Adam Shefter is reporting via Twitter that the Steelers will sign free agent wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery today to a a one-year contract. Cotchery was released by the Jets following the lockout and made a visit to Latrobe this past weekend. Cotchery left without a contract and visited with the Ravens just days ago. It was reported that the Ravens did not have serious interest in signing him however.
Cotchery passed his physical during his visit with the Steelers after he reportedly had a microdiscetomy about five months ago. During that surgery Cotchery had part of a herniated disc in his back shaved down. Cotchery will add depth to the Steelers young receiving core. Cotchery was originally drafted by the Jets in the fourth round in 2004. He has 353 career catches for 4,474 yards and 18 touchdowns. Cotchery will reportedly report to camp Sunday.
The Cotchery signing almost certainly signals the end of Limas Sweed and veteran special teams ace Arnaz Battle will likely duel Tyler Grisham for the 6th receiver spot on the 53 man roster if they choose to again carry 6. The signing likely will not be official until Sunday and a corresponding roster move will be made when that happens. The Steelers will likely either release one of the undrafted free agent wide receivers or waive tight end Eugene Bright injured to make room on the roster. ETA: Correction: I forgot that IR is available this early so Baron Batch will likely be the corresponding move for the signing of Cotchery. I suspect that happens Sunday.
Here is a great Cotchery highlight video that is up on Youtube:
