© According to Adam Schefter of the NFL Network, the Steelers agreed to contract terms with former Carolina center Justin Hartwig. The deal is reportedly for two years, worth $4 million, and includes a $975,000 bonus.
© Visitors to this blog know that I was in favor of this move as it will send Sean Mahan to the bench and help solidify what was the team's biggest problem area on its offensive line last season.
© The Steelers announced Tuesday that guard Chris Kemoeatu and tackle Trai Essex have signed their one-year restricted free agent tenders with the team.
That means both are intent on working out with the team during the voluntary workout sessions that began Monday.
© Anybody who has kept an eye on who the Steelers bring in prior to the draft knows that they usually are guys who the team winds up selecting in the draft as well.
That said, here's an early list of players they have already brought in or are scheduled to bring in:
Branden Albert, OG/OT, Virginia
Mike Pollak, OC, Arizona St.
Dre' Moore, DL, Maryland
Kendall Langford, DE, Hampton
Keilen Dykes, DE, WVU
Cliff Avril, OLB, Purdue
Curtis Johnson, OLB/DE, Clark-Atlanta
Aquib Talib, CB, Kansas
That gives them 2 years to groom Stapleton and also moves Mahan back to what I suspect is his more natural position of OG. He could well beat out Kemo at LG. I don't think the Steelers are entirely sold on Kemo and won't be surprised if he's not signed beyond this year. OTOH, I think Trai Essex will be signed to a multi-year deal.
ReplyDeleteMahan isn't beating out anybody. When they draft Albert, he'll be their starting left guard.
ReplyDeleteThe Steelers don't usually start rookies on the OL. Faneca and Simmons are the exception, not the rule. I'm not a Mahan fan, but he's probably more suited to play OG and can compete there and I'll be unsuprised if he is the starting LG come Sept.
ReplyDeleteIf they take Albert in the first round, he will start unless he's not everything advertised.
ReplyDeleteMahan doesn't have the size to play guard.