The Pittsburgh Steelers were active prior to, and after, NFL Free Agency officially began on Wednesday. The team re-signed William Gay, Robert Golden, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Ramon Foster, and when Free Agency officially began the team went out and were able to pluck TE Ladarius Green from the San Diego Chargers.
It was a chaotic couple of days, but what about those players who are now Unrestricted Free Agents (UFA) and didn't get a contract done at the beginning of Free Agency? Well, they are making their rounds, see what has been going on:
DT Cam Thomas visits with the Seattle Seahawks
A move which won't have many wiping their tears with their terrible towels, the under-achieving defensive lineman for the Steelers will be visiting the Seahawks, per NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.
#Steelers DT Cam Thomas is visiting the #Seahawks today, source said. A potential replacement for Brandon Mebane
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2016
The Seahawks are in search of some big bodies along the defensive line, but someone might want to do their homework, and film study, on Thomas before signing on the dotted line. He was a huge disappointment since coming to the Steelers via the Chargers.
TE/FB Will Johnson getting plenty of calls
You don't get much more versatile than Will Johnson. The man who was brought in to be a full back eventually transitioned to a tight end, or H-Back, role for the Steelers. When Le'Veon Bell was suspended, he handled the short yardage duties for the team. When the Steelers didn't extend an offer to Johnson, there were plenty of teams ready to pick up the phone for his services, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
Steelers H-back Will Johnson has talked with the Jets, Bears, Chargers and Titans at the start of free agency. Versatile blocker and special teamer could be looking for more carries, too.
Fans shouldn't be shocked by this decision. With Roosevelt Nix becoming the team's go-to fullback and short yardage lead blocker, Johnson became expendable. Don't hold your breath on him returning to the Steelers anytime soon.
Kelvin Beachum to the Baltimore Ravens?!
Hate to say it, but rumors are swirling the Ravens have contacted Kelvin Beachum about possibly being their next left tackle.
Another Steeler draftee the Ravens are taking a look at? LT Kelvin Beachum...
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) March 9, 2016
As far as the media knows, these were just preliminary talks, and don't put it past the Ravens to be sporting some gamesmanship in this little two-step. It was reported the Steelers were trying to get a one-year deal done with Beachum prior to Free Agency starting, and the Ravens could have seen that and decided to offer more money, or a longer contract. Worse case scenario for them, it forces Pittsburgh's hand when it comes to Beachum's home for 2016.
Regardless of where Beachum lands next season, it should be noted he is still coming off severe knee surgery, and his performance will certainly be a question mark for the future. This simple fact could delay any long-term contract from coming across Beachum's desk anytime soon.
Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest on the Steelers' acquisitions, rumors and departures.