Monday, July 6, 2026

Four forgotten Steelers ahead of training camp

INGLEWOOD, CA - DECEMBER 21: A.T. Perry #17 of the New Orleans Saints runs during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on December 21, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images) | Getty Images

We’ve finally reached the same month as Steelers training camp, with players reporting to Latrobe on July 28.

There, narratives will start to take shape regarding the team’s camp battles ahead of the preseason, and eventually, when rosters are cut down to 53 players on Aug. 30.

Before then, here are four Steelers players who have legitimate chances at the final roster, even if they currently remain somewhat “forgotten” on the current 90-man roster:

WR A.T. Perry

The Steelers’ top six at wide receiver seems fairly set entering training camp, but don’t rule out surprises. Maybe the new coaching staff doesn’t value Ben Skowronek or Roman Wilson as much as expected. Maybe Kaden Wetjen doesn’t run away with the starting return man job after all. And, of course, being six deep only lasts as long as all six can stay healthy.

The point is, while this might be an easy position room to map out for the 53-man roster at the moment, a lot could still change between now and cutdown day.

One wide receiver who would benefit from a spot opening up higher on the depth chart is A.T. Perry. A sixth-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2023, Perry managed a respectable 246-yard, four-touchdown rookie campaign, but he’s failed to log an NFL catch since.

After spending most of 2024 and 2025 with the Denver Broncos, Perry is now hoping to keep his NFL career alive with the Steelers, who he signed a futures contract with in January.

Perry has impressive measurables: nearly 6’4 at 205 pounds with 33 1/4″ arms. He also ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL Combine. Those are tools that can keep you in the league, and if Perry can add some sort of special teams aspect to his game (zero career NFL special teams snaps, which also explains his lack of roster time after his rookie year), he might suddenly become a contender for WR6.

TE Jaheim Bell

Outside of the well-paid duo of Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, the Steelers’ tight end room is a bit of a mystery. Come cutdown day, could the Steelers simply roll with rookie Riley Nowakowski as a hybrid TE3/fullback? Or will the team keep three tight ends and a fullback?

Mike McCarthy’s Cowboys chose that latter in 2024. And if that’s the case again in 2026, it opens up an interesting roster battle behind Freiermuth and Washington. In that scenario, veteran tight end and former Packer Robert Tonyan seems to be the favorite for the roster spot, with 1,550 career receiving yards, special teams experience, and, of course, a past rapport with Aaron Rodgers.

I almost included Tonyan in this article, but there’s a bigger sleeper in the Steelers’ current group of tight ends: Jaheim Bell. And compared to the 32-year-old Tonyan, the 25-year-old Bell has more youth and possible upside.

Bell spent 2025 on the Steelers’ and Eagles’ practice squads, but with the Patriots in 2024, he played in 15 games as a seventh-round pick. He logged just two catches on 83 offensive snaps, but added another 176 snaps on special teams.

Bell is a bit undersized for a tight end, measuring pre-draft at 6’2, 241 pounds, but he ran a solid 4.61-second 40-yard dash coming out of college with noted positional versatility — something that’s carried on in his limited NFL snaps.

The Steelers’ third tight end won’t be as heavily involved in the offense as the position was under Arthur Smith in 2025. That means that if Bell can prove himself as a reliable special teamer, and a capable blocker/receiver in a pinch, he has a shot at the final 53.

OT Jack Driscoll

The Steelers are impressively deep at tackle on paper: Troy Fautanu, Broderick Jones, and Dylan Cook — now joined by first-rounder Max Iheanachor. Still, Jones’ roster chances remain unknown following a neck injury in 2025. He participated in Steelers OTAs, but remains a possible candidate for injured reserve to open the season.

If Jones is initially unavailable for the 53-man roster, that could open up a spot for another lineman, such as offensive tackle Jack Driscoll. The Steelers still have a slew of roster-able names besides Driscoll, but the reserve tackle has a stronger resume than many realize. And Jones might not be the only Steelers lineman dealing with an injury to start the 2026 season.

A fourth-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020, Driscoll has quite a bit of NFL experience, with 18 starts, 67 game appearances, 1,448 offensive snaps, and 291 snaps on special teams. Driscoll most recently played in 13 games with the Eagles in 2024. He spent some of 2025 on the Steelers’ practice squad, seeing a roster elevation.

Analyzed by NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein as an undersized-but-athletic, zone-scheme blocker pre-draft, it remains to be seen how the 6’5, 306-pound Driscoll (33” arms) is valued by the Steelers’ new coaching staff. Still, his NFL experience and guard/tackle versatility could give him a shot at a roster spot, especially as NFL teams are seemingly always in need of reserve linemen.

