Johnson re-signs with the Steelers

When last season ended, Steven <a href="http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-leveon-bell-jersey-c-2_8.html">Le'Veon Bell Jersey</a> Johnson didn’t make it a secret. He wanted to return to the Steelers in 2017.

Johnson, who was slated to become an unrestricted free <a href="http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-marcus-gilbert-jersey-c-2_23.html">Marcus Gilbert Womens Jersey</a> agent on March 9, loved his first year in Pittsburgh, even if it was injury-marred, and wanted to be back.

“I am excited to be with this organization,” said Johnson at the end of the season. “I don’t want to go anywhere. I am looking forward to next year because this team has a great opportunity to win a championship and I want to be a part of it. I am praying I get an opportunity next year.”

Johnson got what he wished for when he was re-signed to a one-year contract on Wednesday.

Johnson, who signed with <a href="http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-greg-lloyd-jersey-c-2_34.html">http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-greg-lloyd-jersey-c-2_34.html the Steelers as a free agent from Tennessee last year, played in only six games in 2016, finishing with six special teams tackles. His season ended early when he suffered an ankle injury against Dallas in Week 10, and he was placed on the reserve/injured list.

And while there was disappointment not being able to finish out the season, his overall experience being with the Steelers is what ignited his desire to remain in black and gold.

“I came here with high expectations for myself,” said Johnson. “Then I got hurt. It’s just a part of the game. I was happy that I was able to still be around the team in a tough situation. Coach (Mike) Tomlin is a great coach. He reminds me of my dad. That is why I am so drawn to this organization.

“I am very grateful for (last) year. It built my zeal for the game. It grew this year. Being here, there aren’t many places like it. A lot of guys won’t understand it <a href="http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-hines-ward-jersey-c-2_53.html">http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-hines-ward-jersey-c-2_53.html because they haven’t been anywhere else. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. I have been on that other side. It’s a good organization here. Good players, teammates, coaches, good owners, good atmosphere. Good locker room. Everything here is good. They are going to put you in the best position to win championships. Being a part of the Steelers Nation, it’s one of a kind.”

Johnson, who will be entering his sixth season, has played in 63 games with seven starts in the regular season. He has played in five postseason games, starting one.

Pittsburgh Steelers’ Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger announces eight Pittsburgh area K-9 grants

Today, Pittsburgh Steelers’ Super Bowl Quarterback and Findlay, OH native, Ben Roethlisberger, announced the final grants of the 2016-17 season [url=http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-ben-roethlisberger-jersey-c-2_3.html]Ben Roethlisberger Jersey[/url] from the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation at The Giving Back Fund. The Foundation will be distributing eight grants totaling $76,000 to police departments in the Pittsburgh, PA area where the Steelers play their home games.

he K-9 departments receiving funding from [url=http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-ben-roethlisberger-jersey-c-2_3.html]Ben Roethlisberger Authentic Jersey[/url] the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation this year include the Arnold Police Department, Castle Shannon Police Department, Findlay Township Police Department, Ligonier Township Police Department, Mt. Oliver Police Department, Penn Hills Police Department, West Mifflin Borough Police Department, and Wheeling West Virginia Police Department. These departments will be utilizing their respective grants in a variety of canine-focused initiatives including the purchase and training of new K-9s, replacing and upgrading K-9 vehicles and the acquisition of new safety and training equipment.

This announcement completes the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation’s tenth grant cycle, during which it distributed more than $150,000 in grants to K-9 units around the country. In addition to the Pittsburgh grants announced, the Foundation distributed grants [url=http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-ben-roethlisberger-jersey-c-2_3.html]Ben Roethlisberger Kids Jersey[/url] to K-9 units of police departments in the cities and surrounding communities of each regular season away game for the Steelers. The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation invited police and fire departments across the country to submit proposals detailing their needs.

The mission of the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation is to support K-9 units of police and fire departments throughout the United States, with a particular emphasis on support for service dogs in Pittsburgh, PA. Roethlisberger and the Foundation also strive to support Make-A-Wish. The Foundation has distributed in excess of $1.7 million since 2007.

The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation is grateful for its generous supporters who have enabled it to expand its K-9 grant program, including Pro Camps and Allegheny County District Attorney Office, as well as caring individual donors from around the country.

