Free Agency Buzz: Mendenhall reunited with Arians; Lewis to visit Saints

STEELERS FREE AGENCY BUZZ Running back Rashard Mendenhall is reunited with Bruce Arians. Mendenhall this afternoon agreed to a one year deal worth around $2.5 – $3 million, turning down an opportunity to join the Denver Broncos. Mendenhall’s camp had been discussing a longer term with both teams but Mendenhall has opted to try to prove himself again and cash in next off-season at age 26. Now it remains to be seen whether Denver might have been the better fit for Mendenall. In Denver he would have had an all-pro quarterback around him in Peyton Manning and a strong offensive line. Arizona has neither. *It has been absolutely dead quiet on Steelers CB Keenan Lewis. Indications are no one is showing

Steelers Free Agency Buzz: Odds lessen of Legursky, Lewis resigning?

LATEST STEELERS FREE AGENCY BUZZ The Steelers signing of William Gay to a three year, $4.5 million contract directly effects Keenan Lewis who badly wants to return and continue playing under Dick LeBeau. However, the Steelers jumping on Gay and overpaying him when 10 days from now they could have likely signed him to a 1 year, vet minimum deal, plays in part to the belief that the value the Steelers have on Lewis is even lower than first believed and they expect to lose him. We can’t rule out Lewis resigning with Pittsburgh as the Steelers will monitor his market, but the odds have lessened from last week and word in Steelers circles is they won’t be losing any

Four Steelers UFA’s with best odds of resigning

STEELERS FREE AGENCY BUZZ Out of the Steelers 17 unrestricted free agents, several won’t be back, and few are a priority for the team who don’t plan to resign notable veterans Max Starks and Casey Hampton, and expect Mike Wallace and Ramon Foster to sign bigger deals elsewhere. The Steelers today are meeting with WR Steve Breaston at their team facility and there continues to be a sense that the Steelers get a deal done with Breaston at some point for the sole reason that there’s really not a market out there for the 29 year old receiver. However, the Steelers are only willing to offer the league minimum and they have felt Breaston wants more money than they are

The Latest Steelers Camp Rumblings III

3rd Version of The Latest TIOPS Steelers Camp Rumblings — The Mike Wallace holdout has now reached 12 days and it’s reached the point where it’s nothing more than a pride thing for Wallace, at least that’s the way Steelers officials see it. Management hasn’t been in touch with Wallace or his agent directly since the first week of camp and it’s now up to Wallace to swallow his pride. As the Wallace holdout continues, the Steelers are worried that he could become plagued with hamstring and groin injuries early in the season which is common for players who report to camp late. — Willie Colon has been tremendous at left guard in camp thus far, showing power, nastiness and some

Harrison, Ward won’t be at full strength for Sunday’s showdown

The 7-7 Pittsburgh Steelers head into Sunday’s game as a much more confident team than we’ve seen the past couple weeks after last Sunday’s thrilling 37-36 victory over the Green Bay Packers. The Steelers have a “pulse” according to head coach Mike Tomlin and this week the team appeared to have a little bit of their swagger back. It was a much looser team in the locker room. In a must win situation against Baltimore, Pittsburgh will not be close to being at full strength and the same can be said for the 8-6 Baltimore Ravens Strong safety Troy Polamalu will miss his 10th game of the season and starting guard Chris Kemoeatu had a minor setback and will miss

Tuesday Practice Report: Ike Taylor and William Gay took plenty of reps with the first-team defense

By Inside Pittsburgh Sports PITTSBURGH _The mood these days in the Steelers’ locker room reflects the team’s state of affairs. “Gloomy,” tackle Willie Colon said. A four-game losing streak and a 6-6 record is obviously reason for disappointment. So, too, is the announcement from coach Mike Tomlin that he may shake up the lineup. But according to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, it’s time to move past Sunday’s embarrassing 27-24 loss to the Oakland Raiders and start focusing on getting back on track.

Tomlin considering significant changes; Ward likely out for Thursday night’s game

In the midst of a four game losing streak, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is considering the possibility of making a number of lineup changes. “Obviously we are a very average football team as we sit here today, ” Tomlin said. At cornerback there will be at least one lineup change, maybe two. Rookie cornerback Joe Burnett is expected to replace William Gay in the starting lineup and internally, the team is exploring the possibility of replacing Ike Taylor in the starting lineup with Keenan Lewis. “It’s going to be Joe Burnett, ” Mike Tomlin said in reference to who will replace William Gay in the starting lineup. Tomlin added, “Keenan Lewis is going to get an opportunity to

Polamalu has PCL sprain; likely to play against Baltimore

Week 11 Mike Tomlin Press Conference roundup Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed today that the injury to Troy Polamalu is not as severe as once believed. Polamalu suffered a PCL sprain, opposed to last time when he had an MCL injury. Polamalu is expected to be held out against Kansas City this Sunday but there are strong indications that Polamalu will be able to play against Baltimore in week 12. “Troy’s status for this game is probably questionable at best, although we’ve had some favorable information in regards to where he is from a health standpoint, ” Mike Tomlin said.

Scouting the Steelers Draft Selections

First Round Selection Evander (Ziggy) Hood, DE, Missouri Height: 6-2 7/8 | Weight: 300 | 40-Time: 4.89 College Career 2005: 18 tackles – 1 sack 2006: 36 tackles – 4 sacks 2007: 49 tackles – 5 sacks 2008: 62 tackles – 7 sacks Strengths: Hood played defensive tackle at Missouri but was drafted by the Steelers to be a defensive end in the NFL. Athletic, very good size and bulk which fits the Steelers kind of defensive end for a 3-4 scheme. Has an explosive first step and great quickness which has scouts optimistic that Hood will make the adjustment to defensive end in the NFL, quite easily. High motor and is versatile, can play DT and DE. Best attributes