Steelers Trade Rumors

Polamalu doesn't practice for second straight day
"Safety Troy Polamalu did not practice today for the second straight time as the Steelers prepare to play the unbeaten Minnesota Vikings Sunday. Polamalu, who returned to play for the first time last Sunday since the opening game, declined to predict whether he will make his second straight start. "I don't think it benefits anybody to not practice, but I think regarding injuries it's a benefit.""
Judge refuses request by Ben's attorneys
"A Nevada judge has refused a request by attorneys for Ben Roethlisberger to impose sanctions against the lawyer representing a casino worker who accused the Steelers quarterback of sexual assault. Roethlisberger's lawyers last month accused Calvin Dunlap, a Reno lawyer who represents the woman, of violating the law by filing a "frivolous" lawsuit "to punish her employer and coerce a windfall from an admired, civic-minded and successful professional football star." District Judge Brent Adams filed his order Thursday, denying the motion for sanctions. The 31-year-old woman claims Roethlisberger sexually assaulted her in July 2008 at the Harrah's Lake Tahoe Hotel and Casino, where she worked ..."
Parker plays, but Mendenhall gets starting nod
"Willie Parker will play, as expected, today against the Browns but Rashard Mendenhall will start at running back for the Steelers. The Steelers will have a new fullback as well with David Johnson getting the call over Carey Davis, who is inactive for the 1 p.m. game. In addition to Parker, strong safety Troy Polalamu will play for the first time since he sprained his left knee in the Steelers' season opener on Sept. 10. Joining Davis on the Steelers inactives list are wide receiver Limas Sweed, linebacker Andre Frazier, who is nursing a thigh injury, cornerback Keenan Lewis, guard Kraig Urbik, defensive end Sunny Harris, offensive tackle Tony Hills and quarterback Dennis Dixon."
Steelers' Mendenhall has illness that puts his status in doubt
"The Steelers sent running back Rashard Mendenhall home Thursday because of an illness, putting into question how much he will be able to play Sunday against the visiting Browns. Mendenhall has started the past two games for the injured Willie Parker (turf toe) and rushed for 242 yards and three touchdowns. If the illness is a lingering one and limits Mendenhall in the 1 p.m. game, the Steelers will probably be able to lean on Parker. Parker was a full participant in drills again yesterday. Said offensive coordinator Bruce Arians: "He's looked real good in practice." Arians said if both Parker and Mendenhall are close to full strength Sunday, it will be a game-time decision as to how the ..."
Steelers' Smith to miss rest of season
"Aaron Smith's right shoulder ached for weeks before tests this week finally showed the Steelers' defensive end needed season-ending surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff. Coach Mike Tomlin Tuesday said that Smith's shoulder was injured at some point in the game against the Lions in Detroit. But Smith complained about pain in his shoulder long before that, even though it rarely drove him off the practice or playing field until Sunday in Detroit. "His shoulder's been bugging him for a couple of weeks now," said Travis Kirschke, the most likely defensive end to start in place of Smith on the left side Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. "So he's been playing with pain for a few weeks. It got ..."
Browns can expect to see Steelers' Polamalu
"Steelers safety Troy Polamalu participated in a full practice for the first time since injuring his knee during the first half of the first week of the season and is expected to play Sunday against Cleveland. "We are excited to have him back," safety Ryan Clark said. "Me and TP will be back there this week, so hopefully you will leave us alone about it the rest of the year." Polamalu said he had an earlier date circled for when he expected to return. "I was hoping to return a couple of weeks earlier," Polamalu said. "I guess I was overly optimistic." Polamalu just began to practice last week on a limited basis. "With time, I was able to heal a little bit more," Polamalu said. "It will be ..."
Aaron Smith sidelined indefinitely
"Already tested by the loss of Troy Polamalu, the Steelers' defense will have to dig even deeper because it appears they will not have end Aaron Smith possibly for the rest of the season. Smith has a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder, the Post-Gazette has learned. The injury usually requires surgery that takes months to heal. Coach Mike Tomlin issued a rather bleak prognosis of Smith's injury yesterday before he said he knew the results of further tests. Tomlin, in his noon news conference, revealed the injury, which happened in the game Sunday at Detroit. He said "I don't know the answer to the length of time at this point, but I will acknowledge that it is potentially significant." ..."
