Previous reports suggesting confusion over actual interest between the Steelers and free agent tight end Jermichael Finey exists may have been slightly accurate.
According to USA Today's Tom Pelissero, Finley, who underwent spinal fusion surgery after suffering a season-ending injury last season, has received more than just interest from the Steelers.
"Pittsburgh have showed me a couple deals, but we all know the money ain't what it's supposed to be," Finley told Pelissero. "If I quit the game right now, I can take tax-free money, and that's a difficult thing that I'm going through with myself …"
He has a $10 million insurance policy that he can cash in if he misses the first four games of this season. That would suggest he'd be taking a loss if he accepts any kind of contract for less than $10 million guaranteed. It's highly unlikely, medical clearance or not, he'll get many of those kinds of offers, but it still will make sense for him to wait and see how the market develops through training camp.
Finely's surgeon, Dr. Joseph Maroon, is also on the Steelers' medical staff, and his clearance has been sent to all 32 NFL teams. The Steelers were quietly linked with Finley at the beginning of free agency, but like other teams, it hasn't gone past the point of speculation.
Finley's comment to Pelissero though is specific enough to think perhaps an offer was left on the table for Finley, who would be something of an odd fit given the Steelers' current tight end and wide receiver position depth charts. Finley is an incredible athlete but not a player with reliable hands. He also doesn't block particularly well - a trait commonly required of Steelers' tight ends.