Sgt. Neil H. Cridge stated, “On behalf of the Findlay Township Police Department and its residents, we would like to extend our appreciation to the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation and The Giving Back Fund for their continued dedication to the law enforcement community! With the grant funding, the Findlay Township Police K-9 Unit was able to continue the program after the passing of K-9 Axel. This grant allows small departments like ours to continue to provide a higher level of service to our community, as well as surrounding areas. K-9 Scooby has already begun to make his mark in our area on the street and in the community.”

Sgt. James Friscarella said, “On behalf of the Ligonier Township Police and K-9 Kilo, I would like to send a heartfelt thank you [url=http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-ben-roethlisberger-jersey-c-2_3.html]http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-ben-roethlisberger-jersey-c-2_3.html[/url] for providing us with the grant to help fund our K-9 program. Without the help of the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation, we would not be able to outfit our program with the latest in technology to keep Kilo and I safe. This grant is accepted in the memory of Lt. Eric Eslary who was killed in the line of duty in 2015. The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation had previously funded Lt. Eslary’s K-9 program with K-9 Blek. Thank you again.”

Officer Thomas Snyder said, “Mt. Oliver Police Department is thankful to Ben and the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation for the work that they have done and their continued support for law enforcement K-9 units. With the grant, we are able to continue our program and place a new K-9 team in service.”

Chief Howard Burton commented, “The Penn Hills Police Department greatly appreciates the generosity of Mr. Roethlisberger and The Giving [url=http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-ben-roethlisberger-jersey-c-2_3.html]http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-ben-roethlisberger-jersey-c-2_3.html[/url] Back Fund for their support of local law enforcement agencies. The awarding of this K-9 grant will allow the Penn Hills Police Department to fill the K-9 position that has been vacant due to funding issues over the past year. The addition of this K-9 will bring our K-9 division up to its full complement of four teams. All of our K-9s are Roethlisberger grant dogs.”

Chief Kenneth I. Davies said, “It is with the sincerest appreciation and gratitude that the West Mifflin Police Department can convey to Ben Roethlisberger and the Foundation for your outstanding contribution to our canine program. These funds are critical for our department’s continued development of a professional canine program that serves and assists the people in our community and the region. Again, thank you, your generosity and commitment to public safety is to be commended.”

In commenting on why the [url=http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-ben-roethlisberger-jersey-c-2_3.html]http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-ben-roethlisberger-jersey-c-2_3.html[/url] mission of the foundation is so important to him, Roethlisberger said, “We’re very fortunate to be in the position that we are able to help these K-9 units. The work that is performed by the dogs and their handlers as well as the bond that is formed is incredible. We’re just thrilled to do our small part.”

Antonio Brown’s agents in Pittsburgh, with contract talks looming

It wasn’t a video, but Antonio Brown <a href="http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-antonio-brown-jersey-c-2_14.html">Antonio Brown Jersey</a> has used social media to reveal another potentially big story.

According to Joe Rutter of the Pittsburgh <a href="http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-antonio-brown-jersey-c-2_14.html">Antonio Brown Womens Jersey</a> Tribune-Review, the Steelers wide receiver posted a photo of himself with his agents in Pittsburgh this week on his Snapchat account, which could be reasonably assumed to be an indication of contract talks with the Steelers beginning.

The photo shows Brown with agents Drew and Jason Rosenhaus atop Mt. Washington, and while Pittsburgh’s a lovely city, it’s hardly a destination for the Miami-based pair unless they’re doing business. They also represent Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons, who is scheduled to be a free agent in a few weeks.

Brown has one year left on his deal, which is the point at which the Steelers have been saying they’d negotiate a new one with him since his $4.7 million salary makes him underpaid (in the relative, this is an athlete we’re talking about here sense).

The wide receiver has been working in <a href="http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-antonio-brown-jersey-c-2_14.html">http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-antonio-brown-jersey-c-2_14.html recent weeks to “rebuild the trust” with the Steelers after he made them angry with his Facebook Live video from a postgame locker room. And it appears there’s at least some talks about taking him up on his desire to be a “Steeler for life.”

