BREAKING: Steelers are signing WR CeeDee Lamb to a 4-year $110 million dollar extension, per Adam Schefter…..
With the Hall of Fame Game between the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans set to kick off the 2024 preseason on Thursday, more NFL teams practiced with pads on Tuesday.
As a result, we’ll see more urgency from players pushing for jobs and front offices that are in negotiations with marquee playmakers holding in or holding out for new contracts.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback situation has become a little more intriguing over the last few days in a positive way. On a sour note, one of their top rookies went down with an injury.
On the contract front, one team seems optimistic about reaching an agreement with its star pass-catcher. A wide receiver may soon top Justin Jefferson as the highest-paid player aside from the quarterbacks.
Meanwhile, New England Patriots edge-rusher Matt Judon was a no-show after his animated conversation with head coach Jerod Mayo during Monday’s practice. Bleacher Report’s Kris Knox provided five potential landing spots for the star pass-rusher if the rebuilding Patriots trade him.
Also, two players, one of whom played 11 seasons, made decisions to hang up their cleats in retirement.
Let’s check in around the league for the latest buzz coming out of training camps.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a notable injury to monitor following Tuesday’s practice. The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo captured footage of rookie third-round wide receiver Roman Wilson leaving practice on a cart.
Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh added some context to the situation.
“Roman Wilson was able to get to the cart under his own power. Hobbling. Was holding his ankle on the sideline before he left the practice fields, Fillipponi posted on X.
Head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters that Wilson is going through evaluations to determine the severity of the ankle injury.
Last week, Steelers general manager Omar Khan told reporters, “There’s nothing going on right now” regarding the team’s trade talks for a wide receiver.
If Wilson has to miss extended time, Khan may have to be aggressive in adding to the receiver room. Calvin Austin III, Scotty Miller and Quez Watkins could also see an increased number of reps, specifically in the slot.
With this injury news, the rumor mill could churn out more buzz that links the Steelers to disgruntled San Francisco 49ers wideout Brandon Aiyuk, who wants a new deal. Up to this point, the 49ers have stood firm on retaining him, but the Steelers can make a strong offer worthy of consideration.
Going forward, the Steelers still need a reliable No. 2 pass-catching option behind George Pickens. Perhaps they lean on tight end Pat Freiermuth (fantasy football alert) to fill that void. Wide receiver Van Jefferson is also in the mix for a sizeable role.
