Keaton Mitchell, WR Dez Fitzpatrick, C Ryan McCollum, G Tashawn Manning, EDGE Andre Jones, CB Reese Taylor
There you have it, Steelers fans! Everything you could possibly get out of one offseason to become an immediate contender. What are your thoughts on this fun, fanatical exercise filled with fantasies and fortunes? Which moves did you like the most? Which moves do you think make the most sense? Could any of these come to fruition? Be sure to light up the comment section below with your thoughts on this and all things Pittsburgh Steelers!
The More You Know: Random facts about your Steelers, Pick 6 edition
Time to learn more about your favorite NFL team, and some trivia as well!
The 2023 season is upon us for the Steelers and there’s so much to talk about. But there’s still room for little-known-facts out of the 500 Level?
Luckily, your one-stop, and non-stop, shop for everything Steelers employs a Steelers fan that was allegedly dropped on his head as a one-year-old during the Immaculate Reception. Useless and somewhat fascinating facts are his forte. So, here we are with off-the-wall I thoughts from the dark side of a black-and-gold brain that nobody asked for. But the joke’s on you as you’ll be telling your peeps something you read here later.
Hypocycloids Gone HollywoodWhen Kevin James and Jerry Stiller teamed up in the CBS Comedy “The King of Queens”, there was never a lack of laughs when the two comic geniuses were on the field together. In a 2005 episode, James’ Doug Heffernan won tickets to the Final Four in St. Louis but ended up guilted by his wife to take his father-in-law, Arthur Spooner, played by Stiller. In a layover at the Pittsburgh Airport, Spooner bought a whole lot of Steel City merch and spent most of the episode in a Big Ben No. 7. It was a fun episode, but most of all, yinzers loved watching a Stiller wear a “Stiller” jersey.
BTSC Steelers Jeopardy(Answer at bottom of article)
Steel Facts and Stats Photo by John Grieshop/Getty ImagesThe Pick Six is one of the most exciting plays in the sport of football. There’s something about watching a defender switch to offense in a bat of an eye and glide away into the end zone. Minkah Fitzpatrick has two since his arrival in Week 3 of 2019. The Steelers’ record for an interception return for a touchdown is five. It’s easy to guess the former and first to five, but the latter might be a surprise to some. Let’s take a look.
William Gay (2007-2011, 2013-2018) - 5
Rod Woodson (1987-1996) - 5
Jack Butler (1951-1959) - 4
Chad Scott (1997-2004) - 4
Tony Compagno (1946-1948) - 3
Carnell Lake (1989-1998) - 3
Troy Polamalu (2003-2014) - 3
Deshea Townsend (1998-2009) - 3
Dwayne Woodruff (1979-1985) - 3
Minkah Fitzpatrick (2019-Present) - 3
Middle First Name MadnessWe love citing middle names of members of the Men of Steel here at Behind the Steel Curtain, but real first names are fun to unveil as well. In the past, we have cited FeDerius Terrell Edmunds, Trent Jordan Watt and Brett Mason Rudolph, but who else? Hence, the “More You Know Given Name of the Week”. This week we feature a player that the Steelers traded for right before the start of the 2021 Regular Season.
Photo by Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images James Ahkello Elec Witherspoon This Week’s Birthdays of Steel3/12 Dick Arndt - 1944, John Hilton - 1942, Kent Nix - 1944
3/13 Charlie Bradshaw - 1936
3/14 Donald Evans - 1964
3/15 Oliver Gibson - 1972, Mike Kruczek - 1953, Ted Marchibroda - 1933
3/16 Chris Boswell - 1991, Levi Brown - 1984, Zoltan Mesko - 1986, Todd Seabaugh - 1951, Jared Retkofsky - 1983, Eric Ravotti - 1971
3/17 Clint Kriewaldt - 1976, Emmanuel Sanders - 1987
3/18 Jordan Berry - 1991, John Goodson - 1960, Mike Webster - 1952
Strange Sights for Sore Steeler Nation EyesNot every NFL player retires with their original team, having played with no other franchise. We may try to forget the image of our Steel Heroes wearing another uniform, but it’s a part of fandom and legends sometimes change team colors. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Ohioan John Banaszak signed with the bad guys in 1975 and became a fan favorite as a defensive end on the Steel Curtain until 1981. The three-time champ ended up in Michigan and was a starting DE for the first USFL Champions. He ended his playing career after a 1985 stint with the Memphis Showboats. Banaszak will always be a black-and-gold hero, however, the sight of No. 76 wearing the royal plum and champagne silver as a Michigan Panther was disconcerting.
