NFL Labor Talks
Significant progress has been made between the NFL and players association and all signs are starting to point towards the two sides reaching an agreement before July 15th, which has been the date many presume a new deal would need to be in place for training camps to start on time.
With the lawyers taking more of a back seat, a deal is getting closer but still weeks away. One member inside the Steelers organization told me today the feeling around the league is that an “official” deal gets done soon after the July 4th holiday.
Some Steeler tidbits…..
*Through back channels Ben Roethlisberger is said to be pushing extremely hard for the Steelers to retain close friend Willie Colon. Back in the good graces of the organization, Roethlisberger’s opinion matters on things once again.
Fans never want to believe it but there’s a lot of scouts around the league who regard Colon as one of the best right tackles in the game.
Here’s some praise for Colon as one of the best right tackles in the game from former NFL scout Matt Williamson who now runs Scouts Inc: “Some top RTs-not in order: K. McKenzie (#1), Winston, Carey, Yanda (RT/OG), Woody (if healthy), Colon (if healthy), Williams said on Tuesday via twitter.
If Colon is retained, look for Flozell Adams to seek a release.
*The surest bet of all the Steelers unrestricted free agents to return is DT Chris Hoke. There’s been pretty much a mutual agreement in place for a while now. Next on that list would be kicker Shaun Suisham.
*Some chatter around the league I’ve heard more than once of late……Don’t be surprised if the Steelers top three cornerbacks going into training camp are William Gay (resigned), Bryant McFadden and Chris Carr (signed UFA).