Steelers/NFL
The Pittsburgh Steelers were very disappointed when they were unable to sign tight end Daniel Graham a few weeks ago and the team is now turing their attention to former Bengals tight end Reggie Kelly.
Kelly, 34, is on campus this morning and the Steelers are looking to sign the 13 year veteran to a one year deal to help solidify their backup tight end position. Kelly’s strength is blocking which is what the Steelers were looking for in their previous pursuit of Graham. Graham went elsewhere due to money.
The team has been looking for a replacement since Matt Spaeth signed with the Chicago Bears. John Gilmore was signed last week but he’s not an adequate No. 2 and doesn’t figure to make the team.
Kelly appeared in all 16 games with the Bengals last season, collecting 10 receptions for 42 yards. He missed the entire 2009 season due to an achilles injury.
Young tight ends Jamie McCoy and Weslye Sanders have done some nice things in camp. McCoy has been effective in blocking situations while Sanders has showed some flashes in the passing game. However, both are unlikely to beat out David Johnson for a roster spot.
Elsewhere on the free agency front, discussions remain on-going,
between the Steelers and Jerricho Cotchery. The line of communication is open and neither side is closing the door on a signing but the Steelers are not confident that he will sign here due to the potential lack of opportunities in the top-4 for Cotchery.
Cotchery is the last impact receiver left on the free agent market. The Steelers had previously looked into Plaxico Burress and held minor discussions with the agent for Malcom Floyd who resigned with the San Diego Chargers last week.
