As I reported a few weeks ago, the Steelers were not only interested in acquiring Byron Leftwich from Tampa Bay, they finally went out and did so, picking up the quarterback for a seventh-round draft pick.
Leftwich, 30, played with the Steelers in 2008 when he completed 21 of 36 passes for 303 yards, two touchdowns and a 104.3 passer rating. After joining the Steelers in training camp, Leftwich had his best game with the team on Nov. 3, 2008 when he completed seven of 10 passes for 129 yards, one touchdown and a 145.8 passer rating in one half of play in relief of an injured Ben Roethlisberger.
Leftwich was originally drafted seventh overall in the 2003 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He spent his first four seasons in Jacksonville (2003-06) and one season in Atlanta (2007) before signing with the Steelers in 2008.
Leftwich signed with Tampa Bay on April 13, 2009 and started the first three games of the season for the Buccaneers before being placed on the Reserve/Injured List with an injured elbow. Leftwich has completed 900 of 1,545 passes (58.3 percent) for 10,218 yards, 58 touchdowns, 41 interceptions and a 79.6 passer-rating during his seven NFL seasons. He has started in 49 of the 57 games played during his NFL career.
The Steelers traded the first of their two 2010 seventh round picks (18th in the round, 225th overall) to Tampa Bay in return for Leftwich. The Steelers now have 10 picks in this year’s NFL Draft.
19 comments:
Not that Leftwitch is the answer but I get the feeling Big Ben is going to be traded. I really don't think the fans are going to forgive him and the Rooneys are realizing it. He has disgraced the Steelers and the city.
chas steel
10 picks as of now. Hopefully they finish with 5 or 6. Up! Up! Up!
Dixon, Leftwich, Batch. Do you have any idea of the depth chart order, Dale?
Nice insurance policy at QB
But with ben suspended I'd really like for them to see what they have in dixon
When Ben is suspended, will he still count on the 53 man roster or not?
@anonymous, if my memory serves me right I don't think Vick counted on the Eagles Roster. But I feel like there was some special circumstance there. I can't remember and I'm curious now too.
I think you're right Patrick, but I can't remember for sure either.
Yes, he counts on the roster.
I don't think Ben will be dealt unless a team completely bowls them over.
They are preparing for the worst.
Batch has proven very fragile - but a good player to have around.
Dixon has one start under his belt.
Leftwich is there just in case Dixon falls flat on his face.
I think the depth chart will be Dixon, Leftwich, Batch.
But, it could wind up Leftwich, Dixon, Batch.
I know some of the coaches think Dixon is a little too cocky and because of that, they may not just want to hand him the reigns. They'll want him to work for it.
Dale,
He counts against the roster if he practices. If he doesn't practice he doesn't count against the roster.
That is what the NFL said last year in regards to Vick.
http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/07/30/mike-vicks-53-man-roster-status-clarified-today/
Nah, Ben won't be traded. Lefty is insurance, and a very good backup.
Wow, so they might carry four QBs for the first four or so weeks? That seems like a roster spot that could be better used.
"Wow, so they might carry four QBs for the first four or so weeks? That seems like a roster spot that could be better used."
Correct
Meaning there's even less of a chance for people like logan,that only contribute in one way, to make the 53 man roster
Do you think they cut Batch when Ben's suspension ends?
i think it all depends on who is doing well. i would rather have leftwitch than batch personally.
i think you can cut batch and if someone gets hurt, he'll still be around. too old, too fragile, too many pittsburgh ties.
never thought I'd say this, but given the reports today, I think the Steelers trade Ben.
If so, they better get a ton and this may be the worst offseason in sports history.
sounds like they are trying to trade Ben for a top 10 pick
why dont they trade that fag kicker?
i think his trade value prior to an official announcement of the suspension is reduced due to the lack of certainty. therefore, other teams were probably reluctant to put much out there in terms of an offer.
however, once the details of the suspension are official, i believe there will be much more activity. i think it is unlikely they trade him, but you just never know for sure.
additionally, i also believe goodell was politely asked by the rooneys to make an official decision before the draft so they, and other teams, could discuss potential trade offers. that's total speculation, but it makes sense.
i agree, lets trade him for a top 10, trade back into the top of the second and grab colt mccoy.
LETS DRAFT TEEEBOOOOOWWWWW
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