And little interesting tidbit: Rapoport adds that the free agent has visited the Steelers' facility and has been cleared by their team doctor, who also doubles as Finley's doctor.Per Ian Rapaport - Jermichael Finley visited with Steelers recently.
How so? Its not like Kaepernicus became the highest paid QB in the by getting a 6yr/$110 deal. His deal averages near the franchise tag, and he's a young QB who has taken his team to 3 consecutive conference champ games and a SB. Ben will be an over 30 years old QB and these next 2 years will be making over $18 mill anyways.That Colin Cashpernick contract is gonna hurt the Steelers when it's Ben's turn.
On "paper" it's 6yr/$126M with $61M guaranteed. Breaks down to potentially much less but that's the top end. Ben is more valuable than Colin, I think that's pretty clear. If Kap is "worth" $21M/yr why wouldn't Ben be worth $26M? It's like someone on SNR was saying the other day, these guys have ego's. Next guy is gonna want more. If they don't extend Ben soon the escalation of qb contracts could put him in a much higher salary than he is now.Kenny Powers said:How so? Its not like Kaepernicus became the highest paid QB in the by getting a 6yr/$110 deal. His deal averages near the franchise tag, and he's a young QB who has taken his team to 3 consecutive conference champ games and a SB. Ben will be an over 30 years old QB and these next 2 years will be making over $18 mill anyways.3C said:That Colin Cashpernick contract is gonna hurt the Steelers when it's Ben's turn.
They picked up the free agent from Alabama. Probably all they're going to do.JoeSteeler said:any CBs out there they could sign?
All the guys in Kap's class are going to get big contracts...Wilson, Luck, RG3...I dont think any of that really effects Ben's contract as like I said, those QBs and Ben are in totally different positions.On "paper" it's 6yr/$126M with $61M guaranteed. Breaks down to potentially much less but that's the top end. Ben is more valuable than Colin, I think that's pretty clear. If Kap is "worth" $21M/yr why wouldn't Ben be worth $26M? It's like someone on SNR was saying the other day, these guys have ego's. Next guy is gonna want more. If they don't extend Ben soon the escalation of qb contracts could put him in a much higher salary than he is now.Kenny Powers said:How so? Its not like Kaepernicus became the highest paid QB in the by getting a 6yr/$110 deal. His deal averages near the franchise tag, and he's a young QB who has taken his team to 3 consecutive conference champ games and a SB. Ben will be an over 30 years old QB and these next 2 years will be making over $18 mill anyways.3C said:That Colin Cashpernick contract is gonna hurt the Steelers when it's Ben's turn.
If this is true then it definitely won't affect the Steelers/Ben negotiations. http://espn.go.com/blog/san-francisco-49ers/post/_/id/7564/kaepernicks-deal-is-12th-richestAll the guys in Kap's class are going to get big contracts...Wilson, Luck, RG3...I dont think any of that really effects Ben's contract as like I said, those QBs and Ben are in totally different positions.On "paper" it's 6yr/$126M with $61M guaranteed. Breaks down to potentially much less but that's the top end. Ben is more valuable than Colin, I think that's pretty clear. If Kap is "worth" $21M/yr why wouldn't Ben be worth $26M? It's like someone on SNR was saying the other day, these guys have ego's. Next guy is gonna want more. If they don't extend Ben soon the escalation of qb contracts could put him in a much higher salary than he is now.Kenny Powers said:How so? Its not like Kaepernicus became the highest paid QB in the by getting a 6yr/$110 deal. His deal averages near the franchise tag, and he's a young QB who has taken his team to 3 consecutive conference champ games and a SB. Ben will be an over 30 years old QB and these next 2 years will be making over $18 mill anyways.3C said:That Colin Cashpernick contract is gonna hurt the Steelers when it's Ben's turn.
No doubt Ben will get paid, but the Steelers wont be on the losing end.
Who else do they have to play mlb?Didn't vet it, but Rotoworld in a blurb dated 5-28 noting Shazier was running with the first team defense, also noted it was rare for a PIT rookie defender to start Week 1 (I kind of knew that, but not how rare), with Kendrell Bell being the last one in 2001.
Will someone think of the chickens for god sakesPittsburgh police officers made a huge heroin bust at a home owned by former Steelers defensive back Deshea Townsend. Two men were arrested at the house, and police seized 1,500 bricks of heroin, 16 guns, $100,000 in cash, two luxury cars, jewelry, and a live chicken. Live chicken!
