Steelers' Anthony McFarland: Could benefit from OC promotion
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McFarland could benefit from working with offensive coordinator Matt Canada, who held the same position at The University of Maryland when the running back ran for 1,034 yards in 2018, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic reports.
McFarland and Canada both experienced their first NFL season in 2020, with the former seldom used as a backup running back, while the latter served as QBs coach. Canada replaces Randy Fichtner, who was criticized for ranking 31st, 29th and 32nd in rushing yards during his three-year tenure as offensive coordinator. With James Conner scheduled for free agency and none of McFarland, Benny Snell or Jaylen Samuels making a strong impression this past season, it's hard to get a read on the future of the Pittsburgh backfield. The murky situation isn't necessarily a bad thing for McFarland, a soon-to-be 22-year-old with 4.44 speed and decent organizational investment in him (2020 fourth-round pick).
McDonald announced his retirement from the NFL on Friday.
The 30-year-old caught 15 of 20 targets for 99 yards in 14 contests for the Steelers during 2020 to cap off an eight-year NFL career. McDonald split said his time in the league between San Francisco and Pittsburgh, catching 181 passes for 2,036 yards and 15 touchdowns in 101 career games.
The Steelers signed Raymond to a reserve/future contract Thursday.
Raymond spent last offseason in Pittsburgh, and he logged a stint on the Packers' practice squad during the 2020 regular season. The former Utah State standout is still looking for an opportunity to make his NFL debut.
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Steelers' Charles Jones: Lands future contract
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The Steelers signed Jones to a reserve/future contract Thursday.
Jones spent the latter portion of the 2020 season on Pittsburgh's practice squad, and he'll now get a chance to continue his development with the team through he offseason. Back in 2019, Jones suited up for four games with the Jaguars.
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Steelers' Dwayne Haskins: Signs with Steelers
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Haskins signed a contract with the Steelers on Thursday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN reports.
This represents a fresh start for the 2019 first-rounder, who was released by the Washington Football Team this past December. With the signing of Haskins, Pryor notes that the Steelers "signal they're focusing on a future without Ben Roethlisberger -- either this year or soon after." The team's long-time QB has one year left on his deal, but his 2021 status has yet to be cemented. With Josh Dobbs set to become a free agent this offseason, Roethlisberger, Mason Rudolph and Haskins are the signal-callers Pittsburgh currently has under contract for next season.
