On Thursday the Steelers signed seven practice squad players to their off-season roster; TE Eugene Bright, WR Jason Chery, S Tuff Harris, DT Steve McClendon, RB Isaac Redman, RB Justin Vincent and CB Trae Williams.
The buzz was about the player they didn’t sign A.Q. Shipley.
A rookie center (7th round selection) out of Penn State, Shipley spent the entire 2009 season on the practice squad.
Going into his second season, Shipley is looking for an opportunitity to be active on game days.
Mike Bires reports, Shipley has been made an offer by the Steelers but is exploring all of his options at this time.
Shipley told Bires, an offer is on the table but him and his agent {Eric Metz} are trying to figure out what’s best for “him”.
The Steelers want Shipley back but don’t offer a legit chance for Shipley to push for playing time, with Darnell Stapleton returning, along with the emergence of undrafted rookie Ramon Foster and 1st year pro Doug Legursky.
All three players provide versatility on the line, unlike Shipley who is only suited to play center.
The team will also give 2009 3rd round pick Kraig Urbik every chance to jump into the “top 7 or 8” on game days after being inactive for much of the season.