The Pittsburgh Steelers had a largely successful free agency period in March, adding Elandon Roberts, Cole Holcomb, Markus Golden and Patrick Peterson to the roster. The team wasn't even done there as they continued to add in late July nabbing 2017 Pro Bowler, Kwon Alexander to join the mix at inside linebacker. Head Coach, Mike Tomlin recently offered insights into the methodology for the organization when it comes to the acquisition of players.
During his first-ever training camp with the Steelers at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA, cornerback Patrick Peterson trains using a tennis ball.
Veteran journalist, Peter King of NBC Sports is making his annual rounds to NFL training camps across the country and stopped to visit Pittsburgh's training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. He asked Tomlin about the team's "sneaky good free agency season."
"We feel like we did," Tomlin said. "The way we play free agency is a continued evaluation. Usually, the guys that we pursue, we liked them in the draft process and it just didn't pan out. So, it's not a get to know, it's what has been going on lately."
Peterson had been on Tomlin's radar for a long time. After finishing 12-4 in 2010 and falling to the Green Bay Packers in the Super Bowl, Pittsburgh had little chance to draft the standout cornerback from the LSU Tigers. The Arizona Cardinals selected him as the fifth overall pick well before Pittsburgh's turn at 31, which ultimately resulted in landing Cam Heyward.
Peterson said in his introductory press conference the team had reached out before the 2022 season, but was unable to get anything done so, he returned to the Minnesota Vikings. A summer later, things lined up and after keeping an eye on him from afar for his career, Tomlin will now have a front-row seat to the future Hall of Fame candidate's play.
Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Elandon Roberts (#50) participates in the team's OTA's in Pittsburgh, PA.
Tomlin said that Roberts was another guy he'd been keeping tabs on for a while. He said he'd attended his pro day at the University of Houston and stayed late to chat with him and his parents in the parking lot for almost two hours.
Allen Robinson II was acquired via a trade with the Los Angeles Rams, but the philosophy behind his acquisition mirrored the approach of the front office in free agency. Tomlin said he and former General Manager, Kevin Colbert followed Robinson closely during the draft process at nearby Penn State and was still interested in acquiring him all these years later.
Tomlin elaborated that the team's process in free agency helps to make it an easier one and added that "it's cool" to see the progress the players have made in the league since getting to know them as younger players.
Steelers' Tomlin Not Focused On His Own Influence In Acquisition Of Players
Tomlin is entering his 17th season as the bench boss and has earned his prestige as one of the best leaders in the sport. He's got a reputation for being a players' coach, but is also not afraid to dish out some tough love when it is required.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation.com (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin yells emphatically on the field during the team's 2022 training camp.
King said that Peterson talked to him about players wanting to come and play for Tomlin and wondered if the coach sees it as an advantage for his club.
"I’m glad he said that, but I don’t necessarily have that perspective," Tomlin said. "I view free agency from a very practical perspective, the business perspective. Usually the money talks."
The head coach plays a huge role in getting players in the door, even though Tomlin is downplaying his own influence on players wanting to join the organization. Le'Veon Bell detailed the importance of coaching during an appearance on the Steel Here podcast. Bell said that he didn't realize how good he had it with Tomlin before he left for the New York Jets and had Adam Gase as his head coach.
Despite voicing his displeasure with the organization following his departure, cornerback Arthur Maulet still sang praises for Tomlin and the level of accountability he has for his players. The fact that he still has good things to say about the coach after his rant against the team can't be ignored.
The veteran head coach is certainly right when it comes to money doing a lot of the heavy lifting in free agency, but well-respected players in the league citing his influence in their decision speaks volumes.
Do you think having Tomlin helps in free agency? What do you think about how the team approaches it according to Tomlin? Comment below!
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