$35 Million under the cap and they won’t take huge cap hits in signing Bell and Brown, they will spread it out for the length of the contracts, knowing the <a href="http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-antonio-brown-jersey-c-2_14.html">http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-antonio-brown-jersey-c-2_14.html salary cap will continue to go up year after year. Then, they will convert the salary to a signing bonus to free up space if need be.

Whoever thinks that they will take a huge hit in 2017-18 on three players clearly doesn’t know the process. I have 100% confidence in Omar Khan and Kevin Colbert, as well as Mr. Rooney.

I’m already excited for next season, especially with Heyward and Bryant coming back in the mix!

2016 Player Exit Meetings – DT Javon Hargrave

The Pittsburgh Steelers find that their 2016 season ended a bit prematurely, and are undergoing the exit meeting process a couple weeks sooner than <a href="http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-javon-hargrave-jersey-c-2_28.html">Javon Hargrave Youth Jersey</a> they would have liked. Never the less, what must be done must be done, and we are now at the time of the year where we close the book on one season and look ahead to the next.

While we might not know all the details about what goes <a href="http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-jesse-james-jersey-c-2_24.html">Jesse James Kids Jersey</a> on between Head Coach Mike Tomlin and his players during these exit meetings, we do know how we would conduct those meetings if they were let up to us. So here are the Depot’s exit meetings for the Steelers’ roster following the 2016 season.

Player: Javon Hargrave

Position: Defensive Tackle

Experience: 1 Year

There are many who believe that Javon Hargrave deserved <a href="http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-joe-greene-jersey-c-2_57.html">Joe Greene Womens Jersey</a> to be the Steelers’ rookie of the year, and I would not be quick to argue against that point. A third-round draft pick, from a small school, Hargrave none the less played right away in the rare instance in which the team still uses a nose tackle.

His role in the defense expanded greatly as the season progressed and injuries mounted. The Steelers actively scouted him as a non-traditional nose tackle who has pass-rush ability and flexibility to serve as an interior rusher in the <a href="http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-joe-greene-jersey-c-2_57.html">http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-joe-greene-jersey-c-2_57.html nickel defense, their primary defensive package, and that is just what role he served.

Including the postseason, Hargrave registered three sacks during his rookie season, in addition to recovering a fumble for a touchdown. He registered 27 tackles in fewer than 500 snaps and added another eight tackles during the team’s three postseason games. Five of those tackles and his postseason sack came against the Patriots in the AFC Championship game.

One of my favorite things to follow all season was Hargrave’s development over the course of the year, particularly the way in which he used his hands in order to combat offensive linemen, either while rushing the passer or defending the run.

As a small-school product, he wasn’t regularly faced with talent that was his equal, and so he often got by on his mere abilities without having to rely much on fundamentals. Hand usage was something that he had to <a href="http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-justin-gilbert-jersey-c-2_22.html">http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-justin-gilbert-jersey-c-2_22.html work on when he came to the professional ranks, and that is something that I can say with confidence that he has done.

The AFC Championship game was one of the best games that he played all season and regularly got the better of the Patriots’ interior offensive linemen, although the pressure didn’t always lead to a negative play for the offense.

There is plenty of reason to be optimistic for Hargrave’s future, and the future of the defensive line. He is a very talented and versatile <a href="http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-lawrence-timmons-jersey-c-2_17.html">http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-lawrence-timmons-jersey-c-2_17.html player who is going to be an important part of this defense, and I would expect him to play even more time rotating with the team’s two starting defensive ends to give him more time off, which was not something we saw much early in the year.

Teammate defends Antonio Brown against critics, new deal could be next

Antonio Brown is one of <a href="http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-antonio-brown-jersey-c-2_14.html">Antonio Brown Jersey</a> the league's best receivers. But everything he's accomplished on the field in recent seasons was forgotten the second he decided to fire up Facebook Live in the Steelers' locker room in the moments following their playoff win last month over the Chiefs.

That lapse in judgment -- which was no doubt precipitated by the report that Brown has a six-figure deal with Facebook -- led to countless stories about <a href="http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-arthur-moats-jersey-c-2_32.html">Arthur Moats Youth Jersey</a> how the Steelers might be better off without Antonio Brown, portrayed as a selfish teammate and locker room cancer.

