Steelers Daily Links: Kenny Pickett Deep Accuracy; ‘Must Sign’ Free Agent Linebacker

One statistical breakdown of Kenny Pickett’s accuracy was more favorable to his deep passing than you’d think and one outlet identified a free agent linebacker that the Pittsburgh Steelers “must sign.”

🏈 Johnny Kinsley: Geno Smith and Kenny Pickett were the two most accurate deep passers on throws of 21-30 yards in 2022, Dak Prescott wasn’t too far behind. Pickett had a 67.86% accuracy rate on deep throws for 358 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

🏈 ESPN: Philadelphia Eagles linebacker T.J. Edwards is the best fit for the Steelers in free agency, with his play against the pass the key selling point. Edwards allowed 3.6 yards per pass attempt last season, while Devin Bush, the Steelers’ putative coverage linebacker, averaged 8.6 yards per target.

🏈 Adam Schefter: Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner Johnson, cornerback James Bradberry and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave are “expected to cash in big” in free agency. Hargrave tweeted on Wednesday, “1 week away 😬😭.”

🏈 Adam Schefter: The Buffalo Bills are “expected to lose” safety Jordan Poyer and inside linebacker Tremaine Edmunds in free agency. The Steelers have been heavily linked as a possible landing spot for Edmunds but he’ll come at a heavy price tag.

🏈 Steelers.com: In honor of #InternationalWomensDay, the Steelers highlighted the ground-breaking women in the organization who opened the door for others. The Steelers were the first NFL team to have a full-time female athletic trainer, and it’s because of these strong women that it’s now the norm for many teams across the league.

🏈 ESPN: Mike Pouncey, the twin brother of former Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey, will sign a one-day contract and officially retire with the Miami Dolphins on Thursday. Pouncey spent seven seasons with the Dolphins from 2011-17, making three Pro Bowls.

🏈 Ryan Fowler: Ohio State offensive tackle Dawand Jones has a top 30 visit scheduled with the Steelers. Jones also has visits set up with the Commanders, Eagles, Colts, Browns, Bengals and Seahawks.

🏈 Scott Kascmar: If Aaron Rodgers plays for another team, then the only top 30 quarterbacks in passing yards in NFL history to play for one team are:

5. Ben Roethlisberger – PIT
8. Dan Marino – MIA
10. Eli Manning – NYG*
12. John Elway – DEN*
18. Dan Fouts – SD

*Elway and Manning were traded after being drafted.

🏈 Mike Tomlin congratulated Pitt men’s basketball coach Jeff Capel on being named ACC Coach of the Year.

🏈 Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. has been added to Madden 23. Porter says it’s a “dream come true.” 

STEELERS DRAFT DIGEST

Steelers Draft Digest: Joey Porter Jr Mock Favorite, New CBs in Mocks

AROUND THE NETWORK

Pittsburgh Sports Now: Pitt fought off Georgia Tech to advance in the ACC Tournament.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins are making changes to their defensive pairings.

West Virginia Sports Now: WVU rolled over Texas Tech.

Nittany Sports Now: Penn State wrestling has nine national qualifiers.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now: The Pirates traded for utility man Mark Mathias from the Texas Rangers.

Pittsburgh Soccer Now: Riverhounds goalkeeper Jahmali Waite has been called up to the Jamaican National Team.