Steelers and Futures Contracts: Anyone Good Out Of The Seven?

Derek Moye would be good for going up and getting the ball on some fade routes in the end zone. Credit: Rob Christy-USA TODAY Sports

Seven is said to be a lucky number.  The Steelers signed that many players to futures contracts during the first week of their offseason.  Nothing like ringing in the new year with a bunch of guys who will more than likely hit and early exit with the squad.  But maybe #7 will continue to be a good number when it comes to the Steelers.

Not too many players make it very far who are signed to this kind of contract.  The most notable of late was James Harrison.  That was some time ago, so maybe the team is do to strike gold once again.  This week, the Steelers signed offensive linemen Joe Long and Justin Cheadle, wide receivers Derek Moye and Bert Reed, cornerback Isiah Green, and defensive back Ross Ventrone.  The  first five spent some time during the season on the 2012 practice squad.

Of those seven, I would say that Derek Moye is the most promising.  At 6’5″ and 210 lbs, Moye is a tall target.  He also ran a 4.41 40 yarder on the Penn State Pro day back in March of last year, which was .1 seconds faster than his combine number.  Moye averaged 47 receptions, 775 yards, and six TD’s per season since his sophomore year.  His ability to get in the open flat allowed him to have a good YAC, and he always seemed to fair better against better and ranked opponents than conference play.

With the Big Money Crew having their struggles in 2012 and the potential dismissal of Mike ‘E is for Effort Not Enormous Sums of Money’ Wallace, the Steelers could use all the help they can get at audition talent at the wide out position.  Of course these players will sit tight until it’s time to start mini-camps, so we’ll just have to wait and see how they pan out.