Steelers Free Agent Spotlight: WR Jerricho Cotchery
By Kim Myers
Nov 10, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery (89) catches a touchdown pass over the defense of Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) during the second quarter of a game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Our next look at the free agent wide receivers for the Pittsburgh Steelers takes us to Jerricho Cotchery. Cotchery is a 10-year NFL veteran who will become an unrestricted free agent on March 11th.
Jerricho Cotchery was drafted in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the New York Jets out of North Carolina State. He spent seven seasons with the Jets before signing with the Steelers in 2011. Fun fact about Cotchery: he was born with a sixth finger on his left hand, which was later removed. Don’t worry though, he wasn’t the man who killed Inigo Montoya’s father, that guy had six fingers on his right hand.
Cotchery has totaled 5,558 receiving yards with a 12.7 average and 30 touchdowns over the course of his career. In 2013 he caught career-best 10 touchdowns and was openly known as one of Roethlisberger’s favorite end-zone targets. In fact, Ben has been very vocal this offseason in his desires to see Cotchery return to the team. I lovingly refer to him as “Crotchery” because I have the sense of humor of a 12-year-old boy most of the time.
Clearly Cotchery can still contribute to this offense as evident of his 10 touchdown receptions last season. A veteran presence among the relatively young receiving corps isn’t a bad thing at all. The Steelers must consider the cost most definitely, but I think that they can come to terms on a reasonable contract to secure Cotchery for a few more years. When he signed with the Steelers originally in 2011 it was just for a one year deal but they liked him enough to extend it two more years. I don’t think he’s given any reasons not to extend him further.
What are your thoughts, Steeler Nation? Would you like to see Jerricho Cotchery remain a Steeler?
Follow me on Twitter @Kimmy_KimKimM and follow all of NPC’s posts @NicePickCowherC