Steelers Trade Rumors

Steelers expected to bring back Davenport, Russell
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September 30
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Coach Mike Tomlin said the Steelers probably will sign two running backs to their 53-man roster this week but declined to reveal which ones they had in mind. Former Steelers back Najeh Davenport, though, worked out for them today and told people the Steelers planned to sign him. They also likely will return Gary Russell to their 53-man roster. He made the team, but was released before their game in Philadelphia to make room for a special teams player. He has been on their practice squad since. Tomlin confirmed that he will place rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall (fractured shoulder) and guard Kendall Simmons (ruptured Achilles) on injured reserve. He also declared Willie Parker ..."
Culpepper, Leftwich vie to be Steelers' backup QB
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August 10
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"The Steelers have brought two veteran quarterbacks to training camp today and will sign one of them to replace Charlie Batch as their backup. Byron Leftwich and Daunte Culpepper both arrived at St. Vincent College in Latrobe today. After each have their physicals, one will sign to be the backup to Ben Roethlisberger until Batch heals. Batch broke his right collarbone Friday night in the second quarter against Philadelphia and will miss 4-6 weeks."
Leftwich could join team today
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August 10
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Byron Leftwich, until recently among the most promising young starting quarterbacks in the NFL, could join the Steelers today as the replacement for injured backup Charlie Batch. Before Leftwich boarded a jet in Atlanta last evening for the trip to Pittsburgh, he said he would welcome playing behind Ben Roethlisberger. "They have an opportunity to win it all," Leftwich said. "To be part of that, if I can help, that's my mind-set. I'm just trying to get back out there." The Steelers were talking to agent Tom Condon last night about a possible contract. Leftwich said it was his understanding that he would not work out before any possible deal was struck. The Steelers resume practice at Saint ..."
Steelers likely to sign veteran backup QB
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August 10
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Daunte Culpepper or Byron Leftwich could be the new backup quarterback for the Steelers, who became vulnerable at the position Friday night when Charlie Batch was injured. Batch, who suffered a broken right collarbone in Friday's 16-10 exhibition victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, is expected to be out four to six weeks, according to coach Mike Tomlin. That leaves just two rookies -- fifth-round pick Dennis Dixon and undrafted free agent Mike Potts -- behind starter Ben Roethlisberger, who was sacked 93 times the past two years and takes more hits than almost any passer in the NFL. Roethlisberger's swashbuckling style of play makes him more susceptible to the kind of hit that could ..."
Steelers give Pittsburgh native Drummond a look
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July 31
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"The Steelers worked out kick return specialist and Pittsburgh native Eddie Drummond today at St. Vincent.

Drummond returned kickoffs and punts for the Chiefs last season and averaged 21.2 yards per kick return and 6.9 yards per punt return.

The Penn State product excelled as a return man for the Lions from 2002-06, and the 28-year-old Drummond made the Pro Bowl in 2004 when he averaged 26.2 yards per kickoff return and returned two kickoffs for touchdowns.

The Steelers will have an opening on their 81-man roster when they place punter Daniel Sepulveda on injured reserve. Sepulveda tore the ACL in his right knee, and he is scheduled to undergo season-ending surgery next Wednesday."

Tomlin says Sweed, Mendenhall talks going well
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July 23
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Whatever concerns Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has going into training camp, injuries and the fact that the two's first and second-round draft picks remain unsigned apparently aren't among them.

Tomlin said at a news conference today that he doesn't expect first-round pick Rashard Mendenhall or second-round selection Limas Sweed to miss any practice over their contract situation.

The two, he said, are expected to sign with the Steelers before Sunday when players are required to report to training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe."

Steelers don't expect holdouts
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July 22
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"The Steelers have not had a significant rookie contract holdout in a decade and it appears they will not have one this summer either. Signing any veterans to contract extensions, however, is another matter. Kevin Colbert, the team's director of football operations, predicted yesterday that the top two draft choices will come to terms by the time the Steelers report to training camp Sunday at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe."
Investor would leave Steelers in Rooney's control, source says
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July 8
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Stanley Druckenmiller, the billionaire chairman of Pittsburgh's Duquesne Capital Management and a member of Oakmont Country Club, was contacted by a member or representative of the Rooney family about buying shares in the team, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has confirmed. It is unclear just how much interest Druckenmiller would own in the franchise, but, according to a source who is a friend of Druckenmiller, he has been approached about possibly purchasing the shares of at least two or three of the Rooney brothers. The source said Druckenmiller is only interested in providing investment capital to the Rooney family and would let Dan Rooney run the team "as long as he wants." He also ..."
Former Lion Kevin Jones workout witnessed by four teams
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June 29
Detroit News
 
