Steelers Receiving Core Solidifies With Cotchery Re-Sign

The Steelers signed their second free agent in as many days.  Two in two days?!  Slow it down fellas, don’t want to get carried away.  The Steelers made a key re-signing by inking a two year deal with Jerricho Cotchery.  Probably more important than the Pope signing yesterday, Cotchery’s decision to stay helps solidify a wide receiving core that came into question with the release/retirement of Hines Ward.

"“Without Hines, I think you have to do everything you can to sign Jerricho back.  He’s not only a veteran leader in that room but a really good player. I’d love to see him come back because he’s a really good receiver and I like what he brings to the team.”   – Ben Roethlisberger in March"

Cotchery joined the Steelers last season, was injured very early in the season, but came back and really formed some good chemistry with Roethlisberger.  Ben likes to advocate for players he really likes (see Max Starks last season), and for the second season in a row, got his wish – although I’m sure the coaches knew full well they needed Cotchery back.

With Manny Sanders yet to play a full season the Steelers needed to make sure they had a #3/#4 receiver they could count on.  Depending on how Manny does in camp and in the early weeks of the season, Cotchery could jump the depth chart and start as the #3 receiver.  The important thing is that Ben feels comfortable with all of his receivers, and that is very evident with the lineup of Wallace, Brown, Cotchery and Sanders.

Another good move by the Steelers in a fairly quiet offseason.  Just another day in the office for an organization built on this kind of stuff.  Welcome back Cotch.