Packers sign Anthony Smith; Update on Bryant McFadden

The Green Bay Press-Gazette reports “An NFL source has told them safety Anthony Smith agreed to a contract with the Packers on Friday. Smith, 25, played in the Pittsburgh Steelers‚Äô 3-4 defense the past three years and is well known to the Packers‚Äô new safeties coach, Darren Perry, who was Smith‚Äôs defensive backs coach with the Steelers in 2006.” The Steelers did not offer Smith a contract following the season. Bryant McFadden will make a decision very soon on where he will sign Where will he end up?: McFadden has only visited the Cardinals and Lions. The Lions have dropped out and went after cheaper alternatives. Many teams including the Jets, Patriots, Lions were turned off by McFadden‚Äôs asking price.

NFL Free Agency begins at midnight; Live Updates appear at the bottom of the page

Live Updates 12:00 a.m. – The Pittsburgh Steelers released guard Kendall Simmons and free safety Anthony Smith today. The Steelers did not offer Smith a tender offer. The Steelers offered RT Willie Colon a one-year, $2.198 million deal. The Steelers have the right to match any deal for Colon and would receive a first round pick if he signed elsewhere. Significant interest in Nate Washington as the free agency period begins. There is no chance Washington returns to Pittsburgh. The Steelers did not make an offer prior to free agency. The Bucs, Titans, Rams, Vikings are reportedly interested in Washington. Sources have indicated that the Bengals, Lions and Bears have also reached out to Washington. 12:27 a.m. – The Redskins

Pittsburgh Steelers Contracts

Quarterbacks 7 Ben Roethlisberger 3/3/2008: Signed an eight-year, $102 million contract. The deal contained $33.2 million guaranteed, including a $25.2 million signing bonus. Also included is a clause forbidding Roethlisberger from participating in hazardous activities. 2009: $4.75 million + $3 million roster bonus due in March | 2010: $8.05 million | 2011: $11.6 million| 2012: $11.6 million | 2013: $11.6 million |2014: $11.6 million | 2015: $12.1 million, 2016: Free Agent 2 Dennis Dixon 7/7/2008: Signed a three-year, $1.28 million contract. The deal included a $130,000 signing bonus. | 2009: $385,000 | 2010: $470,000 | 2011: Restricted Free Agent | Free Agents 4 Byron Leftwich 16 Charlie Batch

The Latest Steelers Buzz

Photo courtesy of SteelCityHobbies The Pittsburgh Steelers held their victory parade in downtown Pittsburgh today. Mike Tomlin and defensive coordinator Dick Lebeau deserve a lot of credit for the team’s success on the field but Kevin Colbert deserves a lot of credit for constructing a Super Bowl champion. The Steelers got minimal production from their 08 draft but Colbert make key draft picks in 07 such as Lawrence Timmons, William Gay who didn’t make much of a impact in 07 but were unsung players on the 08 team. I doubt there are many fans questioning the team drafting Lawrence Timmons now. He’s going to be a special player next year. 2007 Second round pick LaMarr Woodley who has 8 sacks