"Kevin Jones went through a workout Saturday while four NFL teams watched the running back sprint and cut just five months after he had major knee surgery. Dr. D.S. Ping, who has been helping Jones rehabilitate his right knee, said Miami, Green Bay, Pittsburgh and Detroit sent representatives to the workout in Saline, Mich. The Lions cut their former first-round pick in March with one year left on his contract after he hurt the knee late last season, adding to the injury woes that have stunted his success in the league. The Cleveland Browns also called, Ping said, and asked for a video of the workout."
LT Smith in same boat Faneca was
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June 12
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"A year later, Marvel Smith has become the Alan Faneca of 2008, with a twist. Whereas both shared the same frustration a year apart over the lack of contract negotiations, each offensive lineman reacted differently. Faneca reluctantly showed up for a mandatory minicamp, skipping one of those practices at that. He publicly expressed his displeasure, then boycotted the rest of the team's spring drills. Smith, who as a left tackle started next to Faneca, continued to practice with the Steelers yesterday, even though they have not approached his agent about extending his contract, which ends after this season."
Steelers Q & A: Scott Brown answers your questions
May 13
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Q: Is Tommie Harris on the Steelers' radar in the 2009 free agent market or is he too "pricey?" Could Simmons and Mahan and up on the bench and Starks RT and Colon RG be starters? And if so, do the Steelers extend Starks to a long term deal? Jay Sabo of Allentown A: If Tommie Harris signs with the Steelers next year I will personally walk to Allentown to tell you about it. First, I doubt that the defensive tackle even gets to the open market. I'd assume the Bears are making every effort to sign Harris to a long-term contract extension before he becomes a free agent."
If healthy, McFarland good for Steelers
May 12
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 columnist John Harris
"I like what Jacksonville did in the NFL Draft. The Jaguars needed a pass rusher to keep pace among AFC playoff teams and drafted not one but two. If I'm offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, I love what the Steelers did in the draft -- selecting a running back, wide receiver and a tackle among the top four picks. If I'm defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, I hate what the Steelers did in the draft -- no true defensive linemen taken following a season in which his unit registered only four sacks in 100 pass attempts in its three biggest losses (New England and Jacksonville twice). Veteran free agent defensive lineman Anthony "Booger" McFarland is probably looking pretty good to the ..."
Steelers' Line Options
May 4
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Anthony "Booger" McFarland may still be an option for the Steelers and the team may have more flexibility after June 2 when teams can cut players and not have the salaries they were due to make count against the cap. As for the offensive line, the Steelers have three players on their roster that have starting experience at tackle. And what has to be encouraging for the Steelers has to be the health of left tackle Marvel Smith. Smith had surgery last season to relieve pressure that a piece of a herniated disc had put on a nerve in his back, and he said he noticed a change, for the better, as soon as he woke up from the procedure."
Steelers unlikely to trade up in NFL draft
April 22
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Steelers director of football operations Kevin Colbert raised the possibility of trading out of the No. 23 spot to acquire more picks in this weekend's NFL Draft. Unlike previous drafts, Colbert said the Steelers won't trade up in the first round to acquire a player they really like."
Down-bound?
April 22
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
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"Colbert, who enjoys a good trade, said it's more likely the Steelers would trade down from their position at No. 23 in the first round than go up."
Steelers' Starks signs one-year offer
April 21
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Max Starks signed the one-year offer the Steelers tendered him back in February when they placed the transition tag on the fifth-year veteran... The Steelers and Starks' agents could continue to work toward a deal on a long-term contract extension."
Steelers meet with TE Brady
April 16
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Free-agent tight end Kyle Brady, who has played 13 NFL seasons, met with Steelers coaches Tuesday at the team's South Side facility."
Brady chats with Steelers
April 16
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
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"Former Penn State tight end Kyle Brady, an unrestricted free agent, visited the Steelers yesterday. Brady, 36, has played for the New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots, who released him Feb. 29."
Steelers Q & A: Scott Brown answers your questions
April 14
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"That's an interesting scenario, and if the Steelers want to move down in the draft and pick up an extra choice or two Atlanta would be a logical trading partner because of the two picks it has in the second round."
Starks still in Steelers' plans
April 1
