Pittsburg, PA
Steelers Could Make Huge Splash With Rookie RB
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers have a decision to make at running back this offseason, choosing who they’ll offer contracts to and how they will go about replacing anyone in their backfield who leaves.
One name that’ll bring plenty of excitement just put on a show during the College Football Playoff. Coming into the Peach Bowl, Arizona State were heavy underdogs to Texas. But behind their superstar running back, the Sun Devils created an electrifying matchup, and took the Longhorns into overtime to decide the winner.
Leaving the tournament, the Sun Devils say goodbye to Cam Skattebo, who will head to the NFL Draft after a Heisman finalist season. With an NCAA-leading 1,711 yards and 21 rushing touchdowns, the 5-foot-11, 215-pound senior will head to the pros, and the Steelers may be a team to watch for him.
The Steelers have an easy decision when it comes to Jaylen Warren. As an undrafted free agent just three seasons ago, Warren will head into the offseason as a restricted free agent. He’ll see a nice pay raise compared to his $985,000 salary in 2024, but will still be inexpensive for the Steelers.
If they choose to bring him back, they likely move on from Najee Harris, letting the former first-round pick walk in free agency and head elsewhere for what will likely be a nice payday. From there, their best bet to replace him is the NFL Draft, where Skattebo would be sitting pretty in the second round.
Allowing Warren to be the explosive runner and pass-catcher, while Skattebo comes in as a bigger back who can pound his way for consistent yardage, while also have big play ability, is exactly what the Steelers have wanted. In a draft class that is loaded with talent at the running back position, it makes plenty of sense to try and find a rookie runner, and the NFL world will be waiting to see what the Sun Devils superstar can do at the next level.
Without wasting a first-round pick on a running back, or having to go out and sign someone in free agency, the Steelers can make a splash with an exciting name who just proved he can shine on the bigger stages.
His final college performance included 30 rushes for 143 yards, two touchdowns, and eight receptions for 99 yards. Next, he’ll be looking to make an impact in the NFL. And the Steelers will be looking for a runner to revamp their backfield.
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Pittsburg, PA
Justin Fields sends clear message on his future with Pittsburgh Steelers: ‘I want to be here’
Justin Fields has not started since Week 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders, but it is clear that he wants to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Speaking with Kevin Gorman of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Fields minced no words when asked about his future with the team.
“I want to be here. I’m kind of tired of learning a new offense every year. This will be my third in four years. Of course, I’d love to be back, but that’s all up to God at the end of the day. I’ll be where God wants me to be,” Fields said to Gorman.
Fields led the Steelers to a 4-2 record during his six starts with the team. He threw for 1106 yards and five touchdowns to one interception through the air while adding 289 rushing yards and five more touchdowns on the ground.
Fields would not cost nearly as much as Russell Wilson, and if Wilson gets too expensive, it would make sense that Fields could return as the Steelers’ starter. They seem to like him, even if they pivoted to the veteran in Wilson.
Fields might not want to learn another offense, which would make sense, but he also may have to go where the opportunity best presents itself to get back on track as a full-time starter. Is Pittsburgh that spot, or will there be another team knocking at his door that can offer a better opportunity?
That is what Fields will have to weigh in his decision this offseason, but the Steelers do seem like a very possible landing spot for Fields after the season concludes.
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Pittsburg, PA
Man arrested on numerous weapons charges in Pittsburg
PITTSBURG — A 27-year-old man suspected of illegally making and selling guns, including assault weapons, was arrested, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office said.
The law enforcement agency said they will be testing the weapons to see if they are linked to any crime or shooting.
The suspect, identified as Diego Vasquez-Gomez, was arrested on Thursday (Jan 2.) when detectives from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at a residence in Pittsburg. This was part of an ongoing investigation into a shooting at the Contra Costa Fairground in Antioch last September.
The shooting stemmed from an argument in which two suspects opened fire, resulting in a man suffering life-threatening injuries.
Detectives said one of the two suspects had used an illegally manufactured gun during the shooting.
During the search at Vasquez-Gomez’s home, authorities found assault weapons and a short-barrel rifle. Some of the weapons seized did not have serial numbers.
“The weapons will be tested to see if they are linked to any shooting or crimes,” said the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office in a news release.
Vasquez-Gomez was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges including manufacturing a short barrel gun, manufacturing and selling of an assault weapon, illegal possession of an assault weapon, unlicensed transfer of a firearm and child endangerment.
Those with information on the case are urged to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313- 2600, email them at tips@so.cccounty.us, or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
Pittsburg, PA
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