Polamalu, Parker all set to hit practice field
"Strong safety Troy Polamalu and running back Willie Parker are scheduled to practice today. Both are on track to play Sunday barring any setbacks this week. Polamalu has missed the past four games because of a sprained knee, and turf toe has sidelined Parker for the past two Steelers' games. "It will be interesting to see how they respond Thursday after having a day's work," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. Among the Steelers players who will be limited in practice today because of injuries are right guard Trai Essex (ankle), defensive end Travis Kirschke (back) and linebacker Andre Frazier (thigh). • Tomlin said it is too early to tell how the Steelers will use Rashard Mendenhall and ..."
Steelers' Polamalu, Parker back, but Smith likely out against Browns
"Strong safety Troy Polamalu and running back Willie Parker could return to action Sunday but the Steelers are expected to be without defensive end Aaron Smith when they host the Browns. And Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Smith may be out for an extended period of time because of a shoulder injury he sustained in last Sunday's 28-20 win over the Lions. "Potentially could be significant," Tomlin said of Smith's injury. If Smith is unable to play Sunday the Steelers will use a rotation of Travis Kirschke, Ziggy Hood and Nick Eason, Tomlin said."
Polamalu says he's ready, Tomlin may not agree
"What safety Troy Polamalu wants and what coach Mike Tomlin decides regarding Polamalu's playing status are probably two different things. After practicing for the third consecutive day, Polamalu declared himself ready for Sunday's 1 p.m. game against the Detroit Lions. However, Polamalu, who has been out since he sprained his knee against Tennessee on Sept. 10, is listed as doubtful on the injury report. "It was really good to be out there practicing. I feel pretty good,'' Polamalu said Friday. If it were up to him, Polamalu said he would play Sunday. "Yes. No question," he said. Polamalu also understands that it's a long season, and Tomlin has the final say. "I don't know if coach ..."
Polamalu, Parker hope to return next week
"Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu worked lightly for the third day in a row, but he is not expected to play tomorrow in Detroit and likely will return Oct. 18 against the Cleveland Browns. Also, running back Willie Parker did not practice again yesterday and will not play against the Lions, meaning Rashard Mendenhall will make his second consecutive start. Parker said he likely will be able to return next week against the Browns. Polamalu said his sprained knee is feeling better, but he has not worked with the first-team defense in practice and, until he does, will not play in a game. Parker's absence does not necessarily mean the Steelers will re-sign Isaac Redman to the 53-man roster for the ..."
Polamalu likely won't play; Parker does not practice
"Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu worked lightly for the third day in a row, but he is not expected to play Sunday in Detroit and will probably return Oct. 18 against the Cleveland Browns. Also, running back Willie Parker did not practice again today and will not play against the Lions, meaning Rashard Mendenhall will make his second consecutive start. Parker said he will probably be able to return next week against the Cleveland Browns. Parker's absence does not mean the Steelers will re-sign Isaac Redman to the 53-man roster for the Lions, like they did against the San Diego Chargers."
Polamalu works out but likely won't play yet
"Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu worked lightly for the third day in a row, but he is not expected to play Sunday in Detroit and will probably return Oct. 18 against the Cleveland Browns. Also, running back Willie Parker did not practice again today and will not play against the Lions, meaning Rashard Mendenhall will make his second consecutive start. Parker said he will probably be able to return next week against the Cleveland Browns."
Parker still the starter
"Even after Rashard Mendenhall's breakout performance last Sunday, the pecking order in the Steelers' backfield hasn't changed. "Willie Parker's a proven commodity," offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said of the injured veteran who is still first on the depth chart at running back. "When Rashard is (proven), then we'll re-evaluate him. I hope it gets to that problem. I'd like to have those two healthy at the same time." The Steelers are not there yet. Parker did not practice Thursday because of turf toe. The injury has put his availability for Sunday's 1 p.m. game against the Detroit Lions in doubt, although Arians remains hopeful Parker will play. Mendenhall rushed for 165 yards and two ..."
Unofficially, Mendenhall due to start vs. Detroit
"Rashard Mendenhall, from outhouse to penthouse in seven days, will make his second consecutive start for the Steelers Sunday in Detroit. No one said that officially, but the eyes and ears do not lie, and neither does Willie Parker's big left toe. That turf toe remained painful after Parker ran a little while his teammates practiced yesterday. You do not have to be Mike Tomlin to make this call. Even Parker understands. "You know what type of game this is; if you don't play, somebody else comes in and they pretty much shine, that's the nature of the beast," Parker said. "I have to get back on the field and do what I do." It's possible he may not get that chance at all on Ford Field's poor ..."
