Insider: Steelers Trying to Pull Off WR Trade
Although the Steelers receiving corps have begun to get their footing, it seems like the Steelers are still interested in making a move before the deadline in two weeks.
George Pickens has 160 yards across his last two games, as well as Calvin Austin and Darnell Washinton becoming more of a threat, the wide receiving corps is the best it has been all season. Yet, the Steelers are still likely to look for more.
The team lacks a true second option at the position, as the perceived gap between Pickens and Austin is quite large. Therefore, the front office is still going to pursue more options as long as they still can.
The Athletic’s Diana Russini believes that the Steelers are still hunting for their newest wideout. On her Scoop City podcast with Chase Daniel, she spoke on where she thinks the Steelers will go.
“I do. I think the Steelers are trying to do something,” Russini said. “Darius Slayton, Diontae Johnson, Christian Kirk, DeMarcus Robinson, K.J. Osborn, Tyquan Thornton, Kendrick Bourne.”
It’s not possible that the Steelers land Diontae Johnson due to rules relating to their trade of him to the Carolina Panthers, but the rest could be viable options for the team in need of more receiving help.
It would mark a turning point for the team after an offseason and start to season that has seen them be unable to land big talent at the receiving position. Brandon Aiyuk, Davante Adams and Courtland Sutton were all names linked to the Steelers that did not end up working out in their favor.
While none of the names Russini listed are marquee names that the Steelers would have liked, it is unlikely that any team would want to part with their top receivers at this point in the season, that have already not done so.
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Failed experiment: Bears finally admit defeat with big roster move
The fruitless Velus Jones Jr. era with the Chicago Bears has finally come to an end. On Friday, the Bears waived the 2022 third-round pick, admitting defeat after a failed experiment. The 27-year-old saw the field only once this season, recording 11 rushing yards (two attempts) and eight receiving yards (one catch) in Week 1. The Bears took a bit of a gamble in picking Jones No. 71 overall three years ago. Primarily a special teams threat at USC and Tennessee, he recorded more kick-return yards (2,973) than receiving yards (1,434) over six college seasons. Jones’ trends stayed the same at the NFL level and regressed in the wrong areas. Over 27 games with the Bears, he amassed only 135 receiving yards (12 receptions) and 165 rushing yards (19 attempts) compared to 1,042 kick-return yards (26.7 yards per return). The 2024 season was perhaps Jones’ final chance to carve a role with the Bears, especially with the NFL’s kickoff rules change. Instead, he lost the job to veteran wideout DeAndre Carter, who’s averaging 33.3 yards per return (six attempts) while contributing 60 passing yards off seven catches over six games. Along with Jones, the Bears released fullback Khari Blasingame to make room for several players who are coming off the injured list. Should Chicago encounter injuries on offense, there’s a slight chance that Jones could return since he’s already familiar with the team’s system. But, for now, it seems Jones’ time with the Bears is over.
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The Atlanta Braves face a critical decision as the window to retain star pitcher Max Fried rapidly closes with free agency looming. Despite a stellar track record and a deep bond with the team, Fried’s future with the Braves is clouded by the complex dynamics of salary-cap considerations and his recent injury history. Fried has distinguished himself as one of the premier pitchers in MLB since 2019, boasting a 71-31 record and an impressive 3.06 ERA. Yet, as Fried approaches his 31st birthday, his market value is tempered by age and persistent injuries, including a troubling forearm strain and other minor ailments that sidelined him for significant parts of the 2023 and 2024 seasons. These factors are expected to influence the negotiations, potentially keeping his contract figures more conservative than peers of similar caliber. Having exceeded the luxury-tax threshold for consecutive seasons, the Braves are positioned precariously regarding payroll flexibility. Team dynamics suggest a reluctance to engage in a high-stakes bidding war for Fried’s services despite his undeniable contributions to the team’s success, including a pivotal role in clinching the 2021 World Series. Will Max Fried return to the Braves this offseason? This fiscal prudence is likely to steer their strategy during the exclusive five-day negotiation period following the World Series when only the Braves can negotiate with Fried before he can entertain offers from other teams. Fried’s tenure with the Braves has been marked by his athletic prowess, character and leadership — attributes that resonate strongly within the clubhouse and among the fan base. Teammates, including center fielder Michael Harris II, strongly desire his return, highlighting Fried’s competitive spirit and integral role in the team’s dynamics. Harris’s comments reflect the Braves’ locker room sentiment, emphasizing Fried’s impact both on and off the field. However, Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos has hinted at the economic realities facing the team, acknowledging Fried’s high demand in the free-agent market while expressing admiration for his flexibility and team-first attitude. This acknowledgment serves as a subtle nod to the possibility that retaining Fried might be financially impractical under the current constraints. As the Braves weigh their options, they also consider internal and external alternatives to bolster their pitching rotation, which could include promoting prospects or signing experienced but less costly pitchers. This strategic pivot would align with Anthopoulos’ cautious approach to team building, emphasizing sustainability over high-profile acquisitions. The decision on Fried’s future will not only impact the Braves’ rotation but also signal the team’s strategic direction in the coming years. As the free-agency period approaches, the Braves and their fans await a resolution that balances economic prudence with competitive ambitions, a challenge that epitomizes the complexities of modern sports management.
