Steelers Daily News & Links: Your daily stop for all of the news and links from the Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL and around the Sports Now Group
? Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill credits former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown for being a mentor to him on The Pivot Podcast.
Former Steelers free safety and host of The Pivot, Ryan Clark, said not only did AB share the way, but he showed the way with his approach to the game. AB wasn’t the biggest, neither is Hill, and that’s part of what made AB suck a legend to his protege.
Brown’s run of 100+ receptions and 1,000+ receiving yards in six straight years (2013-2018) is unprecedented in NFL history.
Antonio Brown had a 6 year run at receiver like we’d never seen. Pound 4 pound he’s one of the greatest to ever play the game of football. He was also a huge inspiration to Tyreek Hill. @cheetah credits @AB84 as a mentor. Someone who took the time to teach him what it took to… pic.twitter.com/W8JZ2A510j
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) March 8, 2024
? Adam Schefter: The Kansas Chiefs and five-time Pro-Bowl defensive tackle Chris Jones reached agreement on a record 5-year deal that includes $95 million guaranteed and allows KC to keep its best defender before free agency begins. The deal is expected to be the highest average salary ever given to an NFL defensive tackle.
Despite speculation surrounding all three, Andy Reid, Travis Kelce, and Chris Jones are now all back in Kansas City as the Chiefs aim to become the first NFL team in history to win three Super Bowls in a row.
? Before Chris Jones’ deal is finalized, the highest-paid defensive players in NFL history based on average annual salary were Nick Bosa ($34M), Aaron Donald ($31.6M), T.J. Watt ($28M) and Joey Bosa ($27M). Jones will come in above Donald but below Bosa.
? Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson projects a two-year, $30 million extension in Spotrac’s system if he got traded. Johnson would receiver a one-year, $10 million ($3M roster bonus due March 16th), while the Steelers would have $5,833,334 in dead cap ($10M of cap savings). Dianna Russini of ESPN reported Saturday that the Steelers are open to listening to trade offers on Johnson. There is interest from teams around the league as general managers are getting set for free agency.
? Happy Birthday to former Steelers cornerback Rod Woodson, born on March 10, 1965 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Woodson spent the bulk of his career in the Steelers’ secondary after being drafted 10th overall in the 1987 NFL Draft. After a decade in the Steel City, he departed to join the San Francisco 49ers. He later joined the Baltimore Ravens — with whom he won Super Bowl XXXV as part of a historically dominant defensive unit — and finished his playing career with the Oakland Raiders.
Woodson is in the Steelers Hall of Honor and on the All-Time Steelers Team. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.
? Jason Smith of FOX Sports Radio thinks Russell Wilson should sign with the Steelers right away.
“If I’m Pittsburgh, I do this right away. He will cost absolutely nothing. And if you’re Russell Wilson, don’t mess around. It’s not getting any better,” Smith said.
“If I’m Pittsburgh, I do this right away. He will cost absolutely nothing. And if you’re Russell Wilson, don’t mess around. It’s not getting any better.”
🎙️@howaboutafresca on Russell Wilson meeting with the Steelers pic.twitter.com/iTNc2CtdIs
— FOX Sports Radio (@FoxSportsRadio) March 8, 2024
NEWS FROM AROUND THE SPORTS NOW NETWORK
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Penguins Grades: New sad reality on display vs. Bruins.
Pittsburgh Baseball Now: Pirates continue homer barrage in loss to Tigers.
Pittsburgh Sports Now: Pitt downs NC State 81-73 to close 2023-24 regular season.
West Virginia Sports Now: Kansas State eliminates West Virginia Women’s Basketball after JJ Quinerly misses final shot.
Nittany Sports Now: Penn State wrestling sends 7 to Big Ten finals.
Pittsburgh Soccer Now: Lackluster Riverhounds drop season opener to New Mexico, 1-0.