I noted the Kap contract already being less of a hit. There's probably 0 chance they go into 2015 without doing something with his contract. They will not (IMO) franchise him.You guys are aware that Big Ben is under contract for 2 years and could easily see a franchise tag after that which would be 3 years of team control. Only reason to extend is for cap relief. Not sure why the immediate panic about it. If anything Drew Brees last extension has had more effects on that contract than Kaepernick.
Indeed he was with the 1s in OTAs. Long way to go though.Bob Magaw said:Didn't vet it, but Rotoworld in a blurb dated 5-28 noting Shazier was running with the first team defense, also noted it was rare for a PIT rookie defender to start Week 1 (I kind of knew that, but not how rare), with Kendrell Bell being the last one in 2001.
Maybe portending early success for Shazier, Bell was Defensive Rookie of the Year.
I'd be shocked if he doesn't start, health permitting, but that is partly a testament to how rare a talent I think Shazier is. I expect him to be in the early mix for Defensive Rookie of the Year with the following other first rounders.Indeed he was with the 1s in OTAs. Long way to go though.Bob Magaw said:Didn't vet it, but Rotoworld in a blurb dated 5-28 noting Shazier was running with the first team defense, also noted it was rare for a PIT rookie defender to start Week 1 (I kind of knew that, but not how rare), with Kendrell Bell being the last one in 2001.
Maybe portending early success for Shazier, Bell was Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Shazier and Timmons are expected to be the starting ILBs.cloppbeast said:Who else do they have to play mlb?Bob Magaw said:Didn't vet it, but Rotoworld in a blurb dated 5-28 noting Shazier was running with the first team defense, also noted it was rare for a PIT rookie defender to start Week 1 (I kind of knew that, but not how rare), with Kendrell Bell being the last one in 2001.
I would hope that it would not come to that but I also think that Ben is one of those QB's that when he's done, you'll know it. He's taken a lot of hits in the league and that isn't even thinking about his violent bike crash.I noted the Kap contract already being less of a hit. There's probably 0 chance they go into 2015 without doing something with his contract. They will not (IMO) franchise him.You guys are aware that Big Ben is under contract for 2 years and could easily see a franchise tag after that which would be 3 years of team control. Only reason to extend is for cap relief. Not sure why the immediate panic about it. If anything Drew Brees last extension has had more effects on that contract than Kaepernick.
Me as well. There's no way any of the guys who started opposite Timmons last year beat him. Spence could be a wild card but I'm only throwing that out there to look "smart" if some miracle happens.I'd be shocked if he doesn't start, health permitting, but that is partly a testament to how rare a talent I think Shazier is). I expect him to be in the early mix for Defensive Rookie of the Year with the following other first rounders.Indeed he was with the 1s in OTAs. Long way to go though.Bob Magaw said:Didn't vet it, but Rotoworld in a blurb dated 5-28 noting Shazier was running with the first team defense, also noted it was rare for a PIT rookie defender to start Week 1 (I kind of knew that, but not how rare), with Kendrell Bell being the last one in 2001.
Maybe portending early success for Shazier, Bell was Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Donald
Shazier
Mack
Clowney
Mosley
Steelers extend Maurkice Pouncey by five yearsPosted by Mike Florio on June 12, 2014, 9:25 AM EDT
At a time when Dolphins center Mike Pouncey has made no secret of his desire for a long-term contract, his twin brother has gotten one in Pittsburgh.
Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey has agreed to terms on a five-year extension worth, according to a source with knowledge of the contract, a little over $44 million. Coupled with the remaining year of his rookie contract, Maurkice has a six-year, $48 million contract.
The deal pays Maurkice a signing bonus of $13 million. That’s more than the signing bonus paid last week to 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. And that should help the agents for young franchise quarterbacks make the case that Kaepernick deal isn’t the beginning of a trend but an aberration.
Thanks to non-guaranteed roster bonuses payable on the third day of the 2015 and 2016 league years, Pouncey will pocket $17.75 million by March of next year. He gets another $3.5 million in March 2016.
More to come.
Man I'm really loving this pick more and more each day.Below article notes in the early going, Shazier is being used in a Polamalu-like capacity, all over the defense with a variety of roles in run and pass defense. Also, he may have a head start on the notoriously difficult to understand (for a rookie) PIT scheme. DC LeBeau is a former Buckeye (like Shazier), consults with his alma mater, and the Ohio State defense incorporates some of his concepts.
Steelers rookie linebacker Shazier showing plenty of sizzle
By Alan RobinsonPublished: Wednesday, June 11, 2014, 9:30 p.m.
http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/6253366-74/shazier-steelers-defense#ixzz34O8M7Z2a
A single play during June non-contact practice accelerated the Steelers defense's transformation from old, slow and mostly reliable to young, fast and unpredictable.
