Steelers training camp is back. On Wednesday, all players officially reported to camp, and today marks the start of the first training camp practice. There were plenty of questions fans had heading into camp and many more will need to be answered, but report day came with some clarity.
There were plenty of media sessions as players like Kenny Pickett, T.J. Watt, and Minkah Fitzpatrick spoke with the media upon their arrival at camp. Here's some of the latest Steelers news to note.
Steelers news:
Coming into camp, many were anxious to see how soon Broderick Jones would get the nod as the starting left tackle. Unfortunately, it won't be from the gate. Mike Tomlin confirmed during a media session that Dan Moore Jr. will be the starting left tackle to begin Steelers training camp.
This doesn't come as a big surprise. Despite trading up in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft in order to secure Jones, the Steelers typically make their young players earn their starting spot on the depth chart; it's rarely handed to them.
Eventually, there's no doubt that the former Georgia product and five-star recruit will be starting at left tackle. However, with Moore getting the first crack with the starting offense, it's unclear when Jones' time will come. If Moore impresses throughout training camp and the preseason, it's possible that a switch at LT won't come until some point during the 2023 season. Keep an eye on this pivotal positional battle.
More Steelers news:
There were no flashy arrivals at Steelers training camp this year, and in their initial media sessions, players seem to be laser-focused on the prize. However, Najee Harris' mind seemed to be elsewhere. The former first-round running back went on a lengthy rant about how running backs are disrespected in the NFL. Here's what he had to say according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor:
Najee Harris on Saquon Barkley’s one-year deal:
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) July 26, 2023
“Saquon accumulated almost 30% of the offense. Why can’t you look at that and say, “OK he said he’s not trying to set the market, but he’s trying to get compensated for what he thinks is fair… that ain’t fair what he’s getting.” pic.twitter.com/p94j2TOtBq
Najee was clearly upset over the whole 'running back market' debate. While he is advocating for all NFL running backs at the moment, he's not oblivious to the fact that it will soon be time for him to ink a second contract (whether that comes with the Steelers or some other team).
It's unlikely that the running back market is reset by then, and the Steelers will have a big decision to make with Harris. As of now, it's incredibly difficult to justify paying him the big bucks after what we have seen from Harris over his first two seasons. In order for his argument for running backs to apply to himself, Najee will need a massive breakout season in 2023.
NFL news:
In NFL news, former Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook is set to visit the New York Jets this weekend, according to Kevin Patra of NFL.com. Cook was released from the Vikings for financial reasons but is still a quality running back.
If he signs with New York, he would join a backfield that already consists of Breece Hall and Michael Carter. The Jets also have Aaron Rodgers at the helm with a budding young star in WR Garrett Wilson, as well as Rodgers' old buddies in Green Bay: Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb.