So far this week, the Steelers have gotten a quarterback and a punter, but there is still work to do and a lot of talent available.
After agreeing to contract terms with quarterback Russell Wilson on Sunday, the Steelers yesterday worked out a deal with former Texans and Eagles punter Cameron Johnston. He tied for sixth in the league last year with an average of 43.7 net yards per punt, and was 14th in gross yardage, at 47.7. He was also sixth-best in punts inside the 20-yard line, and he’s had only one punt blocked in six years in the NFL. Johnston will replace Pressley Harvin III, who was released last month after ranking 29th in the league in net yardage. Johnston’s contract is reportedly for three years and $9 million.
With the Steelers having released starting center Mason Cole last month, they are in need of a new man to anchor the offensive line, but the list of free agent centers quickly diminished yesterday. Andre James re-signed with the Raiders. Former Cowboys center Tyler Biadasz signed with Washington, and ex-Bronco Lloyd Cushenberry agreed to terms with the Titans.
Two of last season’s starting centers are still on the market…former Titan Aaron Brewer and former Dolphin Connor Williams, who tore his ACL in mid-December and will miss at least a portion of next season.
Big-name deals from day one of the NFL’s “legal tampering” period included:
- The Falcons getting former Vikings QB Kirk Cousins on a 4-year deal.
- Ex-Giants running back Saquon Barkley moving to the Eagles.
- Former Texans running back Devin Singletary replacing Barkley with the Giants.
- The Giants work out a trade-and-sign with the Panthers for All-Pro edge rusher Brian Burns, who becomes the second-highest paid defensive end in NFL history.
- Former Chargers running back Austin Ekeler coming to terms with the Commanders.
- The Raiders snapping up former Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and former Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew.
- Ex-Raiders running back Josh Jacobs will join the Packers, who will release starting running back Aaron Jones.
- The Bengals agree to terms with former Colts running back Zack Moss and release running back Joe Mixon.
The NFL year begins at 4 PM tomorrow. No free agent contracts can be signed until then.
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