Steelers news: Kenny Pickett works with new WR, Keeanu Benton contact, and more
By Tommy Jaggi
With mandatory minicamps behind us, we have reached the point in the summer when we are eagerly looking forward to the start of NFL training camps. After an extremely active offseason, the news has died down for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Earlier in the week, Pittsburgh officially released veteran wide receiver, Anthony Miller. Now Kenny Pickett is busy getting to work with one of his new offensive weapons and the front office inked another contract with a rookie draft pick. Here's the latest Steelers news.
Steelers news:
On Friday, Quarterback prep coach Tony Racioppi posted a video to Twitter of Kenny Pickett practicing with new receiver, Allen Robinson. The Steelers traded for Robinson this offseason, and the veteran is coming off a disappointing season with the Los Angeles Rams, but the former Pro Bowler is hoping to turn things around in 2023.
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Kenny Pickett working Gun 1 Slide footwork while holding MIKE/Backside FS with eyes/front shoulder throwing Seam Bender vs Cov 2 to talented Steelers WR Allen Robinson with anticipation, accuracy and velocity. @kennypickett10 @AllenRobinson @steelers pic.twitter.com/6glHFzeIAr
— Tony Racioppi (@Tonyrazz03) June 22, 2023
Robinson had back-to-back seasons of at least 1,100 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2019 and 2020 prior to dealing with injuries over the last two years. While it's unlikely his elite production will return in Pittsburgh in 2023, the veteran is wise to start building chemistry with his young quarterback.
More Steelers news:
In other Steelers news, Keeanu Benton recently put pen to paper on his four-year rookie contract, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. This contract is unusual as Benton becomes the first ever 49th overall selection to earn guaranteed money into the third year of his deal.
The official contract numbers for Benton have not yet been released. However, based on projections, is expected to have roughly a $1.3 million cap number in 2023 and a total of $7.3 million over four years which includes $2.3 million in a signing bonus.
Benton is expected to play a big role on the interior defensive line from the gate in 2023, and he could be the starting nose tackle in their base 3-4 defense. Rapoport confirmed that first-round pick, Broderick Jones also agreed to terms on his rookie deal.
Broderick Jones, the #Steelers first rounder, has also agreed to terms on his rookie deal. https://t.co/Sq820CU8cn
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 23, 2023
NFL news:
On Friday, CBS Sports published a list of the biggest red flags for each NFL contender in 2023. These included things like Tua Tagovailoa's health for the Dolphins, Aging players for the Eagles, and protection up front for the Jaguars.
Unfortunately, of the 15 teams listed, the Pittsburgh Steelers were not among them. This doesn't mean that they don't have red flags; rather Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports doesn't view them as a contender for the upcoming season. Just more fuel to the fire for a team that isn't taken very seriously.
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