Steelers' Mendenhall might get another opportunity to start
"Willie Parker didn't practice Wednesday because of turf toe, putting the veteran running backs' availability for Sunday's game at Detroit in question. Parker didn't play in the Steelers' 38-28 win over San Diego last Sunday. If Parker is unable to play against the Lions, it will provide another opportunity for Rashard Mendenhall. Making his second career start last Sunday, Mendenhall rushed for 165 yards and two touchdowns. His performance earned Mendenhall AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. • In addition to Parker, left guard Chris Kemoeatu (ankle) and inside linebacker Andre Frazier (shoulder) didn't practice yesterday for the Steelers because of injuries. • Among the Lions that ..."
Steelers' Polamalu working back into form
"Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said safety Troy Polamalu could return to practice today, albeit on a limited basis, to test his injured left knee. Polamalu left in the second quarter of the Sept. 10 opener against the Tennessee Titans and has missed the past three games. "Troy's been doing well and progressing well," Tomlin said. "He may participate in a limited basis (today) in practice with a brace on for individual (drills), to see how he runs around and changes direction. Last week, he ran some in a straight line to pretty solid reviews." Tomlin called Polamalu's participation for Sunday's game at the Detroit Lions "unclear at this point" and said it will be up to team doctors. "We'll take ..."
Parker out against San Diego, Redman returns
"Rookie running back Isaac "Redzone" Redman has been added to the Steelers 53-man roster and likely will suit up for tomorrow's game against San Diego. The Steelers today determined that Willie Parker will not be able to play Sunday because of turf toe and that let them with only three healthy backs -- Rashard Mendenhall, Mewelde Moore and Carey Davis, who was re-signed Tuesday to play fullback. Mendenhall will start at halfback against the Chargers. Redman, an undrafted rookie from Bowie State, reached legendary status in the preseason when time after time he scored in goalline situations both in games and in live practices, thus picking up his nickname. Nevertheless, the Steelers released ..."
Parker doubtful for Sunday's game against the Chargers
"Running back Willie Parker (turf toe) missed his third consecutive practice, making him unlikely to play Sunday night against San Diego at Heinz Field. Parker is listed as doubtful on the team's final injury report and could be a gametime decision. Typically if a player doesn't practice on Friday he isn't expected to play Sunday. • Rookie free agent Isaac Redman took some first-team reps on goal-line drills and could be activated from the practice squad if Parker doesn't play against the Chargers. "Just trying to stay prepared,'' Redman said. "I work hard every day in practice so when I do get a chance it comes natural.'' • Redman was a goal-line sensation during training camp so his ..."
Limas Sweed could be headed to the bench Sunday
"Mike Tomlin is concerned enough about Limas Sweed's struggles catching the football that the second-year wide receiver may not even dress Sunday when the Steelers host the San Diego Chargers. Sweed dropped a touchdown pass in the Steelers' 23-20 loss to the Bengals last Sunday. When asked if he'll consider moving Shaun McDonald, who has been inactive for two of the Steelers' first three games, ahead of Sweed, Tomlin said, "Absolutely." In addition to Sweed, Tomlin also addressed the situation with running back Rashard Mendenhall, who did not play on offense last Sunday because of a subpar week of practice leading up to the game Tomlin said he made his point to Mendenhall and that he is ..."
Steelers' Carter to appeal $5,000 fine
"Steelers safety Tyrone Carter plans to appeal the $5,000 fine he received yesterday from the NFL over a collision Sunday with Chicago tight end Greg Olsen -- an encounter that left Carter not only injured but also critical of the league's stance about television-replay hits, offensive fireworks and which body parts it strives to protect. "Yeah, I'm going to appeal it. I'm not going to let them just take my money just for nothing. See if I win or not," Carter said yesterday, when he returned to practice to work out without pads and maintained that he will start Sunday in Cincinnati despite a bruised left thigh. "I think [the penalty is due to] everybody saying 'oooh-ahhh.' They had it all ..."
Steelers' deal closing soon?
