Steelers News: An inside look at the contract Mike Hilton won’t be signing anytime soon

With all of the Steelers’ 2019 offseason workouts in the rear view mirror, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ fan base has to suffer through the dog days of summer until the boys of fall return to the gridon. In the meantime, don’t think the news surrounding the black-and-gold is over. As the team disperses for the summer, we continue to provide you with features, commentary and opinions to tide you over until training camp!

Today in the black-and-gold links article we take a look at the contract restricted free agent Mike Hilton won’t be signing anytime soon.

Let’s get to the news:

• Mike Hilton is betting on himself. Rather than signing his restricted free agent tender, Hilton wants a new contract. Not only does he want a new contract, he is taking the Alejandro Villanueva approach. Will it pay off?

Inside the NFL contract that two Steelers won’t sign

By: Jeremy Fowler, ESPN

Alejandro Villanueva considered walking away from football in 2017. He was 28 years old and beginning business school at Carnegie Mellon. His exclusive-rights free-agent status kept him on league-minimum money despite two years as a starter at left tackle.

So in 2017, Villanueva worked out with the Pittsburgh Steelers but didn’t sign his exclusive-rights tender. Hours before the training camp reporting window expired, the Steelers signed him to a four-year, $24 million deal.

“I can’t say if it’s better to sign now or later,” said Villanueva during minicamp, entering his third year on that deal. “But betting on yourself, in this business, usually works.”

Intentionally or not, Villanueva set a precedent in the Steelers locker room that at least one player is following.

Steelers cornerback Mike Hilton finds himself in a similar situation, an exclusive rights free agent (ERFA) who refuses to sign the tender, at least for now.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Vance McDonald turns into the ‘Vanimal’ on game day. It is a very intricate process.

A different person on game day

By: Teresa Varley, Steelers.com

Vance McDonald leaned a little further back in the oversized leather chair, a smile slowly coming across his face, and a quiet laugh just barely noticeable.

As he sat there, the smile gradually widened, and the laugh got a little louder.

“On game day, I’m a different guy,” said McDonald.

That is the only way to explain ‘Vanimal,’ the nickname McDonald has been given.

Spend a few minutes talking to McDonald, and you seriously wonder how the nickname makes sense. He is quiet, soft spoken, calm, and seriously one of the nicest guys you will ever meet.

On game day, though, he said it best.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Anthony Chickillo is a player who just received a new contract as an OLB reserve. Will he be able to prove his worth in 2019?

Striving to be great

By: Teresa Varley, Steelers.com

What motivates you?

Greatness. I just want to be great.

What is your football mindset/approach?

Savage.

When did you start to dream about playing in the NFL?

When I was seven years old I wanted to play in the NFL.

Why do you play football?

I love the game. I love it.

What is your proudest football moment or memory?

That is a hard one. I would say getting draft here.

When you hear Steelers football, what do you think?

Tough. That’s it. Tough.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

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