Backup quarterback Bruce Gradkowski dropped back and attempted to loft a pass into the flat. But rookie Ryan Shazier read the play, sprinted to his left toward the pass, leaped at the right moment and made the kind of interception a Steelers inside linebacker hasn't made in a long time — practice or not.
Shazier showed off not only his 4.38-in-the-40 speed, but the kind of rare athleticism that made the Steelers invest a first-round draft pick and $9.5 million in him.
“I had a zone drop and read the quarterback's eyes, and I knew he thought he would be able to get it over me a little bit,” Shazier said Wednesday. “I knew it was a little high, but I can get up there.”
Yes he can.
Shazier also can cover a lot of ground in a little bit of time, one reason why, on a day the Steelers began opening up the bag of tricks that their newly acquired players provided them, Shazier was a younger version of Troy Polamalu — lining up everywhere and anywhere.
Once, he was assigned outside coverage on Pro Bowl wide receiver Antonio Brown.
Todd Haley's offense was countering, too — Le'Veon Bell and LeGarrette Blount showed off a two-back power set, and another time Bell flanked out wide.
It was one more glimpse into the reshaping of a team that relied on a long-proven cast for an extended period. But now the Steelers are trying to catch up in a hurry as fast, innovative offenses keep speeding up the game.
“You never know with coach (****) LeBeau, he can do anything,” Shazier said. “Maybe one play I might be on Antonio Brown. The next play I might be on Le'Veon. The next rep I might be on Heath (Miller). Whatever he wants me to do, whatever he wants the defense to do, we'll go in there and do.”
In a spring/summer of adjustment for Shazier, this was just another transitional phase.
He is adjusting from mostly playing outside linebacker at Ohio State to playing inside linebacker in the NFL, and in one of the league's most complex defenses.
But Shazier said the shift isn't as complicated as it sounds, partly because LeBeau — himself a former Buckeyes player — still consults with the Ohio State defensive staff.
“A lot of stuff we learned at Ohio State is from this defense,” Shazier said. “The coaches came over here every now and then and learned some stuff. Some of it has different terminology, and (is) more complex, but it has a little bit of what we knew.”
New Steelers linebacker Arthur Moats knows what Shazier is experiencing; he played inside and outside in Buffalo but, so far in Pittsburgh, he's playing outside.
“The biggest thing is here, inside, you're definitely having to think about a lot more because you have more coverage responsibilities, your run fits are going to be different,” Moats said.
“Outside, you're just flying off the ball and, sometimes, you can make a mistake because you have the guys behind you who can cover for you. At inside linebacker, you can't make that mistake because a 10-yard gain turns into a 20-yard gain.”
But when athleticism and anticipation combine on a single play, as on Shazier's, an apparent 10-yard gain for the offense can turn into a 20-yard interception return by the defense.
“I'm still learning a lot right now — probably on a scale of 1 to 10, I'm about a 6 or a 5,” Shazier said. “I still have a long way to go.”
With his speed, it shouldn't take him long to get there.
/salute the legend, Chuck Noll.Chuck Noll, four-time Super Bowl winning Steelers coach, found dead at 82Legendary Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Chuck Noll, who guided the team to four Super Bowl titles in his 23-year tenure with the team, was reportedly found dead Friday night at the age of 82, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune Review.
Noll was found unresponsive by his wife, Marianne, at 9:45 p.m. ET. She called 911, and paramedics pronounced him dead at 9:55 p.m.
After a 1-13 season as a rookie head coach, Noll turned the Steelers' ship around and guided the team to the postseason in his fourth season. A few years later, the team became one of the all-time NFL dynasties. The Steelers were the team of the 1970s under his stewardship, winning four titles in a six-year span from 1974 to 1979.
“Chuck Noll is the best thing to happen to the Rooneys since they got on the boat in Ireland,” said Art Rooney Jr., the oldest son of Steelers founder Art Rooney Sr.
Noll compiled a regular-season coaching record of 193-149-1 up through his final season in 1991, and a postseason mark of 16-8. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame in 1993.
A highly regarded high-school player, Noll played collegiately at Dayton and was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 193. Noll spent seven seasons wih the Browns as a guard and linebacker, collecting eight interceptions — five in 1955 — in 77 career games played.
