View topic - 4 Veteran free agents brought to mini-camp

[thesteelhammer Profile]

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced they have signed free agents P Dirk Johnson (Cardinals), WR Shaun McDonald (Lions), WR Jayson Foster (Broncos) and PK Piotr Czech (Ravens). Terms of the deals were not disclosed.

[stillDrink Profile]

I've always thought that Dirk Johnson had one of the most porno-sounding names in the NFL.

[thesteelhammer Profile]

PFW.com ha a little bit on each free agent's history

http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFL/AFC/AFC+North/Pittsburgh/Features/2009/wilky050109.htm

WR Shaun McDonald and CB Keiwan Ratliff were among five free agents signed by the Steelers on Friday. Also added were PK Piotr Czech, WR Jayson Foster and P Dirk Johnson. The club also released LS Jared Retkofsky.

McDonald caught 35 passes for 332 yards and one TD for the Lions last season. He could compete to be the Steelers' No. 3 receiver. McDonald also returned 11 punts for 104 yards.

Ratliff played in 13 games for the Colts in 2008, starting four. His best game last season may have come in a win at Pittsburgh, when he made eight tackles and one interception.

Johnson punted in 13 games for Arizona in 2008. Czech spent training camp with the Ravens in '08 before being cut. Foster had stints on the Steelers' and Broncos' practice squads last season. Denver released him on April 28.

[Hagerstown Steelman Profile]

I can see a lot of battles going on for the final 5-6 roster spots during training camp

Just look at WR right now. No doubt that Ward, Holemes, Sweed, and Wallace are locks. However for a 5th-6th spot McDonald, Baker, Nance, and some of the other signings. I can see a lot of teams picking up guys that we don't keep.

The added punter can be great insurance if Sepulveda is not all the way back. No way I could live through another Berger experience. Plus with 3-4 return guys that will have a shot we will need a leg to see what they can all do.

Should be a fun mini camp and training camp.

[thesteelhammer Profile]

James Walker, of ESPN.com, reports Pittsburgh Steelers CB Keiwan Ratliff said he believes he can contribute for the Steelers this season.

[thesteelhammer Profile]

USAToday has these thoughts on these free agent signings

http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/transactions.asp?sport=NFL&previousdate=5/2/2009

Steelers signed WR Shaun McDonald, formerly of the Lions.
McDonald, 28, has never produced outside of a Mike Martz offense and isn't a great bet to make the Steelers. Rookie Mike Wallace cost a high draft pick and is faster. McDonald isn't bumping Limas Sweed off the roster.

Steelers signed P Dirk Johnson, formerly of the Redskins.
Johnson will be in camp to give Daniel Sepulveda a breather.

Steelers signed WR Jayson Foster, formerly of the Broncos.
The 5'7/175-pounder will have a real hard time even getting reps in camp.