Steelers News: Donte Moncrief’s success will be a huge factor for the 2019 Steelers offense

The Pittsburgh Steelers just wrapped up the NFL preseason which means the exhibition games are over. This means the regular season is almost here, and the news surrounding the black-and-gold is just starting to heat up. As the team prepares for the coming season, we continue to provide you with features, commentary and opinions to tide you over until the season starts!

Today in the black-and-gold links article we take a look at the immense importance of Donte Moncrief on the 2019 Steelers’ offense, both on and off the field.

Let’s get to the news:

• Donte Moncrief was a big-name free agent for the Steelers, but his importance to the Steelers will go beyond just on-field production.

Steelers counting on Moncrief for more than on-field production

By: Chris Adamski, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Donte Moncrief was sporting a bushy black beard when he reported to Saint Vincent for training camp six weeks ago. But when he looked around the Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receivers room, it might have made him feel like a graybeard.

Moncrief is no grizzled vet, but he is by far the Steelers’ oldest and most experienced receiver. Signed to a two-year, $9 million contract in March, Moncrief has played as many NFL seasons (five) as the other four receivers who made the Steelers’ initial 53-man roster combined.

Moncrief turned 26 last month. The next-oldest Steelers receiver is 24. He has almost as many career games played (69) and catches (200) as the rest of the team’s receivers combined (76 and 227, respectively).

“I kind of look at him as my big brother on the field,” rookie Diontae Johnson said. “I look up to him because he’s been successful. He’s been in the league a few years. I am just trying to pick his brain and see how he looks at the game, and whatever information he gives me I try to apply that to my game.”

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• The preseasons is over. The rosters have been trimmed to 53 players. And the clock is ticking for Joe Haden and a new contract.

Joe Haden on Steelers extension: “Time is ticking”

By: Darin Gantt, ProFootballTalk

In late July, Steelers cornerback Joe Haden was optimistic about his chances at a contract extension.

Now that we’re almost out of August, he’s not as sure.

Via Joe Rutter of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, the veteran cornerback is aware the Steelers do not negotiate contracts once the season starts, and can see a calendar to know that’s next week.

“We’re still working,” Haden said. “It’s been a long process. I’m still optimistic, still hoping that everything goes down, but time is ticking. We’ve got a couple days, and we’ll figure it out.”

Haden’s entering the final year of the three-year contract he signed with the Steelers in 2017, and is scheduled to count $11.9 million against the salary cap.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Ryan Shazier is using his fame, and past experiences, to help others in a unique way.

Shazier wants to be a voice for others

By: Teresa Varley, Steelers.com

It wasn’t Steelers game day, but it sure felt like it on Friday night when Ryan Shazier kicked off his newly created Shalieve Fight Foundation.

The Milk Shake Factory held a ‘pep rally’ at their new location in McCandless as Shazier unveiled his foundation and they premiered the “Shalieve Shake.” The strawberry shake, which Shazier said is “really, really good,” is made with crushed cookies and cream, hot fudge, whipped cream and is topped with a chocolate “Shalieve” lion, which became a symbol for Shazier. The Milk Shake Factory is donating $1 from the sale of each “Shalieve Shake” during September to his foundation.

“It’s a fun way, a Pittsburgh way of doing things. Pittsburgh loves football and the community,” said Shazier. “I just wanted to let people know about the foundation, but also work with a local company I am close to. I thought it was a fun way to kick off something new, but let people know what I am doing with my foundation.

“I am excited about the outpouring of people and the interest they have in my foundation.”

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

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