"The Steelers should have new owners by today or tomorrow -- many more of them. At least 10 new owners will officially join longtime franchise stewards named Rooney and McGinley if the closing of the Steelers' new ownership structure finally takes place as scheduled. The long-anticipated closing of the transaction has been postponed often over the past six months, but sources told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that while all is ready for today, it's possible it could take one more day for the paperwork to be complete. One of the owners will come as a bit of a surprise. Pat Rooney, one of the five sons of Art Rooney Sr. who was expected to sell all of his shares, will maintain 3 percent ..."
Steelers DB Polamalu doesn't need surgery
"The Steelers could be without one of its top defensive playmakers for most of the first half of the season. But the team and strong safety Troy Polamalu received good news Monday when they learned that the five-time Pro Bowler won't need surgery on the left knee he hurt in the Steelers' 13-10 overtime win over the Tennessee Titans last Thursday. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said after the game that Polamalu had sprained his medial collateral ligament and would miss three to six weeks, and the prognosis hasn't gotten any worse. "Regarding an injury to the knee," Polamalu said, "this is the best-case scenario. There's no question I'm very blessed that this scenario has come about rather than ..."
Sources: Tomlin, Steelers working on extension
"Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has been negotiating terms of a contract extension that would keep him with the franchise beyond the two years that remain on his current deal, according to two sources close to the situation. Terms of a potential deal were not disclosed and negotiations likely won't be finalized until after the 2009 season, but Pittsburgh is expected to keep the Super Bowl-winning coach on staff for a long time. "Even if it doesn't get announced until after the season, both sides are very comfortable with the situation," a Steelers source said. "I think Mike feels very comfortable about what the Steelers are going to do for him. He's not out there hanging, not sure ..."
Roethlisberger's accuser offers to settle her lawsuit
"The woman who has accused Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger of sexual assault has offered to settle a civil lawsuit against him if he admits he assaulted her. It is one of three conditions attorneys for the woman, a former Harrah's employee, outline in a court filing they submitted to a Nevada court offering to settle the matter. The conditions are that: first, he must admit that he assaulted her; he must deliver to her a letter of apology withdrawing "the false statements and allegations that he and his agents have made about her." And, lastly, he must donate $100,000 to the Committee to Aid Abused Women in Reno, Nev., "or a similar entity designated by the plaintiff." The filing ..."
Roethlisberger status still unknown
"Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger traveled with the Steelers to Washington, but, barring a rapid recovery, he is not expected to play in a preseason game tonight against the Redskins. But the injury to Roethisberger's right foot is not believed to be serious. Roethlisberger was injured in the final training camp practice Thursday. A Steelers spokesperson said yesterday he had no updates on the injury. Coach Mike Tomlin and others said Thursday they felt Roethlisberger would be OK, and that continues to be the privately held view about the quarterback."
Roethlisberger denies rape accusation
"With pursed lips and a somber expression, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger denied to the world yesterday that he sexually assaulted a Nevada casino worker who claims in a lawsuit that he raped her last summer. "The allegations against me are reckless and false," Mr. Roethlisberger, 27, told reporters at the Steelers UPMC training facility on the South Side, speaking publicly about the case for the first time. He did not address whether he had any sexual relations at all with the woman, a 31-year-old Canadian national who has worked in Nevada since at least 2003. The woman sued Mr. Roethlisberger Friday in civil court in Washoe County, Nev., claiming he raped her July 11, 2008, after ..."
Sex assault lawsuit names Roethlisberger
"A Nevada casino worker instructed to make sure that Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had a "nice trip" during a celebrity golf tournament last year claims in a lawsuit that the two-time Super Bowl winner sexually assaulted her in his hotel room. She claims he grabbed, fondled and kissed her in his 17th-floor room after asking her to fix a broken sound system on his television. Mr. Roethlisberger then had forcible intercourse with her on his bed even though she begged him not to and warned him she was not using birth control, according to the complaint. The lawsuit also claims that high-ranking officials at Harrah's Lake Tahoe Resort -- including the hotel's president, John Koster, ..."
