Steelers News: Bryant, Coates, Okung
By Kim Myers
The Steelers offseason which includes everything from free agency to draft prep and anything in between is in full swing.
Steelers season never truly ends for Steeler Nation so while the offseason starts to heat up we’ll be busy looking for mentions of your Black & Gold so we’ve got you covered. Here’s your Steelers Morning Huddle for Sunday, Mar. 13th.
It’s not exactly what you think
When news came out Saturday afternoon that Steelers receiver Martavis Bryant was facing a season-long suspension for again violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy the reaction was pretty much the same around Steeler Nation. Get that idiot out of here. However, things might not always be what they seem.
Tom Pelissero of USA TODAY Sports explains that Bryant’s agent, Brian Fettner, details the issues surrounding Bryant and this most recent predicament.
"“We’re all stunned, me included. We clearly miscalculated the issue. His isn’t a party issue. It’s a coping issue and a depression issue, and he’s got to take care of it.” – Brian Fettner"
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Fettner explained that the plan is to get Bryant enrolled in a rehab program, although when that is to take place is still in the air as Bryant has appealed the league’s suspension. The suspension stems from multiple missed drug tests, not continued failed ones but under the league’s substance abuse policy it’s treated the same as positive tests.
What does Coates have to say?
The Steelers were definitely onto something when they offered a contract to Darrius Heyward-Bey and went after Ladarius Green in free agency. Perhaps they knew already that they’d be without Bryant for at least the 2016 season. One player who will need to step up in place of Bryant is second year receiver Sammie Coates.
Teresa Varley has Coates’ comments on what he learned from his rookie season.
"“The biggest thing I learned is to be in great shape. You always thin, you are in great shape. When I got here and saw the speed changed, I got in better shape when the season went on. You have to be in shape before the season starts.” – Sammie Coates"
Visiting the Steelers
The Steelers will get a visit from offensive tackle Russell Okung on Sunday.
Russell Okung will visit the Steelers tomorrow. Will be the free agent left tackle's third visit. Team's checking on his medicals.
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 12, 2016
Next: Will Martavis return to Pittsburgh after suspension?
The 28-year old tackle has played for the Seattle Seahawks since they drafted him sixth overall in the 2010 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma State. Okung has visited the Detroit Lions and New York Giants already and has left both cities without deals.
Perhaps the Steelers can employ their greatest recruiting weapon, Ben Roethlisberger, to convince Okung that Pittsburgh is the place to be.