But earlier this week, Steelers president Art Rooney II sounded a different tone about the team's star wide receiver.

"Our intention is to try and get a contract done, a contract extension <a href="http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-carnell-lake-jersey-c-2_52.html">Carnell Lake Kids Jersey</a> done with Antonio and so we'll get to work on that and I think some of the off-the-field things, I think, for the most part are things that I don't think had a big impact on the team," Rooney said, via PennLive.com. "Hopefully in the future he'll keep them to minimal types of distractions."

Meanwhile, Brown's teammate, Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey, was much less diplomatic when addressing the critics via his Instagram feed.

"Can't hold my tongue anymore tired of <a href="http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-ben-roethlisberger-jersey-c-2_3.html">http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-ben-roethlisberger-jersey-c-2_3.html all the hate, bulls--t stories! [Brown] is a team player loved by all his teammates especially ME! You against him, you against me!"

So you've been warned.

As for the notion that the Steelers would let Brown walk, don't bet on it. In addition <a href="http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-cobi-hamilton-jersey-c-2_73.html">http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-cobi-hamilton-jersey-c-2_73.html to Rooney's remarks about a contract extension for one of the league's most underpaid players, ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler reported Friday night that the two sides are optimistic that a new deal can be agreed upon before training camp.

On Thursday, Brown appeared on ESPN's "First Take," where he was asked about where he wants to play in 2017.

"Steelers for life," Brown said. "My teammates know what type <a href="http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-david-decastro-jersey-c-2_27.html">http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-david-decastro-jersey-c-2_27.html of player I am, what type of intensity I bring to practice, what kind of leadership I bring. I'm just excited about that situation and see what's going to happen."

Eagles looking to trade LB Mychal Kendricks, will Vikings be interested?

According to a report from PhillyVoice, the brother of Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks is on <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-eric-kendricks-jersey-c-2_10.html">Eric Kendricks Jersey</a> the trade market.

The report notes that last season, Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Mychal Kendricks saw a dip in his usage under new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, seeing the field on just 26.8% this season as the Eagles deferred more to Nigel Bradham and Jordan Hicks. In 2015, Kendricks played 51.8% of total snaps and had been as high has 88% during his career.

Kendricks is set to have a $6.6 million cap <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-everson-griffen-jersey-c-2_18.html">Everson Griffen Kids Jersey</a> hit in 2017 but would cost $4.8 million in dead money if he is released, which would explain why the Eagles would want to move him. Plus, Philadelphia only has around $9.8 million in cap space according to Overthecap.com

The report notes that he could also be cut after June 1, which would save $5 million on the cap, but it would result in $3.2 million in dead money in 2018.

USA Today’s Eagles Wire lists the Browns, 49ers, Rams, Chiefs and Colts as the most likely teams to acquire the linebacker, but there is a natural connection with the Vikings because of Eric, who emerged as a quality linebacker this year, ranking 28th in the NFL by Pro Football Focus measures.

Spending that much in cap space for a linebacker <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-cris-carter-jersey-c-2_40.html">Cris Carter Jersey</a> when Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr are already set as starters may seem like a far-fetched idea, but there are a few reasons why it might make sense, assuming the cost was very low. First, the Vikings are very likely losing their starting linebacker in base package Chad Greenway, who played 38.7% of total defensive snaps last season.

Head coach Mike Zimmer may shift to playing more nickel packages, but if not, the Vikings will have to find another linebacker to take on that 40% of snaps. Playing against the run is the main role of the third linebacker in the base package and Kendricks rated 30th in the NFL by PFF measures against the run in his limited snaps last season.

There’s also the depth issue. Since Mychal Kendricks has been an every-down linebacker before, the Vikings wouldn’t see a massive drop-off if Eric Kendricks or Barr went down with an injury. Last season, Kendricks missed <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-chuck-foreman-jersey-c-2_35.html">http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-chuck-foreman-jersey-c-2_35.html most of a game against Washington and Emmanuel Lamar and Audie Cole struggling mightily to adequately replace him.

Coincidentally, Mychal (No. 95) had possibly his best game this year against the Vikings. Here he shuts down a Jerick McKinnon run.

