Steelers Morning Huddle 3/21/14

Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Now that free agency has died down, people will shift their attention to the draft. The Pittsburgh Steelers, however, still have several significant moves they could make before the draft rolls around. Here’s the latest news regarding the Steelers whereabouts and free agency.

Cotchery Headed to Carolina

David Newton of ESPN reports that Jerricho Cotchery has signed a deal with the Carolina Panthers. This wasn’t a move many were expecting, because the Steelers are in need of depth at the wide receiver position and Cotchery would have brought a veteran presence to the young guys and would have come back rather cheap for his production. Second year players Markus Wheaton and Derek Moye combined a total of 6 catches last season, and Justin Brown didn’t dress for a single game. With Cotchery gone, this leaves the Steelers dangerously thin at wide receiver, and almost guarantees that they will take a wide receiver in the first or second round.

No Contracts for MJD or Lance Moore

Dave Bryan of Steelers Depot reports that Maurice Jones Drew and Lance Moore both left the Steelers facility without a contract. To some, it may come as a surprise, to some it may not. Lance Moore put up a 1000 yard season in 2012, and is coming off of a injury plagued 2013 season, and could come pretty cheaply. Maurice Jones Drew, however, is wanting to be paid more than $3 million a year, which is starter money. The Steelers currently have no interest in paying a running back starting money, as Le’Veon Bell is the clear starter going into the season, but behind him there is nothing. Running back is another position that is dangerously thin, and should expect at least one running back taken in the draft.

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