Steelers Jeopardy Answer in the Form of a Question: What was the Phil-Pitt Combine?So, there you have it. Anybody can spout out stat after stat, but not everybody can embrace the colorful and personal side of the Pittsburgh Steelers. So, the more you know, the more you can stupefy your friends, family and neighbors with your big, black-and-gold brain.
We’ll see you right here next week. Until then keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the hypocycloids.
Podcast Roundup: All the latest of the BTSC family podcasts
Get the latest Steel Curtain Network podcast content in the ‘Podcast Roundup’.
We here at Steel Curtain Network, and our podcast platform, are here with you every step of the way as the Steelers set the stage for 2023. With so much going on, make sure you check out our ‘Podcast Roundup’ article to keep up with the latest podcasts that cover everything Steelers for your black-and-gold knowledge, curiosity and enjoyment.
With that being said and typed, have fun with the shows below with a brief description of each podcast.
The Homies: 2023 Begins Now!Free Agency is here. What’s going to happen in the AFC North? Join host Kevin Tate and his Homie crew of Brandon “B-Dirt” Herriott, Pay Saunders & Shawn “Big-G” Gurley from the “KnoItAllz” podcast in a barbershop-type discussion about everything football.
The Steelers Sunday Night Q&A: You’ve got Steelers questions, We’ve got answers!It’s another offseason Sunday in 2023 with no NFL football and no games scheduled for next week. What are you going to do without the Steelers? BTSC answers that question by inviting fans to ask questions. This week, free agency is top of the charts with What Yinz Talkin’ Bout’s Kyle Chrise and a mini Coach T taking questions from the live chat for some good Steelers discussion.
Listen to the show on the player below:
Let’s Ride, Monday: Chaos in the 2023 NFL Draft, and what it means for the SteelersThe 2023 NFL Draft was thrown upside down this weekend with a massive trade at the top. Those types of moves have a ripple effect on teams like the Steelers. Jeff Hartman dives into this topic with guest Joey Christopoulos on the Monday AM Conversation segment on the “Let’s Ride” podcast.
Check out the rundown of the show:
- News and Notes
- The NFL Draft is getting turned upside down early
- and MUCH MORE!
Listen to the show on the player below:
Be sure to check out this and all episodes on the following platforms:
Apple Users: CLICK HERE
Spotify: CLICK HERE
Google Play: CLICK HERE
3 options for the Steelers with Levi Wallace headed into 2023
With one year remaining on his contract, there are 3 different ways the Steelers could go with Levi Wallace this offseason.
As the 2023 NFL league year set to kick off at 4 PM on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, there are a number of decisions that the Pittsburgh Steelers have to make with a fair amount of players when it comes to their status for this season. While some players are set to become unrestricted free agents, there are some still under contract with the Steelers whose future might be in danger simply because of the amount of salary cap space they would consume for this coming season. Although some players are more obvious if they will be kept on for another season, others are more up for debate.
