In the same week that they resigned Guy Whimper, the Pittsburgh Steelers made another seemingly ho-hum free agent resigning when they inked Michael Palmer to a one year deal.
The Steelers brought Palmer to Pittsburgh during 2013 training camp with Heath Miller still recovering from his ACL injury, and after Matt Spaeth injured his Lisfranc.
- Michael Palmer is listed as having appeared in all 16 games last season for the Steelers, but he only made 1 catch.
Palmer at this point provides depth that was depleted with David Johnson’s departure to San Diego. And Palmer is by no means assured a roster spot. At this point he looks to compete with David Paulson for the third tight end slot, although the Steelers could select a rookie in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Owens, Blount Visit South Side
The Steelers also entertained two more visitors on the South Side last week. Veteran defensive back Chris Owens was in for a work out. Ownens entered the league as a third round draft pick by Atlanta, being taken in the same draft as Keenan Lewis, and has also played with the Dolphins and Browns.
- The Steelers would appear to be looking at Owens to man the 4th CB slot, behind Ike Taylor, Cortez Allen, and William Gay.
LeGarrette Blount also worked out with the Steelers. As Neal Coolong of Behind the Steel Curtain points out, Blount while a good player is not a good fit for the Steelers both because the Steelers are only looking for a back up for Le’Veon Bell, and because he has a well-defined role in New England.
Still, Pittsburgh didn’t get a shot at James Starks, Maurice Jones-Drew’s asking price is too high, and the Steelers need a depth in the backfield.
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