Steelers, Packers interested in Ahmad Bradshaw

[hawaiiansteel]

Steelers, Packers interested in Ahmad Bradshaw

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 17, 201



All’s been quiet on the Ahmad Bradshaw front since the Giants released the six-year veteran last month. But Bradshaw is starting to draw interest.

Both the Packers and the Steelers are interested in Bradshaw’s services, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.

It would be unlike the Packers to spend a lot on a free agent running back (or a free agent at any position, for that matter), but Green Bay has been shopping for a running back in free agency. The Packers were interested in Steven Jackson’s services, and they’ve also visited with Peyton Hillis. The Steelers, who let Rashard Mendenhall leave in free agency, are also shopping for depth at running back.

Bradshaw, who will turn 27 on Tuesday, had foot surgery after the season but is believed to be good to go now. He played in 14 games for the Giants last year, gaining 1,015 yards on 221 carries and adding 23 catches for 245 yards.

Bradshaw is the No. 76 player on our Free Agent Hot 100, and the only running back on the list who remains unsigned.

[URL]http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/17/steelers-packers-interested-in-ahmad-bradshaw/[/URL]

[thor75]

I'm surprised the Packers are included, didn't they just sign Steven Jackson?

[thor75]

Sorry he went to the Falcons

[Chadman]

Not sure how he'd fit salary cap-wise, but he'd be a great addition, if fit.

He'd sure be a draft-changer..

[Allegheny ILS]

Not sure how he'd fit salary cap-wise, but he'd be a great addition, if fit.

He'd sure be a draft-changer..

Health concerns would scare me away.

[Rara]

I would be interested in getting Bradshaw..but Steelers can't afford him.

[Allegheny ILS]

I would be interested in getting Bradshaw..but Steelers can't afford him.

Backloading all of that money - works everytime

[Mister Pittsburgh]

How would an incentive laden contract work with the cap? How are you penalized for going over at years end?

[Chadman]

Chadman would be interested in Kevin Smith from the Lions getting a look, if the Steelers are determined to check out the oft-injured.

[BradshawsHairdresser]

I'd just as soon we stayed away from the "oft-injured." We have enough of those already.

[SidSmythe]

What's up with the interest in plastic RBs???

[Chadman]

I'd just as soon we stayed away from the "oft-injured." We have enough of those already.

Where's the fun in that? It adds to the excitement on gameday if you are never sure the player might get up after a run..

[hawaiiansteel]

Pittsburgh Steelers have Interest in Former-Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw

by Steelblitz

According to Adam Schefter the Pittsburgh Steelers have expressed interest in former-New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw. Bradshaw was released by the Giants in early February to save cap space for the team. During his six seasons in the NFL Bradshaw has been plagued by foot injuries, but he has also been productive when healthy.

Bradshaw’s yards per carry for his career is 4.6 and he has surpassed 1,000 yards rushing twice in his career. Even so, Bradshaw has only played 16 games once during his NFL career. During his career with the Giants Bradshaw has won two Super Bowls and been a factor in the run game, passing game, and return game. At 5’8″ and 195 pounds Bradshaw is a smaller back.

As Mike Mayock, of the NFL Network, would say he is quicker than fast, but has the speed to break the long run. Every year of his career he has had a run of at least 37 yards. Bradshaw is a skilled pass catcher out of the backfield and would add another option in the passing game for the Steelers.

The Steelers are strapped with what they can do and who they can afford due to their salary cap issues. Therefore, it is unlikely they will be willing to give Bradshaw more than a one year deal at the veteran’s minimum. Bradshaw may be able to get a better deal than that on the open market, but due to his medical history and the fact that he has been on the market for over a month it is unlikely.

Currently the Steelers only running backs are Jonathan Dwyer, Isaac Redman and Baron Batch. Redman is still a restricted free agent and could still leave if he gets a deal on the open market, but that is unlikely to happen at this point. Of the backs on the roster Dwyer has the best chance of being the starter in 2013. Bradshaw would add some speed and experience to the Steelers running back group and could provide a solid one-two punch alongside Dwyer.

Steelers GM Kevin Colbert has stated multiple times this off-season that the team needs to add depth to the running back position. They already looked at Beanie Wells in free agency, but he has left without a deal and their are rumors about his knee being a huge red flag. Bradshaw also has injury issues, but if he passes a physical the Steelers may go as far as offering him a contract.

Pittsburgh will also likely be looking to add a running back at some point during the 2013 NFL Draft. However, if they can add a player like Bradshaw in free agency it would allow them to wait until the later rounds to draft that player. Due to the Steelers many needs it would be beneficial for the team to have their early draft picks free to use on other positions such as outside linebacker, inside linebacker, and wide receiver; each of which the Steelers need to add depth.

[URL]http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/pittsburgh_steelers_have_interest_in_former_giants _rb_ahmad_bradshaw/13166515[/URL]

[supersteeler]

Just my opinion, but I feel we would better served to get our back in the draft, start fresh and save some money in the process. Whats holding us up in signing any FA's is the money, we simply don't have it to sign any good FA's.
Victor Butler was here and left without a contract, so I don't even know why the Steelers are in the hunt for FA'S they can't sign anyway.
The only way I see them with some more cash to spend is if Sanders signs with NE, but what we save with him will it be enough?

[Mister Pittsburgh]

What's up with the interest in plastic RBs???

Seems like you could be describing 80% of the RB's in the NFL. Some of the top projected backs in the draft as well.