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"The Steelers remain interested in working out a long-term contract extension with offensive tackle Max Starks and will make that more of a priority after the owners meetings, director of football operations Kevin Colbert said."
McFarland, three others visit Steelers
March 26
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"The Steelers had four players visit their South Side facility Tuesday, with Anthony "Booger" McFarland easily qualifying as the most intriguing of the bunch."
Steelers' Max protection
March 17
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 columnist John Harris
"The NFL salary cap is at an all-time high. Teams are spending money like they're playing Monopoly. Free-agent offensive tackles, especially those bearing Super Bowl rings, are supposedly in huge demand. So why is Max Starks still without a new contract?"
McFadden wants to make Steelers pay
March 15
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Cornerback Bryant McFadden was the Steelers' second-round draft pick in 2005. McFadden is entering the final year of his contract and has retained the one and only Drew Rosenhaus to broker a new deal. Be afraid Steelers fans, be very afraid."
Steelers check out 2 more free agents
March 15
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Hartwig, 29, was joined on the South Side by free-agent safety Donnie Nickey, a backup for five seasons with the Tennessee Titans who is considered a special-teams standout. Nickey, an Akron, Ohio, native who played at Ohio State, once angered Titans quarterback Vince Young because he hit his teammates too hard in practice."
Steelers using free agency to shore up special teams
March 15
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"The Steelers continue to address coach Mike Tomlin's promise to improve their special teams. They signed running back Mewelde Moore, who also returns punts, along with linebacker Keyaron Fox, another special teams standout. On Friday, the Steelers met with free-agent safety Donnie Nickey, a top special teams performer with the Tennessee Titans."
Fox gets audition for OLB
March 12
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Outside linebacker Keyaron Fox, an unrestricted free agent who played the past four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, is the latest player to meet with the coaching staff. He was at the Steelers' offices yesterday, looking for a new team after Chiefs coach Herman Edwards promised to overhaul the Kansas City roster after a 4-12 season."
Steelers stick to building through draft
March 12
Beaver County Times
 columnist Mike Bires
"The Steelers brought in another free agent Tuesday, but even if they sign him, their chances of making it to the Super Bowl won’t improve one bit. For the record, the guy’s name is Keyaron Fox, a back-up linebacker from Kansas City. In four pro seasons, he’s made just four starts."
Smith extension next on agenda
March 9
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"He's not a free agent, but offensive tackle Marvel Smith will become one next year if the Steelers do not sign him to a contract before then. He's in the same place this year as was Faneca last year; Smith has one year left on his contract, and no doubt he'd like an extension before he begins the 2008 season."
Steelers still quiet in free agency
March 8
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"The team did re-sign linebacker Andre Frazier to a one-year deal that could be worth as much as $520,000 and includes a $50,000 signing bonus... The Steelers could free up cap room by signing offensive tackle Max Starks to a long-term contract or restructuring the contracts of players on their roster."
Steelers' Smith could be in line for major payday
March 8
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 columnist John Harris
"Now consider that left tackle Marvel Smith, Faneca's former teammate and on-field neighbor, could break Faneca's record. Smith, who turns 30 in August, will be a free agent after next season. As the salary cap continues to rise, so will players' salaries."
Free-agent DB Wilson meets with Steelers
March 5
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"In the midst of a whirlwind recruiting tour, free-agent defensive back Eugene Wilson left Steelers headquarters Tuesday without a contract. The Steelers were the second stop for Wilson, who played five seasons with the New England Patriots."
Cowhers will move, but not to Penn State
March 5
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Bill Cowher's house is for sale in Raleigh, N.C., and he and his family will move -- 2 miles away. Cowher said yesterday, with a laugh, that "I'm not going anywhere," after Internet reports noted that his house was for sale and rumors linked him with another coaching job, this one at Penn State."
Roethlisberger, Steelers close on contract extension
March 3
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"A deal on a contract extension for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger appears to be imminent, as his agents are in Pittsburgh and meeting with the Steelers."
Progress made on Big Ben's contract
March 2
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"The agents for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will meet in Pittsburgh today with Steelers officials to try to nail down a contract extension."
Seven reasons to extend Big Ben's contract
March 2
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Ben Roethlisberger is celebrating his 26th birthday today, and for a guy who seemingly has everything -- fame, money, a Super Bowl ring -- there is one belated present that the Steelers quarterback would love to get: a contract extension."