Suit claims Roethlisberger sexually assaulted woman
"An employee of Harrah's Lake Tahoe hotel in Nevada has claimed in a civil lawsuit that Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger sexually assaulted her in his room last July while he was in town for a celebrity golf tournament. The complaint, filed Friday in Washoe County, Nev., also names eight Harrah's employees accused of being part of a widespread cover-up in the Harrah's organization. They include the resort's president, security chief and other supervisors. Mr. Roethlisberger's lawyer yesterday denied that his client had sexually assaulted anyone. Harrah's Entertainment spokeswoman Jacqueline Peterson today said the casino and hotel chain had no comment, citing the pending litigation. ..."
Roethlisberger named in Lake Tahoe case
"Ben Roethlisberger has been named a defendant in a civil lawsuit filed last week in Reno, Nev., that says the Steelers quarterback sexually assaulted a woman in July 2008. A civil complaint was filed on Friday in Washoe County, Nev. Mr. Roethlisberger is named, along with eight co-defendants. In addition to Mr. Roethlisberger, it names: John Koster, Guy Hyder, Mark Masters, Dave Monroe, Mike Rosenow, Debbie Neall, Bryan Casuscelli and Stacy Dingman. The complaint was filed by attorney Calvin R. Dunlap, of Reno, who could not be reached for comment. The Post-Gazette does not name victims or accusers in sexual assault cases. The full complaint alleges Mr. Roethlisberger's assault occurred ..."
Steelers Notebook: After another surgery, Sepulveda is punting
"Daniel Sepulveda is back punting, six weeks after he had another surgery on his right knee. The surgery, previously undisclosed, was to repair a torn meniscus in Sepulveda's plant leg. It is the same knee that underwent surgery in August to repair a torn ACL and put Sepulveda on injured reserve all season. The bottom line, Sepulveda said, is that his right knee "feels better than it has in four years or so." Sepulveda said his anterior cruciate ligament sufficiently healed by Super Bowl XLIII and he had planned to punt during the spring until an MRI discovered the torn meniscus after he mentioned to trainer John Norwig that his knee bothered him. Norwig ordered an MRI that showed the tear, ..."
Starks in no hurry for new deal
"The Steelers want Max Starks to sign a long-term deal. But the mammoth left tackle doesn't appear to be in any hurry. The Steelers can get much-needed room under a tight salary cap if Starks forgoes his "franchise" player contract and agrees to a long-term deal. On one hand, Starks wouldn't mind securing a multi-year deal. Then again, if the numbers aren't right, he's in no hurry to give up the $8.45 million he'll make this year. "Franchise" players earn the average of the top five salaries at their position. "I haven't heard anything from my agent, so I don't know what they're doing," Starks said when asked about the negotiations. "I'm sure they'll let me know once something is ..."
No cause for alarm: Roethlisberger denies he has skin cancer
"Ben Roethlisberger does not have cancer, and neither does he have a Facebook page. "There's no truth to it. I don't have any of that stuff," the Steelers quarterback proclaimed yesterday. "That stuff" are accounts on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and any other social networking Web sites. Roethlisberger said he does not use them, including the one under his name that proclaimed he had skin cancer. "I had a bunch of people ask me about it. Obviously it's not true," Roethlisberger said after yesterday's spring practice. "We had to go on our Web site to let them know I don't have an account. There's nothing going on." Accounts proclaiming to belong to Roethlisberger were still listed yesterday ..."
Is IR system in line for a change?
"When the NFL adopted its system for placing players on season-ending injured reserve, the main issue was stashing. Teams had long been allowed to place players on injured reserve and bring them back later in the season. But some felt that clubs were circumventing the rule by placing players who weren't truly injured on IR, opening a roster spot for someone else. Thus, a competitive advantage was scored. Colts president Bill Polian remembers high-profile coaches and personnel executives, such as Don Shula and Jim Finks, pushing for a change to combat stashing, and it finally came in 1993, when the league made two significant adjustments. At that time, players placed on injured reserve would ..."
Roethlisberger denies he has skin cancer
"Ben Roethlisberger does not have cancer, and neither does he have a Facebook page. "There's no truth to it. I don't have any of that stuff," the Steelers quarterback proclaimed yesterday. "That stuff" are accounts on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and any other social networking Web sites. Roethlisberger said he does not use them, including the one under his name that proclaimed he had skin cancer. "I had a bunch of people ask me about it; obviously it's not true," Roethlisberger said after yesterday's spring practice. "We had to go on our Web site to let them know I don't have an account. There's nothing going on." Accounts proclaiming to belong to Roethlisberger were still listed yesterday ..."
