The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the middle of Organized Team Activities, and we are busy scrapping as much information as we can gather from OTAs. While it's hard to make definitive statements about where players are lining up or how they are performing, we are plenty of news-worthy information when players speak to the media.
All eyes were on new quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields early at Steelers OTAs. Now four defensive players are hitting the news cycle because of what they recently said during media sessions. Here's the latest Steelers news.
Cole Holcomb offers injury update
If you were concerned that Cole Holcomb wouldn't be able to play professional football again after suffering a gruesome knee injury halfway through the 2023 season, you could put those fears to rest. Recently, Holcomb assured Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that he's 'not at all worried' and that he will 'play football.'
While Holcomb didn't elaborate or offer a timetable for his return, he's exceedingly confident regarding his future in the NFL, and his recovery appears to be on track.
When Holcomb returns to the field, he will be joining a revamped linebacker room that now includes 2023 Pro Bowler Patrick Queen and 2024 third-round pick, Payton Wilson.
Patrick Queen took less money to play for Steelers
Recently, Patrick Queen revealed why he chose the Pittsburgh Steelers with other offers on the table in free agency. Queen wanted to play for a team that was not in the midst of a rebuild and one that could win right now. By doing so, the former Ravens linebacker claims he turned down more money while speaking to Derrick Bell of Steelers Now.
Queen told the media that some teams were offering $17 million per season and that there were five teams in the mix. The athletic linebacker opted for less money for a chance to compete with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he ultimately inked a three-year deal worth $41 million ($13.6 million per year).
Queen was a former first-round pick by Baltimore in the 2020 NFL Draft. He's just 24 years old entering Year 5 in the NFL on his second contract.
Cameron Heyward makes definitive retirement statement
Cameron Heyward is already defying the odds with 13 NFL seasons under his belt, and he's not done yet. Speaking with Allison Koehler of Steelers Wire, Heyward made it clear that he's 'not retiring anytime soon.'
This statement backs up what Heyward has been saying all offseason: he wants a contract extension. The long-time defensive lineman has made it clear that he will not take a pay cut, and he believes he should be paid among the best interior defenders in the NFL.
Heyward elected to skip voluntary workouts at Steelers OTAs in the midst of a contract dispute. There have been no reports about when a deal could get done.
Donte Jackson 'giddy' to play for Steelers
If you were wondering how Donte Jackson felt about being abruptly traded from the Panthers to the Steelers early in the offseason, we have an answer. The veteran cornerback described his emotion as 'giddy' after joining his new teammates on the practice field for Steelers OTAs, according to Chris Adamski of TribLive.
Jackson, a former second-round pick of the Carolina Panthers, is 28 years old and is entering a contract year with his new team. He is expected to start at right cornerback opposite Joey Porter Jr.