BY DEJAN KOVACEVIC
News: The Steelers just re-signed outside linebacker Arthur Moats to a three-year, $7.5 million contract, their first significant move in advance of NFL free agency tomorrow at 4 p.m. That breaks down to a $1.9 million signing bonus, plus salaries of $850,000, $2.5 million and $2.25 million.
Views: It’s a start, and a very team-friendly one at that. Also, it might be a sign of management’s willingness — or lack thereof — to bring back Jason Worilds.
It’s funny, but for all the attention paid to the Worilds situation, Moats is quietly coming off a terrific season in which he produced four sacks, 23 tackles (17 solo), six quarterback hits, four tackles for losses, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
Arthur Moats joined the Steelers in 2014 after four seasons in Buffalo. — GETTY
Relying on Moats and Jarvis Jones won’t be enough. I believe, and I have all along, that the Steelers and Worilds could still come to terms, possibly before free agency opens. But if it is or isn’t Worilds, more help is needed. Maybe even — dare anyone say it? — a high draft pick.
UPDATE 3:06 p.m.: The Steelers also just brought back backup tight end Matt Spaeth on a two-year contract. You know what Spaeth is about, as one of the NFL’s best blockers at his position, as well as providing depth behind Heath Miller.
5:02 p.m.: The Steelers tendered offers to three restricted free agents: cornerback Antwon Blake, safety Robert Golden and fullback Will Johnson. That means those players can either sign that offer or, if they receive an offer for another team, the Steelers can match. They’ll stay.
March 9, 2015
News/views: Steelers re-sign Moats, Spaeth
by Dejan Kovacevic • News/views • Steelers
BY DEJAN KOVACEVIC
News: The Steelers just re-signed outside linebacker Arthur Moats to a three-year, $7.5 million contract, their first significant move in advance of NFL free agency tomorrow at 4 p.m. That breaks down to a $1.9 million signing bonus, plus salaries of $850,000, $2.5 million and $2.25 million.
Views: It’s a start, and a very team-friendly one at that. Also, it might be a sign of management’s willingness — or lack thereof — to bring back Jason Worilds.
It’s funny, but for all the attention paid to the Worilds situation, Moats is quietly coming off a terrific season in which he produced four sacks, 23 tackles (17 solo), six quarterback hits, four tackles for losses, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
Arthur Moats joined the Steelers in 2014 after four seasons in Buffalo. — GETTY
Relying on Moats and Jarvis Jones won’t be enough. I believe, and I have all along, that the Steelers and Worilds could still come to terms, possibly before free agency opens. But if it is or isn’t Worilds, more help is needed. Maybe even — dare anyone say it? — a high draft pick.
UPDATE 3:06 p.m.: The Steelers also just brought back backup tight end Matt Spaeth on a two-year contract. You know what Spaeth is about, as one of the NFL’s best blockers at his position, as well as providing depth behind Heath Miller.
5:02 p.m.: The Steelers tendered offers to three restricted free agents: cornerback Antwon Blake, safety Robert Golden and fullback Will Johnson. That means those players can either sign that offer or, if they receive an offer for another team, the Steelers can match. They’ll stay.