With some great discussion with talking about the options for Myles Jack, I decided to extend the question to other players who have one year remaining on their contract and have a significant cap savings if they were cut. After discussing Mitch Trubisky, Ahkello Witherspoon, and Gunner Olszewski, next up is cornerback Levi Wallace. How should the Pittsburgh Steelers handle his situation? For the most part, there are three options when it comes to Wallace and the 2023 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers:
ReleaseI find it interesting that Levi Wallace and Ahkello Witherspoon have the exact same contract, so the release of Wallace would also serve as a $4 million cap relief. If the Steelers are looking to truly upgrade the position, they could piece together the savings from multiple cuts in order pay for a big fish..
RetainHaving a cornerback on the roster with five years experience, one of which was with the Steelers, who is either the second or even third option of the position and only cost $5.4825 million against the salary cap is not a bad deal. Simply using Wallace again for 2023, especially since he came on strong at the end of 2022, would be the wise decision .
ExtendIf the Steelers really have no other options at the position except for building through the draft, keeping Levi Wallace around beyond 2023 would be a good option. In doing so, it could somewhat lower his cap hit for this year but would also bring some stabilization for the future.
So now that these three options are on the table, it’s time to look at what might be the best move for the Steelers before opening up the discussion, I’ll give my vote:
My vote: RetainOnce again, I thought this was a pretty easy decision. If I have to choose between Levi Wallace and Ahkello Witherspoon at cornerback, I’m choosing Levi Wallace. The Steelers need to keep some players from this year and the cost is not that much so they don’t need to cut both players. I also don’t feel the need to extend Wallace because it would be just fine to see how the season plays out. If the Steelers add young players, seeing if they are ready beyond this upcoming season before having to make a decision with Wallace is the right decision. After all, the Steelers might not need him after this season if they add some young talent that need a year to get acclimated. It just makes sense to keep Wallace around at this price and see how both free agency and the draft plays out.
So what do you think? Should the Steelers release, retain, or extend Levi Wallace? Make sure you vote in the poll and leave your thoughts in the comments below.
In case you missed it, check out the same question for other players below:
Have a BAD Week: A look back at the Steelers week from a black-and-gold mind
BTSC’s random-thought renegade is back with his bizarre look at the Steelers week that was.
The focus for the Steelers is now 2023 and despite no games for a while, there’s a slew of news coming out of Steeltown. With Free Agency right around the corner, things are heating up in the Steel City. Let’s all take a look at the week in the ‘burgh together.
Sunday 3/5Happy birthday @RockyBleier! pic.twitter.com/5vyeg6vLEs
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) March 5, 2023Happy 77th to an absolute legend and American Hero. Hall of Fame in my book, Rock.
Monday 3/6The #Vikings are releasing veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks, @TomPelissero
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 6, 2023Cue up the yinzer league of GMs. Kendricks is a good one as the Vikings start their clearance.
BREAKING: Saints signing QB Derek Carr to 4-year deal. (via @MikeGarafolo, @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/40y5LWBFz8
— NFL (@NFL) March 6, 2023Wow, a midsize sedan going for luxury prices. The Saints have their man.
#Steelers Plan to Release William Jackson III after mid-season acquisition. Due $12.188M in Cash (and Cap) in 2023.
— Chad Forbes (@NFLDraftBites) March 6, 2023This was as obvious as the chin on Bill Cowher’s face. Don’t be shocked if WJ3 does get a shot in the Burgh at an economy price.
Calvin Ridley of the Jacksonville Jaguars has been fully reinstated, the NFL announced today.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 6, 2023The Jags just got more potent. The deadline deal might be the second-best of 2022.
The #Seahawks beat the deadline and lock up Geno Smith. https://t.co/EF0GLH768V
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2023A true Cinderella signing. Wish I put money on this a year ago.
Tuesday 3/7It's going to be a 4-year deal worth $160M, sources say, with $35M more in upside. They are finalizing. https://t.co/MTWTE4JVRl
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 7, 2023Here’s another surprise. Danny Dimes now making a bunch of them.
