Steelers/NFL
Despite trying to sign players for pennies, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been linked to some big names through 10 days of free agency. Among them include a reported late play for offensive tackle Jake Long, which is a head scratcher, and interest in pass rushers Elvis Dumervil and Dwight Freeney
The Steelers continue to hover around as a team in the mix for the 29 year old Dumervil but they are not expected to step up and pay him the money to keep him from signing with Denver or Baltimore,the two favorites for Dumervil. Regarding Freeney and Dumervil, Profootballtalk writes “per a league source with knowledge of the situation, the Steelers, Ravens, and Broncos remain in play for both players {Elvis Dumervil and Dwight Freeney}. Currently, Dumervil’s decision is expected to come down to Baltimore and Denver. Whichever of that duo doesn’t get Dumervil becomes likely to land Freeney, with the Steelers as the possible alternative destination.”
Indications are Pittsburgh’s interest in Freeney is at a very low price and he’s much less attractive than Dumervil at 33 years old and on the downside of his career.
Playing in a 3-4 system last season, Freeney had 12 tackles, 5 sacks and 1 forced fumble in 14 games. His last 10 sack season was 2010 when he had 10 sacks.
The Steelers are considering him as a situational pass rusher and nothing more.
The Steelers last week hosted Cowboys OLB Victor Butler, a player viewed as a perfect fit and not on the wrong side of 30, but the Steelers have not liked his asking price to this point as Butler is seeking around $3 to $3.5 million per season.
