First Call: 49ers insist Nick Bosa won’t be traded; Arthur Maulet has Steelers games ‘circled’
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Friday’s “First Call” has the latest on Nick Bosa’s contract drama as the Pittsburgh Steelers get ready to play the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1. Former Steeler Kendrick Green may have a quick reunion with his Pittsburgh teammates.
Another ex-Steeler, Arthur Maulet, is still touchy about his former team.
And we have some super deals for you if you are shopping for Steelers gear.
Not happening with Nick
A lot of Pittsburgh is keeping an eye on news out of San Francisco about 49ers defensive lineman Nick Bosa.
The reigning Defensive Player of the Year is holding out of 49ers camp. He is demanding a lot more guaranteed dollars before he plays again. But the opening game against the Steelers at Acrisure Stadium is coming up on Sept 10.
So if he wants to get into game shape, he may want to start practicing soon.
However, San Francisco general manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan are shrugging off concerns. Specifically, they are tamping down questions about Bosa’s availability on the trade market.
“No,” Shanahan said this week when asked if the team would ever consider trading Bosa. “I feel pretty strongly, and I think everyone would agree with that.”
Lynch backed up his coach’s claim, via ESPN.com.
“No,” Lynch said of any truth to trade talk about Bosa. “Real simple.”
If they want to play hardball with Bosa and attempt to force him to play, I’m sure Kenny Pickett would be all for him not showing up on Sept. 10.
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See you again soon
Pittsburgh may not have seen the last of Kendrick Green this year.
Well, not in a Steelers uniform anyway.
The former Steeler, who was dealt to the Houston Texans this week, very well may square off against Pittsburgh next month.
The Texans host the Steelers in Week 4 (Oct. 1). And it’s entirely possible Green may be the starting center that day.
Rarely did it end well when Green played that position as a Steeler. But the truth is, Houston is getting desperate. Here is a look at Houston’s O-line right now.
• Kenyon Green (OG) is on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. He is done for the year.
• Right tackle Tytus Howard has a broken hand and could miss up to six weeks.
• Center Scott Quessenberry blew out his knee on Aug 3.
• Rookie center Juice Scruggs, the expected starter at the position, pulled a hamstring. He is on injured reserve and will miss at least four weeks.
So that means Green could be in play as the starter opposite the Steelers defensive front a month from now. Based on how things went in the preseason, Cameron Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi and Keeanu Benton may already be salivating.
Mad Maulet
Remember the dispute between Arthur Maulet and the Steelers about how he was released this past offseason?
There was a difference of opinion regarding Arthur Maulet’s contract and he asked for his release, per source.
Maulet played a lot of slot CB for Steelers and lead team in special teams tackles last season. https://t.co/51T4z6uZiv
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) May 10, 2023
If you don’t, clearly he does. Now a member of the Baltimore Ravens, Maulet told Ravens.com he is eagerly anticipating playing the Steelers again.
“It’s circled on my calendar for sure,” Maulet said this week.
Well, most Steelers-Ravens games are circled on everyone’s calendar, Arthur, but please do go on.
“I’m a vet. … I just wanted a little something, a little security. I think I earned that,” Maulet said. “Baltimore gave me that, which was surprising that it was a rivalry team. Obviously, they believe in me. That just makes me feel good about the work I put in this offseason.”
If you have yet to circle the two Steelers-Ravens games, they are scheduled to happen Oct. 8 in Pittsburgh and Jan. 7 in Baltimore.
Banksville bargains
Lastly, let’s go into the weekend with a laugh.
I was driving on Banksville Road this week, and I saw a roadside stand near an intersection to my right.
Just before the Firestone near Potomac Avenue if you really want some orientation …
… and a great deal!
For a measly $5, you can get any of this totally sweet, obviously 100% licensed by the team, Steelers swag.
This was on Banksville Road today…time to update the inventory pic.twitter.com/l4jhpAKGSi
— Tim Benz (@TimBenzPGH) August 30, 2023
All this man is missing is a Le’Veon Bell No. 26 and a Martavis Bryant No. 10, and he’d really have something going.