Ravens place non-exclusive franchise tag on QB Lamar Jackson. pic.twitter.com/tUbzmwXhsy
— NFL (@NFL) March 7, 2023This Lamar contract situation is polarizing. I still think the Ravens are going to let Jackson bolt.
Wednesday 3/8Jamar Chase’s baby mama says she has videos that “would end his career”
The Bungals are a dumpster fire ️ pic.twitter.com/EJ50fXFiUn
The Bengals are imploding. That window could close quickly if there’s any validity to this. No jokes here.
Geno Smith and Kenny Pickett were also the two most accurate deep passers on throws of 21-30 yards, Dak Prescott wasn't too far behind. pic.twitter.com/UhYQCDAIvG
— Johnny Kinsley (Deep Ball Project Is Out Now!) (@Brickwallblitz) March 8, 2023There’s a lot of people that don’t see KP8 as a threat to throw deep. He might surprise more people in Year 2.
Thursday 3/9In the wake of an extensive in-person meeting between Aaron Rodgers & New York Jets brass, including owner Woody Johnson, there's optimism in the Jets’ organization that they are on the brink of landing the future Hall of Fame QB, sources close to the situation tell ESPN.
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) March 9, 2023I’m tired of Aaron Rodgers. This entire “we he stay or will he go?” thing is getting boring.
Sources: The #Ravens are expected to trade safety Chuck Clark to the #Jets in exchange for late-round draft pick compensation. The starter since 2019, Clark now adds veteran experience to NYJ. It should be official when the league year begins. pic.twitter.com/wglGz3oXA1
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2023Chuck Clark is good, Glad to see him out of the division. But I shudder to think what the Ravens are making room for.
Ohio State OT Dawand Jones has Top 30 visits scheduled with the following teams, per source.
• Commanders
• Eagles
• Colts
• Steelers
• Browns
• Bengals
• Seahawks
Don’t read too much in to visits. I went to Arby’s today, doesn’t mean “I’ve got the meats!”.
Compensatory draft picks were handed out today. Here’s the list: pic.twitter.com/ULJnIcVTuY
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2023For those of you that are surprised, you need to check out BTSC and SCN more than you do now. Up your game!
Titans cannot release OLB Bud Dupree until the start of the league year, March 15, due to his remaining guaranteed salary. But they plan to release him then. The move will save the Titans $9.35 million against their cap.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2023Will the Steelers and Dupree be buds again? I think it’s in the works already.
#Packers QB Aaron Rodgers will be a featured guest in a psychedelic science conference in June called "Psychedelic Science 2023"
It is dubbed "the largest psychedelic gathering in history.", via @TMZ https://t.co/dwFGfbJLDu pic.twitter.com/TlCNqHng7y
Rodgers suddenly got interesting again. Excuse me, while I cue up Dark Side of the Moon and Wizard of Oz. A-A-Ron is coming over.
Happy birthday Najee! pic.twitter.com/OvwCcatWAV
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) March 9, 2023Happy Birthday to Najee. Too bad Chi Chi’s isn’t still around. That seems like a Najee place.
Friday 3/10Steelers President Art Rooney II on the passing of Dick Haley: pic.twitter.com/SDWoGjYuKJ
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) March 10, 2023A very crucial part of the Steelers family has passed. R.I.P. Dick Haley.
#Steelers informed CB William Jackson that he is being released, saving $12M in cap space, per @Schultz_Report. Jackson didn't play for Pittsburgh after being acquired before the trade deadline.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 10, 2023It’s official. Again, this was the one move Vegas wasn’t taking odds on.
So far today in the NFL:
1) #Vikings release WR Adam Thielen and CB Cam Dantzler.
2) #Eagles CB Darius Slay gets permission to seek a trade.
3) #Dolphins pickup 5th-year option on QB Tua Tagovailoa.
4) #Eagles re-sign DE Brandon Graham to 1-year, $6M deal.
5) #Patriots… https://t.co/Lp5nzJnyCN
These moves and so much more to come.