Noll got his coaching start with the San Diego Chargers as their defensive line coach in 1960 and 1961, later becoming their defensive coordinator. He later became Don Shula's defensive coordinator with the Baltimore Colts and oversaw the 1968 defense that allowed an NFL-fewest 144 points for a team that ultimately lost in Super Bowl III to the New York Jets.
The following season, Noll was given a chance by the Rooney family to coach the Steelers once Penn State's Joe Paterno turned down the job. Shula gave Noll a strong recommendation to Art Rooney, and a dynasty was born.
Noll started putting together the pieces of the famed "Steel Curtain" defense, and by 1972 — with quarterback Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris in place on the offensive side — the team began an eight-year run of dominance and a regular-season mark of 88-27-1 and playoff appearances in each of those seasons.
Although the team took a dip in the 1980s, as most of the legendary group of the decade before aged, the Steelers still made the playoffs four times in the decade and suffered only two losing seasons. Noll retired following the 1991 season, and he remains one of the most beloved figures in Pittsburgh sports history.
In the 23 years prior to Noll being hired, the Steelers had seven head coaches. After Noll's 23-year reign, the team has had two since him — Bill Cowher and Mike Tomlin, both of whom have won one Super Bowl.
Noll kept as low a profile as possible during his coaching career, often turning down endorsement offers and not seeking the media spotlight. He laid even lower after retirement but remained a revered football figure. Severe back pain made it difficult for Noll to get around in recent years, and he was forced to walk with the use of canes. He had been under doctor's care recently for an undisclosed ailment.
Noll leaves his wife, Marianne; his son, Chris; and two grandchildren, Katie, and Connor.
Grain of salt.Jason Worilds reportedly rejected Steelers offerNow we know why there has been no progress between the Pittsburgh Steelers and linebacker Jason Worilds on a new contract.
Worilds rejected a long-term offer from the Steelers "awhile ago," Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported last week.
There is no word on the specifics of the offer. Per Bouchette, the offer stands and the team will go no higher.
Worilds recently expressed optimism that he will reach agreement with the Steelers.
"You put so much time and effort in with these guys," Worilds explained, per The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, "so you want to be here for the duration of your career."
The two sides have until July 15 to work out an extension.
If the Steelers stick to their hard-line stance, Worilds will have to accept their standing offer or play out the season under the $9.754 million transition tag.
True but having him play under the franchise tag is a pretty big cap hit for the team.Worilds really doesn't have much bargaining power here. They can pay him this year and franchise him next year if they think he's worth it.
Lebeau looks like he's 65. The man must live right.http://www.steelers.com/cda-web/audio-video-module.htm?vv=pop-out&id=69973712-adcc-414d-bec7-dbc7c9767a5f&previewMode=true
Lebeau on FA additions. Asked about Mike Mitchell and went out of his way to mention Cam Thomas. I had a sneaky feeling Thomas may have a bigger role than people initially thought. Seems Lebeau likes him.
I'm not sure anything gets to the man. He's always done something he's loved and always sounds so tranquil about it. Obviously it didn't work out for him as a head coach but you couldn't ask for a better coordinator.Lebeau looks like he's 65. The man must live right.http://www.steelers.com/cda-web/audio-video-module.htm?vv=pop-out&id=69973712-adcc-414d-bec7-dbc7c9767a5f&previewMode=true
Lebeau on FA additions. Asked about Mike Mitchell and went out of his way to mention Cam Thomas. I had a sneaky feeling Thomas may have a bigger role than people initially thought. Seems Lebeau likes him.
Signed by SD. DAMN!!!!!!!! I wouldve loved to get Flowers. Looks like he only signed a 1 year deal with $3mil guaranteed and $2mil in incentives. Thats a #######' robbery for the Chargas. Wish we pushed harder for him, got him here earlier, etc. Had no clue he was even a free agent. He's the type of talent that usually gets signed first week of FA.A source with knowledge of the situation confirmed with Behind the Steel Curtain Wednesday the Steelers have strong interest in free agent cornerback Brandon Flowers, and a visit with team officials in the near future may be the next step.
The source said the team is trying to get Flowers out to Pittsburgh, but he is scheduled to meet with the Chargers first.
CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora also reported the team's interest, and confirmed Flowers will be in San Diego over the next two days.
BAL, PIT, MIN among those monitoring closely
SD guaranteed him a starting position. No questions asked.Signed by SD. DAMN!!!!!!!! I wouldve loved to get Flowers. Looks like he only signed a 1 year deal with $3mil guaranteed and $2mil in incentives. Thats a #######' robbery for the Chargas. Wish we pushed harder for him, got him here earlier, etc. Had no clue he was even a free agent. He's the type of talent that usually gets signed first week of FA.A source with knowledge of the situation confirmed with Behind the Steel Curtain Wednesday the Steelers have strong interest in free agent cornerback Brandon Flowers, and a visit with team officials in the near future may be the next step.
