Steelers/NFL category, Page 294

Mike Tomlin was always going to get his contract extended. He can coach the Steelers for as long he wants. That’s how Dad ran things. Granddad, too. (Actually, Granddad had 13 coaches in the Steelers’ first 35 years, and they only made the playoffs once. But don’t spoil the narrative.)...

No long ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers boasted a durable and dependable offensive line. Four of the five starters were mainstays — Alejandro Villanueva, Ramon Foster, Maurkice Pouncey and David DeCastro — with Marcus Gilbert giving way to Matt Feiler at right tackle. How times have changed. When the Steelers open...

In advance of the NFL Draft (April 29-May 1), “Breakfast With Benz” is spending this week publishing daily Pittsburgh Steelers previews and podcasts. We are breaking down the franchise’s needs into five different sections. Each day, former college and NFL scout Matt Williamson (Steelers radio contributor/“Peacock and Williamson NFL Show”)...

Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to a three-year contract extension that ties the team and its longtime coach through the 2024 season. Tomlin is entering his 15th season as coach, tying him with predecessor Bill Cowher for the second-longest tenure in Steelers history behind Hall of Famer Chuck...

Vance McDonald’s retirement two weeks after the wild-card playoff loss to Cleveland brought some much-needed salary cap relief to the Pittsburgh Steelers. It amounted to a $5.2 million savings for a team that needed to reduce its number drastically before the start of the new league year. McDonald’s retirement also...

In advance of the NFL Draft (April 29-May 1), “Breakfast With Benz” is spending this week publishing daily Pittsburgh Steelers previews and podcasts. We are breaking down the franchise’s needs into five different sections. Each day, former college and NFL scout Matt Williamson (Steelers radio contributor/“Peacock and Williamson NFL Show”)...

Eight rookie wide receivers totaled at least 500 receiving yards in 2020. Seven had at least 50 receptions, and six caught no fewer than five touchdown passes. The Pittsburgh Steelers’ Chase Claypool was part of this group — he qualified in all three categories — that included six wide receivers...

In advance of the NFL Draft (April 29-May 1), “Breakfast With Benz” is spending this week publishing daily Steelers draft-related previews. We are breaking down the franchise’s needs into five different sections. Monday: Quarterbacks and running backs Tuesday: Receivers and tight ends Wednesday: Offensive line Thursday: Defensive front seven Friday:...

When assessing the value the Pittsburgh Steelers place in obtaining a running back early in the NFL Draft, it’s worth remembering what team president Art Rooney II said on a fan forum last month. “We don’t want to see the Pittsburgh Steelers last in the league in rushing ever again,”...

Editor’s note: This is the first in a series previewing each position heading into the NFL Draft on April 29. Today’s installment: QBs. The most important position on the football field understandably and justifiably will gain most of the attention at the top of the NFL Draft. For the first...

A whole slew of “experts” think the Pittsburgh Steelers should draft a quarterback. Turn on ESPN. Adam Schefter, Dan Graziano and Booger McFarland are hot for the Steelers to select a QB. Not necessarily in the first round, where the Steelers pick 24th. Maybe in the third or fourth round....

Add the Pittsburgh Steelers to the growing number of NFL teams flexing their rights under the collective bargaining agreement to opt out of voluntary in-person workouts this spring. Citing concerns about protections against covid-19, the Steelers announced their decision Friday via a statement released by the NFL Players’ Association. The...

I can only imagine the emotional swirl within the wave of Steelers players who recently rejoined the team just a matter of weeks after being turned loose. I don’t have to imagine the emotions of the fan base, however. I see them on display constantly on social media and in...

Friday’s “First Call” gives us a medical update on a potential Steelers first-round pick. Odds are out on who might be the NFL Rookie of the Year. We saw a strange night in the NHL’s East Division. And we look at the Pirates weekend tilt in Milwaukee. Weird night The...

CANTON, Ohio — The nine new members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame who are deceased will be honored in a television special next month. Eight men who were selected for the 2020 centennial class and one from the 2021 group will be recognized. They are Bobby Dillon, Winston...

Thursday’s “First Call” takes a look at the Hall of Fame debate surrounding former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Hines Ward and recently retired New England Patriot Julian Edelman. Another free agent Steeler may boomerang back to Pittsburgh. One former Penguin hits a milestone. Another gets a new contract. And plenty of...

Want a real reason to be mad, Pittsburgh sports fans? Here’s one for you. There will be no “U mad, bro?” next week. I know. I know. I can feel the anger welling up inside of you already. But it’s time for a vacation. Contrary to popular belief, I don’t...

With an increasing number of NFL teams deciding to boycott voluntary workouts because of covid-19, the NFL announced its offseason schedule Wednesday that includes on-field organized team activities. The offseason workout program for the 32 NFL teams is set to begin Monday and is nine weeks in length. It includes...

Two more familiar faces are returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers — one on each side of the ball. Inside linebacker Vince Williams, who was released March 16 in a salary-cap move, agreed to rejoin the team, according to an ESPN.com report. Quarterback Joshua Dobbs, who became an unrestricted free agent...

Since New England receiver Julian Edelman quit and those in the sports media presumably whacked out of their minds on hallucinogens started making his case for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the argument posed by Yinzer Nation compares him to the Steelers’ Hines Ward. Ward’s stats badly trump Edelman’s...

Former Steeler and Pitt Panther James Conner says goodbye to the city of Pittsburgh. Big odds against “Big Ben” in the NFL MVP race. The Flyers continue to fail. And an ex-Pirates pitcher has a bad night. All that in Wednesday’s “First Call.” Au revoir Running back James Conner posted...

After spending his entire adult life in Western Pennsylvania, James Conner was ready for a change of scenery as he hit NFL free agency for the first time. He’ll get some in the form of the desert, cactus and an endless beam of sunshine. And his new destination is about...

Tuesday’s “First Call” reveals yet another injury for Pittsburgh Steelers free agent James Conner. This one happened off the field. Former Penguin Jordan Staal reaches a milestone. A Steelers draft prospect has some advice for whatever team chooses him. And you absolutely have to see the injury P.K. Subban suffered...

Continuing to stockpile players along the defensive line, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed defensive end Abdullah Anderson on Monday to a one-year contract. Anderson, 25, is 6-foot-3, 297 pounds. He spent most of the 2020 season on the Minnesota Vikings practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster for one...

In Monday’s “First Call,” I fire off a delayed salvo about JuJu Smith-Schuster’s interview with Michael Irvin. A look back at some Troy Polamalu highlights. Former Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury keeps moving up the all-time wins chart. NHL trades are already paying off in the East Division. And you need...