Saturday 3/11The Chargers reworked the deals of Joey Bosa & Khalil Mack, creating $25.99M in cap space.
The Raiders reworked the deal of Maxx Crosby, creating $7.5375M in cap space.
This is just the reality of the NFL now. Boy, do I miss the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
Bud Grant, the Hall of Fame coach who led the Minnesota Vikings to four Super Bowl appearances, has died at the age of 95, the Vikings announced Saturday.https://t.co/fjTUR5ZvEl
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2023Absolute Legend. R.I.P. Bud Grant.
This was the significant week that was for the Steelers, mixed-in with my black-and-gold loving life. I’m sure next week will be full of Steelers happenings as well, so we’ll have to do this again. Have a great week, but better yet, have a BAD one.
To listen to more on this, check out the podcast on the player below:
3 options for the Steelers with Gunner Olszewski headed into 2023
With one year remaining on his contract, there are 3 different ways the Steelers could go with Gunner Olszewski this offseason.
As the 2023 NFL league year set to kick off at 4 PM on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, there are a number of decisions that the Pittsburgh Steelers have to make with a fair amount of players when it comes to their status for this season. While some players are set to become unrestricted free agents, there are some still under contract with the Steelers whose future might be in danger simply because of the amount of salary cap space they would consume for this coming season. Although some players are more obvious if they will be kept on for another season, others are more up for debate.
With some great discussion with talking about the options for Myles Jack, I decided to extend the question to other players who have one year remaining on their contract and have a significant cap savings if they were cut. After discussing Mitch Trubisky, and Ahkello Witherspoon, next up is returner/receiver Gunner Olszewski. How should the Pittsburgh Steelers handle his situation? For the most part, there are three options when it comes to Olszewski and the 2023 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers:
ReleaseWhen a player gets brought in to do a certain job and they get demoted from doing that job, is there really reason to keep them? Gunner Olszewski was brought in to be the kick returner and was replaced by Steven Sims. Granted Sims is a restricted free agent so maybe Olszewski sticking around is insurance for the time being. But he doesn’t bring enough value on offense to warrant the $2 million salary he is set to receive.
RetainDo the Steelers have another kick returner right now? With Sims a restricted free agent and Calvin Austin III not playing a single snap in even the preseason for his NFL career, there are a lot of question marks at the position. A $2 million insurance policy is not a big deal to hold onto.
ExtendI am struggling to find one good reason to extend Gunner Olszewski. It’s not like the Steelers could save enough money with an extension to really pay off, so it would only be to make sure they have him longer than 2023.
So now that these three options are on the table, it’s time to look at what might be the best move for the Steelers before opening up the discussion, I’ll give my vote:
My vote: ReleaseI just don’t see Olszewski bringing value if he’s not going to be the kick returner. The fact that they had to replace him last season doesn’t instill confidence, and he shouldn’t be one of the top five wide receivers on the team regardless of his salary. Only costing $2 million, the Steelers will only save about half that due to roster displacement. But to me, it’s still the right move.
So what do you think? Should the Steelers release, retain, or extend Gunner Olszewski? Make sure you vote in the poll and leave your thoughts in the comments below.
In case you missed it, check out the same question for other players below:
A Letter From the Editor: Buckle up Steelers fans, it’s going to get wild
The Pittsburgh Steelers offseason is just getting underway...buckle up fans!
March 12th 2023 might just be another Sunday to some. It might be the day people to forget to move their clocks forward an hour. But for Pittsburgh Steelers fans, and all NFL fans, it is the calm before the proverbial storm.
Monday, March 13th, at 12 p.m. ET is the unofficial start of the free agency period with the two-day legal tampering period beginning. While the deals which are constructed aren’t official until the start of the new league year on Wednesday, March 15th at 4 p.m. ET, deals are put into place as early as Monday.
