Steelers welcome J. Stew to the ‘Burgh!!

It was 4 weeks ago and one play into the season that the Pittsburgh Steelers would lose starting HB Rashard Mendenhall for 12 weeks to a back injury. This after watching free agent Willie Parker bolt for the Ravens.

Pittsburgh would be down to a rookie and an aging back-up to lead the ground game. Though Larry Mata has done a fine job in his first NFL season thus far, the Steelers felt he needed more help then un-drafted free agent HB, DJ. Claytor, and Mewelde Moore, in the backfield.

After several weeks of trade talks with the Carolina Panthers, help is on the way as Pittsburgh finally got their man. A running back that they felt got away from them a few years ago in the draft. That player is none other then All Pro, Jonathan Stewart.

“We felt we needed to give Larry some help, he has played great for a rookie, but we are a two back offense and knew the minute Mendy went down we would have to find a player of his caliber to fit the bill and we think we did that by aquiring J Stew.” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.

The Steelers would have to part with another rookie, first round pick, TE Adam Saint and a 2nd round pick in next years draft to aquire Stewart but with Heath Miller on the roster having Saint was a luxary they could afford to lose. In return Pittsburgh would aslo recieve TE Jeff King who will take over the role of second string TE right away.

“I loved playing in Carolina and the team has been good to me, but the chance to be a Pittsburgh Steeler and run for a team with their tradition is awsome. When coach asked me how I felt about the trade, I said when does the plane leave? I can’t wait to lace them up and put on the Black & Gold and help my new family get their season back on track.” said Stewart when asked about the trade.

The Steelers can use all the help they can get these days too as they have started the season a miserable 1-3 and have a long way to go to catch the streaking Ravens and Bengals in the division. The year is young though and the team has not lost hope on the season yet.

Rumor has it that the Steelers are still interested in adding to the team and this may not be their final trade before the deadline. Coach Tomlin was quoted as saying ’We are always open to adding talent and are in the mix to get more depth for our secondary, specifically at free safety.”

What that could mean is any fans guess, but stay tuned for another announcement soon, if the Steelers are able to find a player they covet and the price is right.