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Watch: Dodgers fan interferes on crucial play in World Series Game 1
With Game 1 of the World Series tied, 2-2, in the top of the ninth inning, New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres briefly appeared to hit the biggest home run of his life when he sent a Michael Kopech pitch over the left-center field fence. The only problem for Torres and the Yankees is that the ball only went over the fence because a Dodgers fan reached over the wall into the field of play and caught it. Had he not reached over, it would have still been in play and clearly hit off the wall. Have a look at the play. The umpires were all over it and correctly ruled it as fan interference, leaving Torres at second base with a two-out double instead of a two-out home run. After intentionally walking Juan Soto, Blake Treinen was able to get Aaron Judge to pop out to end the inning. it is very fortunate for the Dodgers the play was called correctly because that could have been one of the more infamous fan moments in playoff baseball. The Yankees benefitted from one of those plays back in the 1990s when a young fan by the name of Jeffrey Maier reached over the wall at Yankee Stadium during Game 1 of the 1996 American League Championship Series. A Derek Jeter line drive down the right field line was caught by Maier as he reached over the wall. Instead of being called fan interference, umpires ruled it a home run. This was before instant replay so the call on the field stood and tied the game. The Yankees went on to win the game and the series. The other most famous fan incident was the Steve Bartman incident during the 2003 NLCS when a Cubs fan attempted to catch a foul ball against the Florida Marlins. That was not a fan interference play as Bartman did not reach over the wall, but it did disrupt Moises Alou’s chance of catching the ball, setting the stage for a Marlins rally to tie the series at three games apiece. The Marlins went on to win Game 7 and win the World Series.
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Titans former first-round pick reportedly ‘off-limits’ in trade talks
The Titans have already started pivoting to 2025, with the organization having dealt wideout DeAndre Hopkins and linebacker Ernest Jones over the past week. While the front office will likely continue to sell off players with an eye towards the future, one piece that is likely staying put is defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Simmons is considered “off-limits” in trade talks. The Titans believe the defensive lineman is a “big part of their future,” and the rebuilding squad presumably has Simmons penciled in to their future cap sheets. The former first-round pick has spent his entire career in Tennessee, earning a pair of All-Pro nods while collecting 26.5 sacks. The lineman inked a four-year, $94M extension with the organization prior to the 2023 campaign, but he was limited to only 12 games that season before landing on IR. The 27-year-old has appeared in five of the Titans’ six games this year, collecting 17 stops and one sack. Pro Football Focus has ranked Simmons 18th among 119 qualifying interior defenders this season, including the third-best positional grade for run defense. Naturally, a number of teams would love to add the 6-foot-4, 305-pound lineman to their defense, with Russini specifically pointing to the Lions, Ravens and Vikings. Those squads would also likely be eyeing Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby and Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett, although Russini echoes previous reports that those two players won’t be moved. Instead, the reporter suggests DL-needy teams could look to the likes of Jadeveon Clowney (Panthers), Preston Smith (Packers) and Za’Darius Smith (Browns).