Steelers' Harrison won't make White House trip
"When the Super Bowl XLIII champion Pittsburgh Steelers make their trip to the White House Thursday, linebacker James Harrison won't be with them. During the weekend Harrison, the NFL's defensive player of the year, told a television reporter that he wouldn't make the trip. His agent confirmed it today. "No, he won't,'' said the agent, Bill Parise of Beaver County. "He didn't go the last time either. It absolutely is not political. He just doesn't want to go." Harrison also skipped the Steelers' visit to the White House in 2006 following their victory in Super Bowl XL."
Veteran LB visits Steelers
"Linebacker Napoleon Harris, a first-round draft choice in 2002, spent today visiting the Steelers as an unrestricted free agent from the Minnesota Vikings. Harris' visit came three days after the Steelers released starting inside linebacker Larry Foote at his request. Foote signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions on Wednesday. Harris, 30, played for Mike Tomlin when he was Minnesota's defensive coordinator in 2006. The Oakland Raiders drafted Harris of Northwestern in the first round in 2002, then traded him to Minnesota in 2005 as part of a deal that sent receiver Randy Moss to Oakland from the Vikings. Harris signed as a free agent with Kansas City in 2007 and returned to ..."
Veteran LB visits Steelers
"Linebacker Napoleon Harris, a first-round draft choice in 2002, spent today visiting the Steelers as an unrestricted free agent from the Minnesota Vikings. Harris' visit came three days after the Steelers released starting inside linebacker Larry Foote at his request. Foote signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions on Wednesday. Harris, 30, played for Mike Tomlin when he was Minnesota's defensive coordinator in 2006. The Oakland Raiders drafted Harris of Northwestern in the first round in 2002, then traded him to Minnesota in 2005 as part of a deal that sent receiver Randy Moss to Oakland from the Vikings. Harris signed as a free agent with Kansas City in 2007 and returned to ..."
Linebacker Larry Foote to Lions: 'It's like 90% done'
"Larry Foote is on the verge of becoming a Lion. Foote, who was released by the Steelers this week, met with the Lions management and coaches today and was offered a one-year deal. He and the Lions have agreed on the contract value but were still finalizing the payment schedule and guaranteed portion of the deal tonight. "It's like 90% done," Foote said. Foote, who played for Detroit Pershing and the University of Michigan, is scheduled to take a physical for the Lions tomorrow morning. Foote was scheduled to make $2.8 million for the Super Bowl champion Steelers and would surely have to take less than that from the Lions. But he is looking forward to re-establishing himself as a three-down ..."
Linebacker Larry Foote visits Lions
"Free-agent linebacker Larry Foote visited the Lions on Tuesday, the day after getting released by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Anticipating his release last week, Foote, a Detroit native and former Michigan All-American, said the Lions would be at the top of his list. "Detroit is always No. 1," said Foote, a Pershing grad who recently bought a home in the area. "I mean, my agent is talking to them about me wanting to come home, and we'll go from there. But no question about it, that's my first choice." Foote, a 6-foot-1, 240-pound inside linebacker who started all 80 games the last five years, was a salary-cap casualty in Pittsburgh. The move to cut Foote, who turns 29 in June, removed his ..."
Foote visits Lions
"Linebacker Larry Foote, who forced his way out of the Steelers on Monday, paid a visit to his hometown Detroit Lions today, a day ahead of schedule. Foote had one year left on his contract with the Steelers at a salary of $2,885,000. He felt he would lose the starting inside linebacker job he's held the past five years to Lawrence Timmons and wanted to pursue other opportunities."
Steelers release Foote As expected
"The Steelers granted linebacker Larry Foote his wish and released him yesterday, but made it sound as if it were a move made because of salary-cap pressures. Foote, who turns 29 next month, had one year left on his contract with a salary of $2,885,000 that now does not exist. Rampant speculation has him headed to his hometown of Detroit, where he could become the Lions' starting middle linebacker. "Larry has been a big part of our success, but, unfortunately, the realities of the salary cap made this decision inevitable," Kevin Colbert, the Steelers' director of football operations, said in a statement. "We wish Larry and his family nothing but the best as he moves forward with his ..."
