Steelres Release Gary Russell

The Pittsburgh Steelers have released "short-yardage specialist" Gary Russell, who scored the first touchdown for the Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII.




Russell made the Steelers as an undrafted rookie in 2007 and became their short-yardage running back midway through the 2008 season. He rushed for 77 yards on 28 carries last season and scored three touchdowns.



His most memorable touchdown, came in the second quarter of the Super Bowl when he ran one yard for a touchdown to give the Steelers a 10-0 lead. His only other carry in that game resulted in a 4-yard loss.





He also scored a touchdown from one yard out in the fourth quarter of the Steelers' 35-24 playoff victory against San Diego.



The Steelers gave no reason for his release.

Charlie Batch Re-Signs In Pittsburgh

A day after Byron Leftwich signed on to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Pittsburgh Steelers moved quickly to plan B and have retained Charlie Batch.

John Clayton of ESPN.com is reporting that Batch agreed to a one-year, $895,000 deal, according to a source, including a $50,000 signing bonus.
Batch, 34, is entering his 11th season, his seventh with the Steelers.

A native of Pittsburgh, Batch joined the Steelers in 2002, after 4 seasons in Detroit where he a full time starter. Since arriving in Pittsburgh he has played in 22 games, including four starts.

Harrison's Contract Extension with Steelers Complete

ESPN.com's John Clayton is reporting that the Pittsburgh Steelers and linebacker James Harrison have agreed on a six-year, $51.175 million dollar contract extension.

The NFL's reigning Defensive Player of the Year will reportedly receive $20 million in guaranteed money, and will now be signed through the 2014 season.

The 31-year old Harrison, entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent from Kent State in 2002 and bounced around the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens' roosters before becoming a full-time starter for the Steelers in 2007.

Although this is a nice deal for a former undrafted free agent, his guaranteed money is exrtremely low, when you look at pass rushers Dwight Freeney and Jared Allen both received $30 Million guaranteed and Albert Haynesworth got $41 Million guaranteed. Considering his impact to the team and his defensive player of the year status the Steelers certainly got themselves a steal on this contract.

Over the last two seasons, Harrison has started 31 games, made 199 tackles, snarred a pair of interceptions and registered 24.5 quarterback sacks. Harrison also returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown in the Steelers' 27-23 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII.

Bucs Sign Leftwich to 2-Year Deal.

Earlier in the week the Pittsburgh Steelers offered him a two-year contract, but free-agent quarterback Byron Leftwich has decided to take the two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers instead.

The Washington Redskins were also interested in Leftwich, who joins a depth chart in Tampa that includes Luke McCown, Josh Johnson, and Brian Griese.

Leftwich, 29, a first-round draft pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars out of Marshall in 2003, was a back-up last season in Pittsburgh where he threw for 303lbs and 2 TD's in five apearances, he also won a Super Bowl ring last season.

The former Marshall QB is probably best remembered for a gutsy performance in college when he was carried down the field by his offensive line because he finished the game on a broken leg.

Harrison/Steelers on the Cusp of a New Contract

The Pittsburgh Steelers could be on the verge of crossing off the first item on their offseason to-do list. Locking up the man responsible for the longest play in Super Bowl history, former undrafted free agent OLB James Harrison

The Steelers and James Harrison are "very close" to reaching an agreement on a long-term contract, the All-Pro outside linebacker's agent said Friday.

Harrison, easily the biggest bargain in the NFL last season was the 2008 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, is going into the final year of a contract that will pay him $1.2 million in 2009. His agent, Bill Parise, and the Steelers have engaged in contract talks since February, and the sides have apparently made a breakthrough.

Harrison turns 31 at the beginning of May. Steelers Director of football operations Kevin Colbert, however, has said the Steelers don't have any concerns about signing Harrison to a long-term contract since the 6-foot, 242-pounder has only started for two seasons and doesn't have as much wear and tear as other players his age.

Byron Leftwich Visiting Bucs

Free Agent quarterback Byron Leftwich began his career in Florida and now he might get his shot to return. Leftwich is visiting with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers today according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The Buccaneers have said publicly that they would like to bring four QB's to training camp. Luke McCown appears to be the front runner to be QB1 in Tampa, while second-year man Josh Johnson and journeyman Brian Griese prepare for the back-up battle.

The Steelers have told Leftwich, an unrestricted free agent, they would like to have him back, but have been dragging their feet on his resigning. Leftwich has basically seen no interest on the free agent market other than a visit with the Washington Redskins last week.

Cards Sign Kreider

The Arizona Cardinals have signed free agent fullback Dan Kreider to a one-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The 32 year old Kreider (5'11" 255lbs) played in 11 games for the St. Louis Rams last season before being released on Nov. 26.

