Steelers, Cotchery in talks on new deal; Rams, Panthers showing interest, source says

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Jerricho Cotchery are working on a new deal but coming off a 10 touchdown season, Cotchery has drawn interest from up to three teams, an NFL source says.

Cotchery is planning to take at least two visits next week. Cotchery has strong interest in returning to Pittsburgh but is seeking around $3 million guaranteed in year one of a multi-year deal. The Steelers right now have under $4 million in cap space.

Cotchery parted ways with agent Jack Scharf just before the combine and hired Brian Levy of Goal Line Football. Levy is Mike Tomlin’s agent and former Steeler Larry Foote’s long-time agent.

One of the interested teams looking to bring Cotchery in for a visit next week is the St. Louis Rams, a source says. The Baltimore Ravens called on Cotchery prior to free agency “officially” opening but are not believed to be in the mix anymore after the signing of Steve Smith.

One team seen as an ideal fit for Cotchery is the Carolina Panthers. There has been discussions with the Cotchery camp and the Panthers fit the profile of Cotchery wanting to join a contender.

The Steelers lack experience at the wide out position as no receiver behind Antonio Brown has made an NFL start. The Steelers expect Markus Wheaton to make a big jump in year two and drafting a receiver early is very likely.