For the Steelers, this is uncharted territory. No, this isn’t the organization’s first time dealing with free agency, but it is Omar Khan’s first time as the team’s General Manager (GM). It’s the first time with Andy Weidl as his right-hand man. Add all of that together and there is an unknown aspect to this offseason which is exciting.
Some don’t like the unknown. They fear it. After all, not knowing what lies ahead can be daunting, but, to me, it is thrilling. I am a big fan of change not being negative, but potentially being a positive. In this case, I don’t forecast gloom and doom, but the opportunity for Khan to put his own fingerprint on the organization’s history.
What could possibly change? Outside of the obvious talent evaluation standpoint, Khan very well could be doing things differently from his predecessor, Kevin Colbert. This could be via the structure of contracts, duration and even how the money is moved throughout the deal. Khan could be willing to do things from a contract standpoint which Colbert never wanted to do.
It might seem like a small aspect of the job, but shouldn’t be underscored in regards to the team being able to acquire players and remain a team with a healthy level of salary cap space on a yearly basis.
When you add all this together, you realize this offseason, which starts with free agency, is going to be wild. I don’t predict the Steelers to be major players in free agency this season, but that doesn’t mean they won’t make moves. It will be important to see where Khan and his front office put their focus and how they handle all aspects of their business.
Looking closer at the Steelers’ roster, Khan and his team have their work cut out for them. While the offense is young, and brimming with potential, the defensive holes are glaring. What will the organization do if they can’t re-sign Larry Ogunjobi on the defensive line? Will Cameron Sutton be retained? What about the safety duo of Damontae Kazee and Terrell Edmunds? Oh, and then there’s the inside linebacker saga which continues to hang over the Steelers defense like a dark cloud since Ryan Shazier’s injury in 2017.
Filling these holes starts Monday with the start of free agency, and how the organization addresses those needs will blead into the 2023 NFL Draft. But it all starts Monday. In other words, whenever you are exploring uncharted territory it’s best to buckle up and prepare yourself for anything and everything. So, buckle up Steelers fans, it’s going to get wild.
(Note: The Letter From the Editor feature runs every Sunday during the Pittsburgh Steelers offseason.)
The Steelers may have to cut free agents from 2022 to make room for the class of 2023
Despite having a ton of cap room for the first time in ages, the Steelers 2022 free-agent class was just pretty good. In fact, some of those guys may become cap casualties as the new free-agent frenzy kicks off on Wednesday.
The NFL’s new calendar year is almost upon us.
With that, will come the league’s latest free-agent frenzy, which will kick off on Wednesday around 4 p.m. EST. But even before that free-agent frenzy, there will be a legal-tampering frenzy that will begin on Monday; teams will be able to agree to terms with prospective free agents even before they’re technically free agents.
That’s what happened a year ago when the Steelers, flush with salary-cap room for the first time in ages, agreed in principle to a deal with Mitch Trubisky, a veteran quarterback who was expected to come in and be nothing less than a bridge to the team’s next franchise player at the most important position in all of team sports.
But what if Trubisky was even more than that? He was certainly young enough. After his departure from the Bears following the 2020 campaign, Trubisky, who was picked second overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, spent a season as the Bills’ backup behind Josh Allen.
Trubisky learned so much thanks to better coaching in Buffalo, they said.
Trubisky was again ready to prove his worth as a starter in the NFL. He was the top quarterback in free agency when the legal-tampering phase kicked off last March. Pittsburgh wasted no time in reaching a two-year deal with Trubisky.
I remember where I was when my brother called me to give me the news.
“Wow,” I said. “I’m going to be rooting for Mitch Trubisky.” My brother and I sat there and thought of nicknames for Trubisky—Mitchburgh, Bisquit, Trubs, etc.
Not long after, Pittsburgh agreed to deals with offensive linemen Mason Cole and James Daniels. I believe cornerback Levi Wallace was next. Soon after, Gunner Olszewski, an accomplished return specialist, was brought into the fold. Finally, Myles Jack, an inside linebacker who was once the Devin Bush that Devin Bush never was, came to town via Jacksonville.