The source said the team is trying to get Flowers out to Pittsburgh, but he is scheduled to meet with the Chargers first.
CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora also reported the team's interest, and confirmed Flowers will be in San Diego over the next two days.
BAL, PIT, MIN among those monitoring closely
He was only a FA for a week or two. Chiefs cut him recently.He's the type of talent that usually gets signed first week of FA.
Sounds like he wanted to go to SD. He only visited them. Gives him a chance to stay in division too and play KC twice this year. Pitt had rumored interest then no visit happened and he never got past SD.Maurile T just posted the incentive details in the thread about Flowers and it sounds like the last $1M is a longshot (has to play 93% of the defensive snaps AND SD has to make the AFCCG).
So $4M is most likely what he got. Yes, I sure as hell wish Pittsburgh had gotten him at that price.
He knows there are at least 2 games a year he will have easy matchups with WRs. KC has maybe the worst group in the NFL.Flowers flat out said the division was a big part of it, if I read stuff this morning correctly. Wanted to go up against Chiefs twice a year.
raiders arent too much better either.He knows there are at least 2 games a year he will have easy matchups with WRs. KC has maybe the worst group in the NFL.Flowers flat out said the division was a big part of it, if I read stuff this morning correctly. Wanted to go up against Chiefs twice a year.
Over the years, I've read more than once that the Steelers had Rivers higher on their board than Roethlisberger. I have no idea if that has any basis in reality, but I think it's a pretty safe bet that Rivers would have been the pick.Just watched storm over Eli about the 2004 draft on nfl network. Have the steelers ever said who they would've drafted if Ben went to ny? Rivers?
Cowher would have proposed marriage to Rivers. He'd have been the pick.Over the years, I've read more than once that the Steelers had Rivers higher on their board than Roethlisberger. I have no idea if that has any basis in reality, but I think it's a pretty safe bet that Rivers would have been the pick.Just watched storm over Eli about the 2004 draft on nfl network. Have the steelers ever said who they would've drafted if Ben went to ny? Rivers?
Nearly one year ago, last July the Pouncey's made the news:Police investigating after man claims Pouncey twins assaulted himPosted by Michael David Smith on July 12, 2014, 12:16 PM EDT
Police are investigating after a man claimed Dolphins center Mike Pouncey and Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey assaulted him at a Miami Beach nightclub, but no arrests have been made and police have not confirmed that the Pounceys are the subjects of the investigation.
“There was an incident that occurred at Cameo last night at 4:20 a.m., where an alleged assault took place,” Miami Beach Police Sgt. Bobby Hernandez told New Times. “We have not confirmed it’s the Pouncey brothers that are the subjects, but we are going to have detectives contacting the victims to investigate further.”
A man named Ricky Vasquez posted several messages on Twitter and Instagram saying he was assaulted at Cameo, the club where the Pouncey twins also got attention at this time last year for wearing “Free Hernandez” hats after their college teammate Aaron Hernandez was charged with murder. The Pounceys, whose birthday is July 24, have an annual birthday party at Cameo.
Vasquez claims he was punched and has a chipped tooth and a cut that required 10 stitches. He also claims that he was called an anti-gay slur.
Pouncey twins apparently show their support for HernandezPosted by Mike Florio on July 14, 2013, 10:45 AM EDT
Less than two weeks after a Dolphins hat raised an unexpected stink for Colin Kaepernick, a Dolphin wearing a different kind of hat could be creating another.
Via Deadspin, a photo of what appears to be Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey and Dolphins center Mike Pouncey wearing “Free Hernandez” hats has surfaced on the Internet.
Both men played with Aaron Hernandez at the University of Florida. Both have had their names come up in connection with the unsolved September 2007 shooting that may or may not have involved Hernandez.
So the list of public Hernandez supporters apparently is now up to five: Deion Branch, Snoop Dogg, the ACLU, and the Pouncey twins.
A league source has confirmed conclusively that it’s the Pouncey twins in the photo. There’s still a chance (small as it may be) that the messages on the hats were digitally altered.
Although police are investigating after a man claimed early this morning that he was assaulted by Dolphins center Mike Pouncey and Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey, a source with knowledge of the situation tells PFT the preliminary evidence indicates the Pounceys were not involved in the alleged assault.