Jermichael Finley Reportedly Drawing Interest From Pittsburgh Steelers
By Matt Shetler
It has been a long road back for free agent tight end Jermichael Finley and while that journey back to the field is not yet complete, could its final destination be in Pittsburgh?
Finley is looking to come back from a serious neck injury, and according to Chris Wesselling of NFL.com, the Pittsburgh Steelers are one of a handful of teams interested in him and have already hosted him for a visit.
Wesselling wrote:
"The New England Patriots hosted Finley for a visit last Friday. The Packers still envision the tight end playing in Green Bay if his surgically repaired neck checks out.NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports the Pittsburgh Steelers and Oakland Raiders have also shown interest in Finley.In fact, Rapoport adds that the free agent has visited the Steelers and been cleared by their team doctor, who also doubles as Finley’s doctor."
Finley could add another weapon for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, especially in the red zone. Also, employing a two tight end set that has two legitimate pass-catching threats in Finley and Heath Miller could create plenty of mismatches.
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While any team that signs Finley has to clear him medically first, something the Steelers have reportedly already done, Finley ultimately must decide whether he wants to play.
There’s a large disability policy available if he doesn’t play, so Finley reportedly is weighing the financial outcome of not playing and collecting the insurance or playing and getting nothing.
With LaMarr Woodley coming off the books officially at the beginning of June, the Steelers have a little bit of money to play with after they sign the remaining of their draft picks, but they also are reportedly interested in bringing back Brett Keisel as well.
The good news is that coming off a serious injury, Finley won’t be landing a large contract so the Steelers should be able to afford him if that’s the route they choose to go.