DL Logan Lee

Did you know that Lee appeared in seven games for the Steelers last season? He even made the team’s initial 53-man roster in 2025.

Competing against names such as Dean Lowry and forgotten Steelers alumEsezi Otomewo for a reserve spot on the Steelers’ defensive line depth chart in 2026, Lee is rarely forecasted as the favorite to make the 53-man roster, even if he certainly has as good a chance as his competition.

A sixth-round pick by Pittsburgh in 2024, Lee was stashed on injured reserve during his rookie season, and when he was healthy, he was often miscast as a backup nose tackle despite having a defensive end build at 6’5, 286 pounds.

In 2025, Lee saw just 47 snaps on defense, recording two tackles but showing a knack for knocking down throws, with two regular season pass deflections, including one that turned into a Jack Sawyer interception.

Lee added another 25 snaps on special teams last season. And for what it’s worth, he’s been the team’s emergency long snapper in the past.

Similarly to offensive line, teams need to keep a lot of names at D-line on the final 53-man roster. Lee’s odds are better than you might think.

What are your thoughts on these forgotten Steelers? Any more names you’d add to the list? Join the BTSC community and let us know in the comments!



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Sunday, July 5, 2026

Who should be next in the Broncos Ring of Fame?

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 4: Defensive lineman Rulon Jones of the Denver Broncos looks on from the sideline during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on September 4, 1983 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Broncos defeated the Steelers 14-10. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Good morning, Broncos Country!

The Denver Broncos have one of the richest histories in NFL history.

Some of the greatest players to ever strap on pads and put on a helmet have played in Denver. You experience that tradition anytime you walk on the south side of Mile High in Ring of Fame Plaza. The busts of all the people who made the Broncos what they are. Or anytime you look at the facade and see the names and numbers.

With that come those players and coaches who have yet to get inducted into the Ring of Fame but are deserving. The most recent inductee was Demaryius Thomas. Prior to the former receiver were legends Steve Foley and Riley Odoms.

Earlier this spring, I made the case for one of the best pass rushers in franchise history, Barney Chavous, to get inducted into the Ring of Fame.

He was a key member of the Orange Crush defense and helped the franchise play in its first Super Bowl. He is a member of the Broncos Top 100 team and played all 13 of his NFL seasons in Denver. He was selected with the No. 36 pick in the 1973 NFL Draft out of South Carolina.

But it’s the stats that tell the story of Chavous and his value to the franchise. Sacks weren’t officially tracked by the NFL until 1982. However, when Chavous retired, he was the franchise’s all-time leader. He’s one of four Broncos to reach 75 sacks for his career. Chavous currently sits at No. 4 on the all-time list with 75. That’s behind Von Miller (110.5), Simon Fletcher (97.5), and Karl Mecklenburg (79.0).

But if the Ring of Fame selection committee does not go with Chavous, there are other deserving players.

Rulon Jones, defensive end

The former defensive end played for the Broncos from 1980-88. He ranks fifth in franchise history for sacks with 73.5. He was a nightmare to block; he was a complete defensive lineman (typically at right defensive end), and he made those defenses in the ’80s better.

There’s always the discussion of “overlooked” players for any franchise, but Jones falls into that category in Denver. He was that good, but he often doesn’t get the credit he deserves.

Al Wilson, linebacker

This pretty much goes without saying, but Wilson was the heart and soul of the Broncos defenses when he played in Denver. You could argue that during his time with the Broncos, 1999-2006, the only linebacker better than him in the NFL was Ray Lewis.

He only ranks ninth in franchise history for tackles, but that’s because of his neck injury. If Wilson doesn’t get injured, we’re talking about a Hall of Famer. Still, that injury doesn’t lessen the impact he made on the franchise.

Tyrone Braxton, safety

The safety known as “The Chicken,” Braxton, often gets overlooked since he was sandwiched between two of the best safeties in NFL history, Dennis Smith and Steve Atwater. Braxton came to Denver two years before Atwater and played with the Broncos from 1987-1999.

And did he ever leave his mark on the franchise?

Braxton ranks fourth in franchise history in interceptions with 34. He also ranks fifth in franchise history for tackles with 746. Braxton should join the likes of the other greats to play the safety position in the Ring of Fame.

Steve Watson, wide receiver

If there was anyone as smooth as Watson at the receiver position, you’d be hard-pressed to find one. That’s also a great way to describe his hands. You had to have smooth hands to catch those John Elway piss missiles.