He spent the previous eight seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, appearing in 113 games, including 10 postseason games and starting in the 2006 Super Bowl.

For his career the multi-purpose fullback has 32 rushes for 144 yards and 2 TD's to go along with 60 catches for 471 yards and another 2 TD's.

Kreider entered the NFL in 2000 as an undrafted rookie free agent out of New Hampshire.

Marvel Smith Lands in San Francisco

The San Francisco 49ers continue to improve their offense and bring some smash mouth football to the Bay area, with the signing of free agent OT Marvel Smith. Terms of his contract were not released.

Smith (6-5, 321) enters his tenth season after originally being drafted in the second round (38th pick overall) of the 2000 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers out of the Arizona State.

In Smith's nine years, all with the Steelers, he played in 111 games with 108 starts to go along with 10 starts in the postseason. The versatile tackle lined up at right tackle his first three years for Pittsburgh before serving as the team’s starting left tackle the past six seasons. Smith earned Pro Bowl honors in 2005 and has been part of two Super Bowl Championships with Pittsburgh.

The 49ers will bring Smith and his experience to the right tackle position and allow 2007 1st round draft choice Joe Staley to slide over to the left side.

Cards Re-Sign Haggans

The Arizona Cardinals have re-signed free agent linebacker Clark Haggans to a three-year contract. Financial terms of the contract weren't disclosed.

Haggans played in 11 games for Arizona last season, with 27 tackles, one sack and a fumble recovery in a season where the Cardinals advanced to the Super Bowl. He missed the final three games of the regular season and the entire postseason with a foot injury.

The 6-foot-4, 243-pound linebacker is a 10-year veteran. He joined Arizona as a free agent in 2008 after spending his first eight pro seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In his 9 pro-seasons, Haggans has appeared in 119 games, 61 as a starter tallying 334 tackles 33.5 sacks and 1 interception. He started for the Steelers in their Super Bowl victory over Seattle three seasons ago.

Obama Nominates Dan Rooney to be Ambassador to Ireland

President Barack Obama, an admitted sports fan, has selected Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney to be U.S. ambassador to Ireland. The announcement was conveniently made on St. Patrick's day.

Obama may be returning the favor to Rooney who publicly endorsed Obama over Hillary Clinton during Pennsylvania's Democratic primary; Clinton won the contest last April. Rooney later campaigned for him in Steelers country in western Pennsylvania, and Obama went on to win the state last November.

Obama said in a statement that he has confidence that Rooney and Secretary of State Clinton "will ensure America's continued close and unique partnership with Ireland in the years ahead."

In the 1970s, Rooney helped found the American Ireland Fund, an organization that has raised millions for advocacy of peace and education in Ireland.

Mangini Bringing in "His" Guys

Browns head coach Eric Mangini, is busy shaping his roster with "his" guys, it began with trading away TE Kellen Winslow jr and now he has added one of "his" guys in former Jets cornerback Hank Poteat. A favorite of new Browns coach Eric Mangini, Poteat spent the last three seasons with the Jets. Terms of the contract were not revealed.

The 31-year-old Poteat was a third-round draft choice of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2000 and played three seasons there. He has also played with Tampa Bay and New England. Poteat, an unrestricted free agent, had two interceptions, a sack, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery last season for the New York Jets.

Information from the associated press was used in this report.

Titans Add Two

The Tenessee Titans have added two new players to replace the ones they have lost through free agency, WR Nate Washington and DT Jovan Haye will join the Titans.

Washington, a backup receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers the past four seasons, signed a six-year, $27 million contract with Tennessee on Monday, according to reports. Haye, formerly of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, reportedly received a four-year, $16.2 million deal.

Haye, who played collegiately at Vanderbilt returns to Tenessee to prove that he can regain his 2007 form after a slow 2008.

“We’re off to a good start,” Coach Jeff Fisher said. “There’s still some work to be done.”

McHugh Returns to Steelers

The Steelers have signed tight end/fullback Sean McHugh to a three-year, $2.57 million contract, which includes a $390,000 signing bonus.

McHugh had been a restricted free agent and the Steelers made a one-year tender offer of $1.01 million to the Penn State product on Thursday.

He played in every game but one for the Steelers last season after they signed him in early September.

Jets Want Moore, Again

After getting snubbed by Chris Kemoeatu the Jets quickly went out and re-signed recently released right guard Brandon Moore.

