Been quite the busy day for us in Steeler Nation. As we near the end of the first day of free agency, the Steelers have been busier than any year in recent memory, and if reports are to be believed, could continue to add more players to bring more depth to the team. Beneath is a breakdown of players who the Steelers have reportedly expressed interest in already.
Dan Connor, ILB
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>FA linebacker Dan Connor will visit <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Steelers">#Steelers</a>. Was cut by Cowboys Monday</p>— Dale Lolley (@dlolleyor) <a href="https://twitter.com/dlolleyor/status/311495327012225025">March 12, 2013</a></blockquote>
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It was reported the former Cowboy was brought in before Larry Foote was re-signed to a three year deal, but there hasn’t been an updated report saying the Steelers are no longer interested in his services.
As Neal pointed out, "A solid tackler, Connor’s biggest detriment has been injuries. He would come with a risk, but it could be a tempting one for the Steelers to take."
Beanie Wells, RB
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Bengals">#Bengals</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Steelers">#Steelers</a> interested in Beanie Wells <a href="http://t.co/SzHqO7df0p" title="http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/66907/bengals-steelers-interested-in-beanie-wells">espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/…</a></p>— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) <a href="https://twitter.com/jamisonhensley/status/311562998399500288">March 12, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Beanie Wells has spent his career mired in injuries. Last season he only played in 8 games, yet he rushed for 5 touchdowns in a reserve role for Arizona. Now that he has been released, the Steelers may consider it worth it to risk a small salary on a player who was once talented enough to be drafted in the first round.
Bruce Gradkowski, QB
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Bengals QB Bruce Gradkowski scheduled to visit the Steelers on Wednesday. Steelers looking for another backup.</p>— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/311597666750570496">March 12, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Self-proclaimed life-long Steelers fan Bruce Gradkowski will be visiting Pittsburgh later this week to audition for the backup quarterback job in Pittsburgh.
Gradkowski is a solid backup, and at only 30 years old, he could be the son of Charlie Batch. This won't be a huge upgrade for Pittsburgh, but it fits the theme of offseason visits so far this year.
Lorenzo Alexander, LB
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Report: <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Steelers">#Steelers</a> Have Interest In <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Redskins">#Redskins</a> Free Agent LB Lorenzo Alexander <a href="http://t.co/17kuPtGXp4" title="http://sulia.com/my_thoughts/af47e64e-552b-4ebd-9af8-2d94934391f0/?source=twitter">sulia.com/my_thoughts/af…</a></p>— Steelers Depot (@Steelersdepot) <a href="https://twitter.com/Steelersdepot/status/311629987675525120">March 13, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Lorenzo Alexander made the Pro Bowl last year as a special teamer, and the Steelers took notice. They have reportedly shown interest in the special teams ace. Considering Alexander's special teams coach in Washington, Danny Smith, is now in Pittsburgh, it seems like a logical move.
The Steelers need upgrades on special teams, and he has the added benefit of being able to play linebacker, a position where the Steelers are in a bit of a flux. If he comes cheap enough, could kill two birds with one stone.