We were so excited to talk about last March’s free-agent class.
The Steelers, again, flush with cap space for the first time in many moons, felt like free-agent winners.
What grade did you give the Steelers 2022 free-agent class? I felt like they addressed many important needs, so I believe I gave them a B. Maybe a B+. Heck, it could have been an A-.
All I know is, I was very pleased with what Kevin Colbert did on his way out the door.
Overall, I think the Steelers 2022 free-agent class did well enough during the regular season. Cole and Daniels certainly filled holes along the offensive line. Wallace was a solid starting cornerback and seemed to come on as the season progressed. Jack was mostly a steady presence at inside linebacker. As I kind of alluded to earlier, Jack wasn’t the Jack that he was in Jacksonville, but he was a decent player for the Steelers' defense.
As for Gunner? Yikes, but these things tend to happen.
What about Mitchburgh? It wasn’t long before he became unpopular with the fans and was ultimately benched in favor of Kenny Pickett, the rookie quarterback who made everyone realize that Mitchburgh, Bisquit, Trubs, etc. really was just a bridge to the franchise’s future.
Did the Steelers, flush with cap space for the first time in years, hit any home runs with their 2022 free-agent class? (Btw, they also signed Larry Ogunjobi last summer.)
Not really, not unless finding a couple of solid starting linemen and a decent-enough cornerback counts as a few four-baggers.
Heading into the 2023 free-agent frenzy, the Steelers, once again in their familiar position of not having a ton of cap room, may have to part ways with some guys just to have some salary flexibility.
Trubisky—Mitchburgh, Bisquit, Trubs, etc.—is a candidate to be a cap causality. He has one year left on his deal and may be too expensive for a backup—a quality backup, mind you, but a backup, nonetheless.
Jack is someone else who could become a cap causality. Yes, he’s solid, but maybe not solid enough—if only he was the Jack he was in Jacksonville.
As for Gunner? It was nice knowing you. Btw, Steven Sims digs your locker, man.
Will Larry O, who signed a one-year deal, be back? At a discount, perhaps--do they really want to sign an injury-prone defensive lineman to a lucrative contract?
Perhaps they can find another Larry O this year.
If the Steelers do cut Trubisky and Jack, they’ll have to find another Trubisky and Jack. Will these new players be upgrades? I’m sure we’ll talk ourselves into believing they are. We may even give the Steelers' 2023 free-agent class a B+ or even an A-.
The Steelers may even be declared free-agent winners.
Anyway, the Steelers, flush with cap space for the first time in ages, didn’t really hit any free-agent home runs in 2022.
What does that tell you, that we probably shouldn’t put too much stock in these free-agent frenzies?
We will, though, and then we’ll do it all over again next March.
Happy free-agent frenzy!
Steelers book review: Jim Wexell’s “On the Clock” delivers ahead of the NFL Draft
Taking a look at a must-read book for Steelers fans to enjoy this offseason.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a rich history, and there have been a myriad of books written about the boys in black-and-gold. Everything from the difficult days in the team’s infancy, the dynamic dynasty of the 1970s, and the success of the “Big Ben” era.
What you quickly realize is not every book written about the Steelers is created equal. Just like the 32 NFL organizations, there are some which are superior to others. What I’ve decided to do is spend some time this offseason highlighting some of the books I’ve read which stand above the others. Other contributors might chip in, but fans have wanted a list of books which are worth reading, so we’ll go one-by-one.
To start things off, I highlight a book by Jim Wexell titled “On the Clock”. This isn’t Wexell’s first book, and his other Steelers books will be featured in future articles, but it is appropriate to start with his most recent book with the 2023 NFL Draft right around the corner.