Steelers cut Retkofsky
"Two days before the start of mini camp, the Steelers made a roster move. On Wednesday, they cut long snapper Jared Retkofsky. That means Friday on the first day of a mandatory three-day mini camp, the Steelers will have two long snappers on their roster. One of them is Greg Warren, a fifth-year pro who's coming off a knee injury that forced him to miss the last nine games of the regular season last year and the three playoff games, including the Super Bowl. The other is Mark Estermyer, an undrafted rookie who agreed to a free-agent contract Sunday night as Day 2 of the NFL Draft was ending. Estermyer is a graduate of Blackhawk High School who played at Pitt. "I know those guys are on the ..."
Steelers to release linebacker Larry Foote
"Larry Foote played a lot of football as a starting inside linebacker for the Steelers the past five seasons, and in a strange twist, his search for more playing time will cause them to release him. Sources close to Foote say he wants to continue his career as a starting linebacker where he can play more often and asked the Steelers to accommodate him. After reportedly finding no offers in a trade, sources on the club say they plan to release him sometime after this weekend's minicamp, which Foote will not attend. Their delay in releasing him might be a last-ditch effort to try to trade him. Foote has one year left on his contract that was scheduled to pay him a salary of $2,885,000 in ..."
Ex-Steeler Larry Foote wants to join Lions
"Larry Foote is back home in Detroit. Now he's hoping to stick around for football season. After getting released by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday, Foote, a Detroit native and former Michigan All-American, is hoping to sign as a free agent with the Lions. Foote, a seven-year pro with two Super Bowl rings, would instantly help the Lions, who still have yet to adequately address their need for a middle linebacker this offseason. But they might soon. "Detroit is always No. 1," said Foote, a Pershing grad who still spends his offseason in Detroit. "I mean, my agent is talking to them about me coming home, and we'll go from there. But no question about it, that's my first choice." Foote, ..."
Steelers' list of undrafted free agents will include two QBs
"The Steelers have yet to release their list of undrafted free agents, but word is out that they've already signed two quarterbacks. One of them is Kevin McCabe, a graduate of Pine-Richland High School who played college football at California University of Pennsylvania. The other is Mike Reilly of Central Washington. On Monday, The Times reported that Pitt long snapper Mark Estermyer, a graduate of Blackhawk High School, will sign a free-agent contract with the Steelers. Another of the free agents is reportedly Ramon Foster, a 6-foot-5, 328 pound tackle out of Tennessee."
Steelers meet with free agent WR Lelie
"Unrestricted free agent Ashley Lelie, among the top deep receiving threats in the NFL, met with Steelers officials Monday and could sign with the team, agent Peter Schaffer said. "He had a great visit. The Steelers and I are going to continue to have open dialogue," Schaffer said. "I think there's some mutual interest, and we're going to keep discussing it." A former first-round draft pick by Denver, Lelie's play experienced a sharp decline after being traded to Atlanta in 2006. Lelie demanded a trade after Denver acquired receiver Javon Walker. From 2002-05 with the Broncos, Lelie (6-foot-3, 195 pounds) had 168 receptions and 12 touchdowns, with an impressive one-fourth of his catches - ..."
Steelers close NFL Draft with Shipley, Johnson
"The Steelers drafted Penn State center A.Q. Shipley, a native of Moon, in the seventh and final round of today's NFL draft. The Steelers wanted a center earlier in the draft but was unable to do so. The team wound up their 2009 draft when they selected tight end D.J. Johnson of Arkansas State with the 241st pick, in the last round. Johnson was the ninth pick in the draft for the Steelers, eight of them today. The Steelers opened the draft this morning by picking guard Kraig Urbik of Wisconsin with their first of three choices in the third round. Urbik is listed as 6-5 1/2, 330 pounds. In their second pick in the third round the Steelers drafted Mike Wallace, a wide receiver and kick ..."
Steelers Ward accepts new contract
"Monday, Hines Ward said he wanted to retire with the Steelers, no matter what the price. Yesterday, he found out the price. Ward, 33, will sign a contract that will last either four or five years this week, his agent said yesterday. Agent Eugene Parker acknowledged that the new contract will likely keep Ward with the Steelers the rest of his career. He said that Ward had not signed the deal, and it still was not determined whether it will be four or five years. Parker also said that the deal was done in part so the Steelers could save salary-cap room this year. Ward was scheduled to earn $5.8 million in salary with a cap number of $8.55 million. The new contract reduces his salary this ..."
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