First Call: Ex-Steeler finalizes deal in Baltimore; Benny Snell may head west; 2 former Steelers look to Philly

In Wednesday’s “First Call,” Arthur Maulet finishes off the news about him signing with a Pittsburgh Steelers’ divisional rival. The Eagles are looking at two former Steelers.

There are some early season complications for two Steelers opponents. And we track what’s going on with Benny Snell.

Maulet to Maryland

On Monday, the NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe told us that former Steelers defensive back Arthur Maulet was close to signing with the rival Baltimore Ravens.

By Tuesday, he quoted Maulet as saying that the contract was a done deal and that he was heading to Baltimore in advance of training camp.

Arthur Maulet’s 1-year deal with Baltimore has now been agreed to. Maulet told me he will fly to Baltimore tomorrow to officially sign and start training camp this week. https://t.co/SUczIf0Znc

— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) July 25, 2023

Maulet was less than thrilled with how things ended in Pittsburgh. So it’ll be interesting to see how motivated he is to play the Steelers twice in 2023.

Meanwhile, via Pro Football Talk, the Ravens also released receivers Andy Isabella and Mike Thomas. They also officially signed running back Melvin Gordon and long snapper Tyler Ott. Plus they claimed receiver Makai Polk off waivers. He was previously with the New York Giants.

As for wide receiver Rashod Bateman, he reported to camp but is still on the physically unable to perform list as he recovers from foot surgery.

Flocking to Philly

A pair of former Steelers are getting interest from the Philadelphia Eagles. In fact, one of them has already signed there.

Ex-Steelers receiver turned USFL star Deion Cain is now an Eagle. The NFC champs are bringing Cain back to town after he won the USFL’s Championship Game MVP award with a three-touchdown performance.

MONEY SHOT! @McgoughAlex @cainera1_ ONCE MORE FOR THE TD!

: @nbc & @peacock pic.twitter.com/wQKQGDGIZb

— B2B CHAMPIONSTALLIONS (@USFLStallions) July 2, 2023

Cain signed with the USFL champion Birmingham Stallions in March after he had been released by the Eagles in October. Now he is taking another run at making the squad in Philly. The Clemson product was a Steelers practice squad player throughout the 2020 campaign, getting two call-ups to the NFL roster, but never caught a ball in Black and Gold.

The Eagles are also working out former Steelers safety/linebacker Marcus Allen. That’s via Aaron Wilson of KPRC in Houston.

#Eagles worked out Marcus Allen, Quinton Barrow, Dean Cain (signed), N'Keal Harry, DeANdre Houston-Carson, Ahofitu Maka and JaVonta Payton

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) July 25, 2023

Allen spent his first five years in the NFL in Pittsburgh. The Penn State Nittany Lions alum played in 48 games with the Steelers and registered 57 tackles.

More sports

• Steelers agree to 4-year rookie deal with CB Joey Porter Jr. on eve of reporting to camp
• 5 storylines facing the Steelers as they report to training camp at Saint Vincent
• Tim Benz: Complaints by NFL running backs swallowed up by reality

Vegas, baby!

Benny Snell football may be getting a weekly residency in Las Vegas.

It appears the former Steelers running back could wind up in Sin City. He’s getting a work out with the Raiders. That’s according to the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Some notable workouts from the wire:#Packers worked out QB Jacob Eason#Raiders worked out RBs Abram Smith and Benny Snell#Eagles worked out WR N'Keal Harry

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 25, 2023

Snell was not retained by the Steelers after four years in Black and Gold to begin his career. Snell started five games in his time in Pittsburgh. He accumulated 275 carries, 982 yards, six touchdowns and a 3.6 yards per carry average.

The Steelers visit Las Vegas during Week 3 of the regular season.

Bosa and Brock

It’s never too early to scout the Steelers’ opponent for the NFL’s opening weekend.

Well, since the Steelers have yet to report to Saint Vincent College, maybe it is. But, play along.

Two interesting developments from the San Francisco 49ers. General manager John Lynch says quarterback Brock Purdy is throwing without restrictions. This news comes after the QB underwent offseason elbow surgery.

John Lynch said Brock Purdy is a full go:

“He’s cleared without restriction.”

Kyle Shanahan adds that 49ers will never have him practice 3 days in a row pic.twitter.com/ICWSgqbltP

— KNBR (@KNBR) July 25, 2023

OK, so there is one restriction: They aren’t going to throw him three days in a row.

Maybe star pass rusher Nick Bosa is restricting his own playing time. He’s holding out until he gets a new contract extension. Bosa had 18.5 sacks a year ago.

Planning ahead

It’s tough to forecast more than a week down the line in the NFL. Especially when it comes to injuries.

But how about … pregnancies?

That could be a factor when the Steelers visit the Los Angeles Rams. According to Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay, he is supposed to welcome his first child into the world in late October. He and his wife, Veronika, are expecting a boy.

So congrats to them on that news. But how “late” is “late” October? The Steelers visit McVay’s Rams on Oct. 22. The Rams are at the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 29 and visit the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 5.

If McVay can’t coach one of those games, defensive coordinator Raheem Morris has head coaching experience. He may end up leading the team if McVay is present for the arrival of his son.