For a quick summary of the book, this was taken from Wexell’s website when describing the book:
Storytelling at its finest, with a look back at the key personnel, drafts and picks of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Included are childhood, high school, college and draft-day anecdotes involving all of the team’s Hall of Famers and pivotal championship players.
An examination of the history of the Steelers’ drafts is an examination of the organizational history.
Wexell paints an amazing picture, both good and bad, about the Pittsburgh Steelers’ draft history dating back to the team’s first pick who never played a snap for the organization. He takes you through the 1970s with tremendous detail, the lull which followed the ending of the dynasty, and the return to prominence.
If you are interested in buying this book, you can do so at Wexell’s website HERE. I can’t recommend it enough!
Have a book you feel should be featured? Let us know in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the NFL offseason.
Podcast Roundup: All the latest of the BTSC family podcasts
Get the latest Steel Curtain Network podcast content in the ‘Podcast Roundup’.
We here at BTSC, and our podcast platform Steel Curtain Network, are here with you every step of the way as the Steelers set the stage for 2023. With so much going on, make sure you check out our ‘Podcast Roundup’ article to keep up with the latest podcasts that cover everything Steelers for your black-and-gold knowledge, curiosity and enjoyment.
With that being said and typed, have fun with the shows below with a brief description of each podcast.
The Steelers Week That Was: Black and Gold Skies in Mourning editionTake a look back at the week that was in Steel City Football with a recap of the happenings of the week with Steel Curtain Network’s Bryan Anthony Davis and Dave Schofield.
The Homies: Next Stop, Free AgencyLook up ahead, Free Agency is up ahead and no longer in the distance. What will the Steelers and the rest of the AFC North be looking to do? Join host Kevin Tate and his Homie crew of Brandon “B-Dirt” Herriott, Pay Saunders & Shawn “Big-G” Gurley from the “KnoItAllz” podcast in a barbershop-type discussion about everything football.
State of the Steelers: 5 moves the Steelers need to make in the offseasonJust like every other team in the National Football League, the Steelers need to make moves. With everybody else suggesting transactions, Steel Curtain Network’s Daniel Jay lists five moves the Steelers should make in the off-season.
Be sure to check out this and all episodes on the following platforms:
Apple Users: CLICK HERE
Spotify: CLICK HERE
Google Play: CLICK HERE
Saturday Night Open Thread: Spring Break Edition
Come and join this merry band of Steelers’ faithful for some lively debate about our Steelers, good food, music, and the merits of the odd cold beverage.
Yup, we are completely into the third month of the year, so for all the kiddies that means, March break! You know, going skiing or visiting grandma in her double wide, er ah, “condo” down in Fla or going to Acapulco. I mean who would think to stay home, let alone brag about it ?!!?
I can still remember March break of ‘88. It was my first time going anywhere for March break. 6 friends and I stayed at the Tortuga Inn in sunny Acapulco. Minutes after getting into our room we quickly changing into our bathing suits and went down to the pool bar “7 Coronas” I said to the bartender. “7 beers?” He asked and then exclaimed “14 cervasa’s for my friend. It is happy hour!” and he rang the bar bell. A week of amazing sun, good food, and great times...
- The Bears went all Omar Khan on the Panthers and actually came out winners in the second wide receiver trade they were involved in the past 12 months. Given the cost to acquire the number one pick AND assuming the Panthers are grabbing their choice of QBs, how do you feel about the value of Kenny Pickett at 20 overall?
- Speaking of our young QB, what minimum stat line do you want to see from him this year to make you feel confident he is on his way to becoming our next franchise QB?
- Besides the game itself, what is your favourite part of attending a Steelers game. And if you need to feel free to substitute a different sport but tell us your doing so.
- As we are putting the colder weather behind us does this mean you can start barbequing again? What is your threshold to not bbq? Do you have any tips for cold weather bbq’ing?
- Share a March Break story. Was it a week at hockey camp? Three days in the hospital after a tobogganing adventure gone wrong? A night in a Mexican jail??
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