Moore has signed a four year deal worth $16 Million with $10 Million guaranteed. This is being viewed as a smart move as many believe Moore was the teams best run-blocker

Kemoeatu Snubs Jets and re-Joins Steelers

Left guard Chris Kemoeatu turned down an offer from the New York Jets and re-signed with the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers, who would have been depleted on the offensive line without him.

Kemoeatu's contract is worth $20 million over five seasons and pays him a signing bonus of nearly $4 million, which is believed to be less than the Jets were offering. Nearly $6 million is guaranteed Kemoeatu, a former backup who started only two games during his first three Steelers seasons from 2005-07.

He returns to the Steelers with the idea that he will become the teams starter at left guard after the departure of Kendall Simmons who was released by the team.

Kemoeatu was a Steelers sixth-round pick in 2005, likely dropping in the draft because of a 2003 incident in which the former Utah lineman kicked an UNLV player in the face while his helmet was off.

Steelers Make a Flurry of Moves

The Pittsburgh Steelers made qualifying offers to restricted free agents right tackle Willie Colon, cornerback Anthony Madison and tight end Sean McHugh and offers to exclusive-rights free agents fullback Carey Davis and tackle Jeremy Parquet.

The Steelers also released offensive guard Kendall Simmons and linebacker Mike Humpal on Thursday.

As you all know if another team offers a deal to any of the restricted free agents, the Steelers get to match it or be compensated with draft choices. The Steelers retained exclusive negotiating rights with Davis and Parquet.

The Steelers selected Colon in 2006 and he became a starter for last two games of his rookie season. McHugh was signed to the team in September. Davis was signed in 2006 and Parquet was signed to the practice squad in August.

Simmons played seven seasons with the Steelers after being taken in the first round of the 2002 draft. Humpal was the first of two sixth-round draft picks by the Steelers in the 2008 draft.

Super Bowl MVP Holmes Scheduled for Marijuana Hearing

According to the Associated Press,

Pittsburgh Steelers receiver and Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on a misdemeanor marijuana charge stemming from an October traffic stop.

Holmes' vehicle was pulled over on Oct. 23 and Pittsburgh police say they found three marijuana-filled cigars. Police say they stopped Holmes because his vehicle was similar to one they were looking for in a drug sting.

According to the Police they smelled burning marijuana when they stopped Holmes, who was cooperative and alerted officers to the drugs.

The 24-year-old player is charged with possession of a small amount of marijuana. The charge carries up to a year in jail, but probation or a fine is common in most cases.

Titans Might be Interested in Steelers Washington

Looking to improve their wide receiver position this offseason, the Tennessee Titans might be interested in acquiring some free agents.

One player that may have caught the eye of the Titans, according to a source, could be Pittsburgh Steelers free agent Nate Washington.

Washington played this season as the Steelers third receiver behind Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes and caught a career-high 40 passes for the Super Bowl champions.

In three seasons with the Steelers, Washington has 104 receptions and averaged 16.4 yards per catch with nine touchdowns.

Other free agent receivers who will hit the unrestricted market include Cincinnati’s T.J. Houshmandzadeh, San Francisco’s Bryant Johnson, the New York Giants’ Amani Toomer and the Titans own pair of free agents Brandon Jones and Justin McCareins.

Steelers Not Talking To Smith's Agent

Steelers Left Tackle Marvel Smith is set to become a free agent this Friday at 12:01 AM, and he is taking the silence from the Steelers that they plan on letting him.

"I haven't heard from them," agent Ken Zuckerman said yesterday. "We're planning that they're moving forward and we're moving forward. That's what we're looking at. They tagged Starks, they're talking to other linemen, so we're assuming that they're moving forward in a different direction and so are we."

With Starks taking up such a huge chunk of salary cap space and the Steelers not being in the healthiest of cap positions, it may be time for Marvel to move on.

Smith and his agent are not surprised, nor angered, the Steelers have made no moves to keep him. Zuckerman works for Priority Sports and Entertainment, which also represents guard Alan Faneca, who left the Steelers as a free agent last year at age 31. Smith, entering his 10th season, turns 31 in August.

"I don't think he's disappointed," Zuckerman said. "Listen, if you look at the track record, the Steelers keeping guys going into their third deal, they don't keep many. They've paid Max Starks over two years probably more than Alan Faneca made over two years.

Stark Tagged by Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have used the franchise tag on offensive lineman Max Starks. This will be the 2nd year the Steelers will tag Starks, last season he was designated their transitional tag.

The franchise tag will guarantee him $8.451 Million in salary, the average of the NFL's top five offensive linemen, a nice raise from the $6.9 Million he made last season.

Steelers will try to work out a long-term deal with Starks, who started 11 games last season at left tackle. The NFL's deadline to negotiate a long-term deal with franchise players is July 15.