Steelers/NFL
LATEST STEELERS BUZZ
The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to have over $20 million in cap space when free agency begins and NFL agents that spoke with Steelers officials at the combine believe they will be more aggressive in free agency than past years.
An agent of an outside linebacker set to become a free agent next week, says the Steelers intend to be “players in the market” for a pass rusher.
The belief is Pittsburgh will be pursuing free agents whose market values are expected to fall in the 5 year, $25-$30 million (total value) range.
The Steelers expect to lose Jason Worilds who is seeking a deal in the range of 5 years, $40 million. Worilds last off-season declined a long-term offer from the Steelers believed to be worth around $30 million over 5 years and the team did not make a long-term offer this off-season. The Steelers opting not to tag Worilds, will let the 2010 2nd round pick see what his value is and go from there. There is little optimism he will be back. The Philadelphia Eagles are a heavy favorite to sign Worilds.
At the top of the Steelers radar is Tennessee Titans LOLB Derrick Morgan. Morgan, 26, had 63 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 34 QB hurries in 2014. Morgan has 19 sacks over his last three seasons. He was the 8th rated 3-4 OLB by Profootballfocus last season.
Morgan has not ruled out resigning with the Titans but word out of the Morgan camp is he wants to win.
Another name of interest to the Steelers is Philadelphia Eagles outside linebacker Brandon Graham. In 524 snaps, Graham had 6 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and 39 QB hurries. He’s a high upside target who graded out as one of the best 3-4 linebackers last season. Some NFL contacts believe he could get a contract that will shock a lot of people, likely out of the Steelers price range.
Much cheaper options that could intrigue the Steelers include Cleveland’s Jabaal Sheard but Graham, Morgan are two impact players they’ll be looking at.
The Steelers have not closed the door on resigning James Harrison or Arthur Moats. Steelers coaches want Harrison back, who intends to play one more season.