Watson ranks seventh in franchise history in receiving yards with 6,112. He also had 353 receptions for 36 touchdowns. Watson should get the nod over the next worthy candidate. Fittingly, also a receiver.

Ed McCaffrey, receiver

McCaffrey was the next generation’s Watson. And McCaffrey was a complete receiver.

He could make any catch, but he could also block and lay some heavy blocks if needed. The receiving duo he made with Rod Smith was something special.

McCaffrey ranks sixth in franchise history in receiving yards with 6,200. He also had 462 catches and 46 touchdowns.

Of course, the ROF Selection Committee could just meet in the middle and induct both Watson and McCaffrey in the same class.

Lyle Alzado, defensive lineman

I’ve come to accept this will likely never happen, but I’ll continue to beat this drum as long as I can.

Alzado is one of the best players to ever play for the Broncos. Period. Yes, there’s a sordid history that comes with him, namely his use of steroids and how his time ended with the franchise. Some still hate that he played for the hated Raiders. Of course, that may have been fueled by the fact that Alzado was traded to the Cleveland Browns.

As the “A Football Life: Lyle Alzado” story about the trade notes, Alzado said: “There is nothing worse in this world than having people give up on you and not believe in you.”

It’s time to let bygones be bygones and put Alzado in the Ring of Fame. Alzado died over 34 years ago. But not before coming clean as a “phony” who copped to his greatest faults and stood as a cautionary tale for young players tempted by steroids.

Alzado was the heart and soul of the Orange Crush defense. He ranks sixth in franchise history for sacks. He also did so much for the Denver and Colorado community when he played for the Broncos.

No other line sums up Alzado more than this one, from that same story:

“Dig deeper, though, and there is evidence of a colorful character and tortured soul who gave to others what he could not give himself.”

There is no doubt I missed a player or two, and assistant coaches, namely Joe Collier. Feel free to sound off in the comments.



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Kentucky Wildcats News: Former Wildcats in the NBA Summer League

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 08: A Summer league logo is shown on center court during a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Houston Rockets during the 2021 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on August 8, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Rockets defeated the Cavaliers 84-76. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Several former Kentucky Wildcats will be suiting up in the NBA Summer League.

More than a dozen former Wildcats will look to make a name for themselves on the summer league circuit in hopes of earning an NBA contract.

Looking at some former players who are grinding it out in the summer circuit, recently-drafted Otega Oweh is playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the summer league. Playing in the Salt Lake City league, Oweh had a nice sequence showing his two-way ability.

Former Kentucky Wildcat Jacob Toppin is also playing in the Salt Lake City league with the Atlanta Hawks.

In the California Classic, we’ve seen Brandon Boston Jr. playing with the Milwaukee Bucks and Adou Thiero playing with the Los Angeles Lakers. Boston, in particular, had a strong showing for the Bucks, including this dunk.

The Las Vegas Summer League gets underway beginning on Thursday, July 9 and includes all 30 NBA teams.

Here’s a look at some other former Kentucky players we should expect to see in Vegas.

Amari Williams (Boston Celtics), Jaxson Robinson (Cleveland Cavaliers), Bryce Hopkins (Denver Nuggets), Ugonna Onyenso (Detroit Pistons), Keion Brooks (Indiana Pacers), Lance Ware (New York Knicks), TyTy Washington (Orlando Magic), Koby Brea and Devin Askew (Phoenix Suns), and Andrew Carr (Portland Trailblazers).

Jayden Quaintance, who was recently drafted in the first round by the San Antonio Spurs, is technically on San Antonio’s summer league roster, but it has been announced that he will not be playing in the summer league due to the knee injury.

The Las Vegas Summer League games will be shown on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and Prime Video.

Tweet of the Day

There are some good options here, but I’m leaning Table 2. How about you?

Headlines

Braydon Hawthorne’s wait is over – Cats Pause

How much of an impact will Hawthorne make for the Wildcats this season?

Q&A with Zoom Diallo – Vaughts Views

Gotta love how much he emphasizes leadership.

Mark Pope sees positives and negatives of NCAA’s 5-for-5 rule – KSR

We’ll see what kind of impact the new rule has.

Jamal Murray, Anthony Davis, and Tyler Herro among top trade targets – Bleacher Report

Will one of these former Cats soon be on the move?

Three key players for USMNT to beat Belgium – SI

Christian Pulisic needs to step up.

Will LeBron return to Cleveland? – Bleacher Report

It’s gaining some steam in league circles.

