NFL Free Agency: Pittsburgh Steelers Reportedly Still Talking To Maurice Jones-Drew
By Matt Shetler
Dec 22, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew (32) runs with the ball as Tennessee Titans defends during the second half at EverBank Field. Tennessee Titans defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 20-16. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
It’s no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers have been in search for an experienced running back on two to pair with last year’s rookie standout Le’Veon Bell.
The team has already had former Jacksonville Jaguars back Maurice Jones-Drew in for a visit and are set to meet with New England Patriots back LeGarrette Blount on Friday.
But while Jones-Drew came and left without a contract, that doesn’t mean the Steelers have given up on the idea of signing him.
According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, the Steelers remain in contact with MJD.
However. La Canfora also notes that the team is not interested in him at his current $3.5 million asking price.
Steelers remain in contact with MJD as well, though not at his original $3.5M asking price. Moreno's contract likely would spur more action
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 26, 2014
There’s also a report from Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News confirms the Steelers interest. He wrote the Steelers are one of four teams interested in MJD, along with the Jets, Patriots and Dolphins. Mehta also wrote, on Monday, earlier reports that Jones-Drew was seeking $3.5 million a season are false.
Jones-Drew is likely just waiting on the market to develop.
With Blount and Knowshon Moreno still available, he could be willing to be patient until some team offers him a salary in the $3 million range, something the Steelers will be unlikely to do.
MJD is just a couple years removed as being considered one of the best backs in the NFL, coming off a season in which he rushed for 1,606 yards in 2011.
At the end of the day though, while it would be nice to see an accomplished back like Jones-Drew in black and gold, if his price doesn’t come down dramatically, I wouldn’t expect a deal to get done.