Steelers/NFL
Latest Steelers Buzz
The Pittsburgh Steelers report to training camp a week from today and will guard David DeCastro have a new deal in place before camp opens?
Things are moving into that direction where a deal is said to be likely struck in the next couple weeks.
The Steelers have prioritized a new deal for DeCastro over anyone else, and, though a gap remains, headway between the two sides has been made in the last week, a league source says.
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Pittsburgh’s highest paid offensive lineman is Maurkice Pouncey who inked a $5 year, $44,136,626 contract in 2014. DeCastro is scheduled to make $8,070,000 this season as his 5th year option was picked up last year.
His new deal will surpass Pouncey’s.
The highest paid guard in the NFL is Kelechi Osemele who signed a 5 year, $58,500,000 contract. Don’t be surprised if DeCastro’s deal comes in the $54 million range.
More Contract Buzz
— Some whispers in Steelers circles that Le’Veon Bell is getting some bad advice as he enters the final year of his contract.
One Steeler source says Bell is “obsessed” with how he is viewed and perceived. There’s some insecurity issues that worry the Steelers long-term with Bell.
Steelers officials are bracing for tough negotiations with Bell and his camp whether it’s this summer or next.
Bell is represented by Adisa Bakari who also reps Maurice Jones Drew and Matt Forte. One thing in common with both running backs is that they had messy contract negotiations with their respective teams in the past when they were in their prime and elite backs under Bakari’s direction.
The franchise tag for running backs is $11,789,000 this season with the transition tag being $9,674,000.
What about Brown?
— Last off-season Mike Tomlin told Antonio Brown ‘keep your mouth shut and I’ll get you taken care of’ in regards to his contract. Tomlin pushed for the Steelers to take care of Brown in the short-term by giving him an extra $2 million last season.
The same is expected again this summer but with Tomlin so strongly in Brown’s corner, the possibility still exists that the Steelers break their tradition and give Brown a monster extension this summer.
Agent Drew Rosenhaus has his sights set on a $100 million+ deal for Brown. [/hide]
I’d strongly consider just franchising L’eveon Bell. Its the cheapest option. He’s had some injuries and durability concerns. Capable of being the top back in the league, but maybe too many risks.
This is funny given the last 20 minutes.
Whats the point of giving a WR over 30 a massive contract. Throw him a couple extra dollars now and stay out of the long-term game with AB. He’s a great player, but you have him under control until he’s 30. Why pay him huge dollars for post prime performance? Every receiver I’m looking up with exception of Jerry rice who lasted till about 35 is past peak performance at 30. Some maintain themselves at slightly lower production and some fall off a cliff.
He just turned 28 last week.
I love AB. That said, 100mil is lunacy and It can’t possibly fit in the Steelers budget.
There is a shortage of O-linemen and a surplus of running backs league wide, it’s not really a hard choice. Bell is great but the position is easy to replace. Pay DeCastro.
I wouldn’t say surplus of backs league wide, but I agree with your premise.