MLB All-Star rosters announced – Yahoo

The Dodgers have the most starters.

Patrick Ewing joining Wizards as assistant coach – ESPN

Ewing will be an assistant for a promising Wizards team.

Brandon McCoy Jr. staying at Michigan – ESPN

Big news for Michigan.

Joey Chestnut wins hot dog eating contest for 18th time – CBS Sports

Joey Chestnut continues to dominate the competition.



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Saturday, July 4, 2026

Cleveland Browns news (7/4): Happy 250th Birthday, America!

Fireworks light up the night sky during the annual White Plains Independence Day celebration at White Plains High School July 2, 2026. The evening featured live music, giant inflatable rides, food trucks, and ended with a spectacular fireworks display. | Frank Becerra Jr./The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Dawgs By Nature

The Feed

Cleveland Browns

NFL



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How good with the Dolphins offensive line be – The Splash Zone 7/4/26

Dec 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Patrick Paul (52) in action during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Miami Dolphins offense is going to go through a little change, and the offensive line might look a little different this upcoming season. The team invested a first round pick on Kadyn Proctor this year and he should slide right into the left guard spot. Proctor is big and athletic, which is something this new regime is going to prioritize. Last year’s left guard, Jonah Savaiinaea, is making the transition back to right guard and will get a chance to compete for that spot. If all things go to plan, this offensive line should be better than expected when they all get a chance to start working together.

You can check out that story here, and the rest of the day’s round-up below.

Miami Dolphins Q&A: 10 Questions That Will Define 2026, Part 6 of 10 – Yahoo Sports
Will the Dolphins’ offensive line be good?

Dolphins Wide Receivers

Douglas Explains the Many Ways He Can Help the Dolphins Offense
Third-round pick Caleb Douglas is oozing with confidence as he prepares for his first NFL training camp

Ranking the Most Important Dolphins, No. 22: The Most Versatile Player on the Roster
Going over every player on the roster and examining their projected role for the 2026 season

Dolphins Offensive Line

The full numbers are in on the Miami Dolphins’ three-year contract extension for center Aaron Brewer
We now know the full terms of the Miami Dolphins’ three-year contract extension on center Aaron Brewer.

Dolphins Offseason

Setting the Stage for What’s Ahead for Dolphins in July
The start of training camp and a potential Jordyn Brooks extension are among the storylines to watch this month

How the Dolphins went from flashy to no-frills in just three months
For four years, under then-coach Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier, the Miami Dolphins were a reflection of the city’s reputation — flashy, star-driven, expensive.

The Miami Dolphins should bank on being measurably better this season in these three offensive categories
There’s a lot of new with the Miami Dolphins’ offense this season. But where will they actually be better than 2025?

Phinsider News You May Have Missed

Dolphin players with the most to prove – The Splash Zone 7/2/26
Welcome to the Splash Zone, the quickest way to get your day started off right. We bring you a rundown of Miami Dolphins news from the last 24 hours.

Pathway to a winning season for 2026 Miami Dolphins | The Phinsider
Most experts predict a rough season for Miami in 2026. What if those experts are wrong?

Sports Illustrated ranks Dolphins uniforms top-10 for entire NFL
Dolphins have the 9th best uniforms in the NFL according to Sports Illustrated.

Miami Dolphins Discussion: How To Handle Malik Willis Edition
We ask Dolphins fans which direction in play style they hope to see the coaching staff push starting QB Malik Willis.

Should Dolphins pursue a veteran wide receiver? | The Phinsider
Miami must choose between providing Malik Willis with more weapons, or letting their young receivers play.



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Friday, July 3, 2026

Knicks’ interest in LeBron James unclear after conflicting reports

LeBron James during a a game played at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
LeBron James during a a game played at New York’s Madison Square Garden. | ESPN | ABC

As we enter the fourth day of free agency, the best player available remains on the board and is mulling over his options before ultimately announcing his latest decision to the world.

Amid a LeBron James sweepstakes that points mainly toward one of three potential destinations — Golden State, Miami, and Cleveland — a couple of conflicting reports emerged on Thursday involving the New York Knicks and their level of interest in 41-year-old James.

For context, the 41-year-old announced on the verge of free agency that he would leave the Los Angeles Lakers while announcing he’d be back for a 24th season in the NBA.

James informed the Lakers he would keep playing but continue his career elsewhere, ending an eight-year run that included a 2020 championship. According to LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul, James’ decision was driven by a desire to compete for a title and finding “happiness” rather than financial considerations. Per ESPN’s Shams Charania, Paul has received pitches from “a dozen” teams so far.