As far as role-playing linebackers go, it would be hard <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-fran-tarkenton-jersey-c-2_36.html">http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-fran-tarkenton-jersey-c-2_36.html to find one better than Kendricks on the free agent market. In 2013 as a full-timer, he managed 106 tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles, three interceptions, four pass deflections and six stuffed runs. Philadelphia’s 6-foot, 240-pound linebacker had four more sacks in 12 games in 2014.

Schwartz acknowledged that the reason Kendricks’ playing time dropped off is because the Eagles don’t use their linebackers to blitz as much many other teams and rushing the passer is one of Kendricks’ best talents. That skill would give more versatility to the Vikings’ base package, which rarely saw Greenway chase the passer. On this play, Kendricks dodges Ronnie Hillman’s attempted block to put a hit on Sam Bradford.

At just 26 years old, Kendricks could be a backup option in case Barr does not have a turnaround year. Barr is entering his fourth year, which means the Vikings will have to decide on either picking up his fifth-year option at a very high cap hit, signing him to a long-term deal after 2017 or letting him become an Unrestricted Free Agent (a la Cordarrelle Patterson).

He could also be a short-term fix as the dead cap <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-harrison-smith-jersey-c-2_16.html">http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-harrison-smith-jersey-c-2_16.html money drops from $4.8 million to $3.2 million in 2018.

While the Vikings certainly have more pressing needs with their cap room than to spend it on a linebacker and they are not in a position to move out assets, but Minnesota could create even more room by making moves like releasing Sharrif Floyd and/or renegotiating with Brian Robison or releasing him. In that case, adding a luxury type player might make some sense.

Purple Update: Status of Bridgewater’s future

What’s going on in Minnesota this offseason? The Vikings <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-teddy-bridgewater-jersey-c-2_7.html">Teddy Bridgewater Authentic Jersey</a> have their work cut out for them, as they try to make it back to the playoffs in 2017. Free agency and the NFL Draft are atop the priorities right now, but what is the organization’s greatest question mark for the future? The quarterback situation. Teddy Bridgewater’s injury after the third preseason game took a toll that would eventually exhaust the rest of the team later in the year.

The young franchise quarterback <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-tom-johnson-jersey-c-2_31.html">Tom Johnson Youth Jersey</a> was coming into his own, building on a 2015-2016 Pro Bowl season and taking noticeable strides with his downfield passing game. Bridgewater performed well early in the 2016 preseason, until a non-contact, practice injury would force an abrupt end to his year. A dislocated kneecap, torn ACL, along with other damaged ligaments was the result of the incident. The injury was catastrophic, leading some to question his football future.

So what is the update on Bridgewater’s future? Just a <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-xavier-rhodes-jersey-c-2_28.html">Xavier Rhodes Authentic Jersey</a> few weeks ago, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report came out with a report that Bridgewater would likely miss the entire 2017 season. However, that report was later refuted by Bridgewater’s agent, saying Cole’s claim had, “no substance and no credibility.” Adam Schefter would also confirm the refute, discrediting the Bleacher Report article.

The truth is, Bridgewater’s timetable is <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-tom-johnson-jersey-c-2_31.html">http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-tom-johnson-jersey-c-2_31.html uncertain. There have been many projected returns, anywhere from 12 to 24 months. There is a chance Bridgewater could return by next season, and that could come early, middle, or late in the year.

On the bright side, Bridgewater is younger and <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-xavier-rhodes-jersey-c-2_28.html">http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-xavier-rhodes-jersey-c-2_28.html healthier than others who have experienced the same injury. He could recover faster than most, especially with the help of Vikings head trainer, Eric Sugarman. Bridgewater is walking without crutches and without limp and has been videoed participating in agility drills.

We know that the young quarterback is <a href="http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-zach-line-jersey-c-2_26.html">http://www.authenticvikingsshop.com/shop-by-players-zach-line-jersey-c-2_26.html making progress; his timetable will be easier to tell come training camp. Until then, his poised demeanor, leadership and clutch abilities will be missed by the Vikings. Sam Bradford is the current option at quarterback, who can play well with solid protection in front of him. Hopefully Teddy recovers fast and surprises spectators everywhere.