Steelers Free Agency Report: “Multiple teams” interested in Jerricho Cotchery, agent says

The Pittsburgh Steelers have company in their pursuit to retain wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery with as many as four teams believed to be in the mix at this point.

Among two of the teams reportedly expressing significant interest is the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets, as both teams placed calls into agent Jack Scharf on the first day of free agency and have remained in constant contact with Scharf. Two more teams called today with one of the teams believed to be the Cincinnati Bengals.

“Multiple teams are interested, ” Scharf told Inside Pittsburgh Sports.com on Thursday afternoon. The Chiefs are planning to bring Cotchery in for a visit this weekend but Cotchery hasn’t decided to make the visit yet as Kansas City has a crowded receiver group. Right now he is determining which visits if any to make. “We are determining the best situations for Jerricho. ” Scharf said.

Cotchery is seeking a multi-year deal in the three to four year range and remains in contact with the Steelers, a place Cotchery would like to return. “Absolutely, Steelers are in the mix, ” Scharf said.

— Nose tackle Casey Hampton has agreed to a paycut, his agent Brian Overstreet confirmed. Hampton will make $2.8 million in 2012, after being scheduled to make $5.89 million with a cap hit of $8.056 million. The paycut is an ideal move from both sides and something that had to happen. The move saves the Steelers $3.09 million in cap space.

— Another move that could open over $4 million in cap space is restructuring James Harrison’s deal. While it’s not being ruled out, the team has yet to push forward on that possibility, agent Bill Parise said today.

— Agent Ken Vierra has received calls from four teams on former Steelers LG Chris Kemoeatu but Kemoeatu will likely be on the market for at least a few more weeks. “Just preliminary calls at this point. No visits planned, ” Vierra told Inside Pittsburgh Sports.com. Vierra says Kemoeatu recently had his knee scoped but has started running and should be able to workout for teams in a couple weeks, Vierra said. No visits are planned right now.

— Bears tight end Kellen Davis who the Steelers reached out to on the first day of free agency, resigned with the Bears on Wednesday.

— The Baltimore Ravens have taken a hit in free agency losing defensive end Cory Redding and linebacker Jarrett Johnson, two of the most underrated players on their defense. Redding signed with the Colts and Johnson went to San Diego. Starting inside linebacker Jameel McClain could also leave via free agency. On the offensive side of the ball, guard Ben Grubbs signed with New Orleans. The Ravens are targeting Eagles guard Evan Mathis.