Before both Jake Fischer and SNY’s Ian Begley chimed in with the latest on the Knicks’ interest or lack of it in LeBron, it was reported that the Philadelphia 76ers have also emerged as a potential option, while teams such as the Denver Nuggets reached out to James, and the Minnesota Timberwolves also expressed interest.

Against that backdrop, Fischer reported that New York could be involved in the sweepstakes.

“The Knicks have shown some interest in LeBron James. That is the word we just got back right now.”

Fischer’s comments suggest the defending champions have at least explored the possibility of adding James, although he didn’t confirm if New York had reached out to the player or Rich Paul at the time.

Shortly after, Begley presented a different view of the Knicks’ stance, first with a post on X and then with a full story on SNY’s website.

“Every time LeBron James hits free agency, the big question around here seems to be: ‘Are the Knicks getting LeBron?’ Begley wrote. ”It happened in 2010, 2014, 2018 and again in 2026. When the most recent report (from Fischer) surfaced, I reached out to people on all sides of the situation.

“I gathered that the Knicks should not be seen as a potential destination for James. The Knicks are very happy with the core of their roster coming off the 2026 NBA title.”

The differing reports leave uncertainty around New York’s level of involvement in the James sweepstakes, which seemed to take a step forward late Thursday when ESPN’s Anthony Slater hinted at the Warriors losing ground on the race for the four-time NBA champion.

“The Warriors, meanwhile, have been given indications from James that they remain on his short list, but team sources have expressed a recent belief that they aren’t necessarily at the top of that short list, as James continues to survey the landscape.”

For now, all we know is that “there is no timetable” for James’ decision, although Charania “has a hunch” that James and Paul will give away “hints along the way here the next few days” regarding his destination of preference.

James averaged 20.9 points per game last season while shooting 51.5 percent from the field. He also contributed 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game and dragged the Lakers all by himself into the second round of the playoffs.

You can follow Antonio on Twitter at @chapulana.



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49ers News: Need more George Kittle rookie hazing stories

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 08: San Francisco 49ers Offensive Tackle Joe Staley (74) in pass protection as San Francisco 49ers Tight End George Kittle (85) begins his route during the first half of the season opener between the San Francisco 49ers and the Tampa Bay Bucs on September 08, 2019, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

49ers’ George Kittle shares hilarious ‘welcome to the NFL’ restroom story featuring Joe Staley
“It’s one of those older, college bar vibes,” Kittle said. “So, the bathroom, it’s exactly what you think it looks like—like a rusty door that doesn’t really close, all that stuff. So, I’m peeing in the toilet in the stall, and there’s another rookie in there, in the other stall, and I just hear the door gets kicked open. And Joe Staley just goes, ‘One of you guys got to move! I got to go!'”

“He literally just takes the door off into my stall, and he goes, ‘Kittle, get out or move over,'” Kittle continued. “And I said, ‘I’ll move over, Mr. Joe Staley.’…..”I was terrified,” Kittle added. “That was like my second week on the Niners.”

49ers’ George Kittle raves: ‘I’m all-in on Mike Evans’
“One thing that I was talking to Purdy about a couple of days ago was that this is our first veteran wide receiver since we had Emmanuel Sanders,” Kittle said. “Like, I had Deebo [Samuel], I had [Brandon] Aiyuk, but they were both like years one through four—Deebo was like year five. 

“But Mike Evans is a guy, like, just watching him and his savviness—you know the concept, you have coverage in the red zone, one guy has the corner, the other guy has the ‘now’ route underneath it—and the way he sets it up versus a defender with outside leverage and then just gets wide open, and I’m just like, ‘It’s so fun to watch….Just so savvy,” Kittle added. “Catches everything, runs great routes, gives great effort. I’m all-in on Mike Evans.”

Who was the 49ers’ most underrated free-agent addition?
“When offensive line coach Chris Foerster was asked about the options at left guard in the spring, he said, “I don’t know if one person is going to win the job.” Toth didn’t do much during the spring, but Foerster said he’ll be the backup center, whether he starts at left guard or not.

There’s a hope that Connor Colby takes the Year 2 leap, but that is nothing but projection.

Process of elimination brings me to Robert Jones, who has played the position at the highest level in the NFL. Jones has played just under 1,900 career snaps and only committed four penalties. He allowed four sacks as a starter in 2024 but had a blown-block rate of 2.9 percent. For reference, Colby’s and Spencer Burford’s blown block percentage in the passing game was 6.3 percent last season.

Experience should win out.”



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