First Call: Steelers were reportedly negotiating with a free agent linebacker; ex-Steelers offensive lineman released

The Pittsburgh Steelers were apparently in on the bidding for a free agent inside linebacker. A former Steelers offensive lineman is now on the open market. One interesting possibility for a Steelers signing is off the board, but another may have just become available.

And a local hockey standout is opening eyes on the NCAA level.

All that in Wednesday’s “First Call.”

Quizzical approach

The Steelers reportedly tried to address their hole at inside linebacker, but it didn’t materialize. And now the ranks have gotten even thinner.

Robert Spillane is leaving Pittsburgh for Las Vegas. According to NFL reporter Doug Kyed of “A to Z Sports,” Spillane signed a two-year contract worth $9 million with the Raiders. Over $4 million is guaranteed.

Spillane was fourth on the team with 79 tackles. He played all 215 defensive snaps at inside linebacker over the Steelers’ last four games.

Less than 15 minutes after Kyed tweeted the information about Spillane, Ian Rapoport broke the news that Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch was staying in Dallas for $11 million over two years. That’s basically been the going rate for many of the inside linebackers in free agency — aside from Tremaine Edmunds’ monster $50 million guaranteed that he got in Chicago.

According to the NFL Network’s Jane Slater, “the Houston Texans made a last minute push and the Steelers were also in play.” It’s not clear exactly how the timing worked out, if there was a direct cause and effect between Spillane’s exit and the Steelers jumping into the discussion with Vander Esch’s agent. But the timelines seem parallel.

At least the Steelers finally got moving on speaking with one of the many free agent inside linebackers who have been available as the official signing date for free agency approaches Wednesday. But it’s obvious the Steelers are not prioritizing that position as much as the rest of the NFL is, or as much as many who follow the team think they should.

Especially since the signings have come a lot cheaper (after Edmunds) for players at this position than many have projected.

That said, of those inside linebackers who were about to hit free agency, Vander Esch is one that I didn’t want the Steelers to sign. His injury history is just too extensive. He has missed 16 games over the last four years, and he doesn’t make a ton of big plays. Vander Esch has just 3.5 sacks, three interceptions, three forced fumbles and no fumble recoveries in five years.

As of now, with Devin Bush hitting free agency Wednesday too, the Steelers only have Myles Jack and Mark Robinson coming back with any snaps under their belts at the position.

Related

• Steelers 2023 free agency tracker: Signings, departures, who's left
• Steelers address inside linebacker in free agency with reported addition of Cole Holcomb
• https://triblive.com/sports/lb-robert-spillane-set-to-leave-steelers-sign-2-year-deal-with-las-vegas-raiders/

Welcome back, Matt?

A former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman is looking for a new team. Matt Feiler has been released by the Los Angeles Chargers, according to the NFL Network.

Feiler started 33 of the 34 games at left guard over the last two years in L.A. He inked a three-year, $21 million free agent contract in 2021. The Chargers will absorb a $2 million dead salary cap hit but save $6.5 million by releasing Feiler. Los Angeles gave right tackle Trey Pipkins III a three-year contract instead. And second-year lineman Jamaree Salyer is expected to move from left tackle to left guard. That was the original plan for Salyer, but he had to play tackle when Rashawn Slater tore a bicep.

It may not be out of the question for the Steelers to consider a reunion with the 30-year-old lineman. He has tackle and guard experience. The Steelers were lucky in the sense that their offensive line was so healthy last year, such a player wasn’t needed on the field. But Jesse Davis, who could’ve been that guy, is a free agent.

Dan Moore could become that player if the Steelers select a starting-worthy tackle in the draft, but depth would be nice regardless.

How about a homecoming?

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Seattle Seahawks are releasing defensive lineman Quinton Jefferson. Jefferson, who turns 30 later this month, played his high school football at Woodland Hills.

The 6-foot-4, 291-pound defensive tackle played in all 17 games last season, starting three times. His 5.5 sacks and six tackles for loss were both career highs. Jefferson was slated to make $4.485 million. The Seahawks will eat a dead money charge of $2 million.

That was Jefferson’s third stint in Seattle. Prior to last season he signed a $9.5 million deal. He’s also played with the Raiders and Buffalo Bills.

Even though the Steelers figured out a way to keep Larry Ogunjobi on Tuesday, Nelson could be a help along the defensive line — especially if the Steelers think he can take some reps on the nose. Chris Wormley and Tyson Alualu are also free agents from last year’s defensive line in Pittsburgh.

Seattle released fellow D-lineman Shelby Harris, too. The 31-year-old was about to count $12.2 million against the cap for 2022.

Off the watch list

Heading into free agency, Eagles cornerback James Bradberry was a name some folks attached to the Steelers as a potential target.

Even if Cameron Sutton had stayed, some wondered if the Steelers may address the cornerback position with another veteran. But now that Sutton got $22.5 million in total guarantees (three years, $33 million overall) to leave Pittsburgh for Detroit, the Steelers signed Patrick Peterson on a one-year contract to replace him.

So, will the Steelers look for another veteran complement at the position or draft a rookie (see Porter, Joey Jr.)?

If it is a veteran, though, it won’t be Bradberry.

ESPN is reporting that Bradberry has a new contract from the Eagles. Schefter says it is a three-year deal worth $38 million and there’s another $6 million available in incentives. The deal includes $20 million in fully guaranteed money.

So it’s slightly less guaranteed money than Sutton, but with the potential to make more.

Bradberry — the victim of that questionable holding call at the end of the Super Bowl — was named a second-team All-Pro after starting all 17 regular season games and recording 44 tackles and three interceptions. He also had a pick-six and had 17 passes defensed.

High flyin’ Falcon

Bowling Green forward Austen Swankler is taking some college hockey hardware home to North Huntingdon .

The Pens Elite product has just been named All-CCHA First Team. He leads the Falcons with 44 points and 19 goals.

The sophomore forward led the CCHA in regular season assists (24) and points (42) while ranking second in goals (18). He totaled 32 points during a 19-game scoring streak, the NCAA’s longest since 2006.

Swankler’s 44 points are ninth in college hockey.