The first full day of the 2014 NFL Free Agency period is in full swing. Usually one of the quieter teams in the open market, the Pittsburgh Steelers have made a little bit of noise thus far. Here is a quick round-up of the pertinent news and rumors coming out of the South Side complex today.
- On Tuesday, the Steelers made their first significant free agent move of the year, and the biggest since they plucked FS Ryan Clark on March 15, 2006. The team found its immediate replacement for Clark by signing FS Mike Mitchell, formerly of the Carolina Panthers. Mitchell agreed to a five-year, $25 million deal. The structure of the deal has not been released as of this afternoon. Mitchell was a major cog in the #2 defense in the league last season, racking up 74 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 3.5 sacks in 14 games started.
- The Steelers re-signed C Cody Wallace to a three-year deal today. Financial terms have not been disclosed. The versatile 29-year old lineman started four games at center last season, and played in five others as a guard. Originally drafted by San Francisco in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft, he has also appeared in eight games for Tampa Bay in 2012.
- The Steelers also brought back long snapper Greg Warren on a one-year deal. Warren has spent his entire career with the Steelers after signing as an undrafted free agent out of North Carolina in 2005. Warren has started 133 games for Pittsburgh, including the past 64 consecutive regular-season games.
- The team made the re-signing of safety Will Allen official on a one-year deal. Allen settles back in as the backup to both SS Troy Polamalu and new FS Mike Mitchell, along with second-year player Shamarko Thomas.
- NFL.com is reporting that the Steelers are in talks with free agent WR Jerricho Cotchery on a multi-year deal.
- Recently released OLB LaMarr Woodley is meeting with the Oakland Raiders today, as reported by NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport.
- DE/NT Al Woods is meeting with the Tennessee Titans today, according to profootballtalk.com.
Stay locked in on all Steelers free agency news right here at “The Yinzer”, pittsburghsportingnews.com.
Photo Credit: steelers.com
