First Call: Pass rushing option for Steelers stays in Baltimore; Baker Mayfield's physical; Logan Cooley's linemates drafted

Friday’s “First Call” features a pass-rushing option that is now off the table for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Baker Mayfield’s trade to the Carolina Panthers clears a major hurdle. We recap Gerrit Cole’s latest start for the New York Yankees.

And we have some NHL draft stuff, too.

Not gonna happen

The Steelers will not be getting edge rusher Justin Houston.

Again.

Houston has insisted that he was close to signing with the Steelers last offseason, only to wind up with the Baltimore Ravens instead. The Steelers ended up with Melvin Ingram.

For part of the year, anyway.

Now, after 4.5 sacks and one forced fumble in 2021, the Ravens will be keeping his services in the AFC North for 2022 as well.

Justin Houston and the Ravens reached an agreement in principle today on a one-year deal for the four-time Pro-Bowl OLB to return to Baltimore, per sources.

Ravens tendered Houston after the draft, like the Chiefs did with Melvin Ingram, to try to ensure his return to Baltimore.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 7, 2022

Baltimore had placed Houston under the rarely used UFA tender, granting him $2.3 million (or 110% of his 2021 salary). That also means he would’ve counted toward the compensatory pick formula if he signed with another team before July 22.

Baker begins

The trade of Baker Mayfield is complete. He will be a Carolina Panther after passing a physical.

According to ProFootballTalk.com, “Mayfield had surgery in January to repair an injury to his non-throwing shoulder. The injury happened in Week 2. Passing the physical suggests that he’ll be good to go from the outset of training camp.”

Joe Pearson of The Athletic reports that Mayfield’s contract is just about done, too. He says it’ll likely be done next week.

Mayfield is slated to get an $18.8 million salary for 2022. The Browns reportedly will pay $10.5 million of it. The Panthers will pay roughly $5 million. Mayfield forfeits the rest, with the ability to earn it back via incentives.

Missed us for this

New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole didn’t get to throw at PNC Park this week because a recent rainout pushed back his start. He missed a chance to go back on the mound he so often patrolled as a member of the Pirates from 2013-17.

Instead, Cole got the call for New York in Boston during an American League East showdown. The 60-23 Yankees beat the 45-38 Red Sox by a final of 6-5 at Fenway Park.

Just like they did twice against the Pirates on Wednesday, the Yankees hit a grand slam. This time it was Josh Donaldson.

Have a grand night ????

Presented by @Amtrak pic.twitter.com/rOwjA1CZgq

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) July 8, 2022

Cole got the win to improve to 8-2, totaling seven strikeouts. But he gave up all five runs, two via home runs from Rafael Devers. Cole’s ERA is now 3.26.

Another former Pirate, Clay Holmes, picked up his 16th save in 17 tries.

Going elsewhere

West Mifflin’s Logan Cooley went to the Arizona Coyotes with the third pick overall in the 2022 NHL Draft on Thursday.

That makes him the highest Western Pennsylvania-born draft choice ever.

Cooley’s linemates from the U.S. National Development Team were both drafted in the first round as well. Cutter Gauthier went fifth overall to the Philadelphia Flyers.

In 54 games this season, Gautier put up 34 goals and 31 assists for 65 points. He’s poised to become a Boston College Eagle. Meanwhile, winger Jimmy Snuggerud was selected No. 23 by the St. Louis Blues.

Get to know the newest member of the St. Louis Blues, 2022 first-round pick Jimmy Snuggerud! #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/9JopxEx5Hf

— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) July 8, 2022

Snuggerud’s father, Dave, played over 200 games in the NHL, mainly with the Buffalo Sabres. He’s slated to attend the University of Minnesota with Cooley.

Known for a heavy shot with a quick release, Snuggerud totaled 63 points (24 goals, 39 assists) in 59 games for the USNTDP in 2021-22.

Heading overseas

While those players will soon enter the NHL ranks, some other players with local ties are going abroad to continue their careers.

Former Penguins first-round pick Joe Morrow is heading to Russia. He’ll play for HK Sochi in the KHL. This will be Morrow’s third KHL team, having played for Dinamo Minsk and Barys Nur-Sultan too.

Первым легионером в составе «Сочи» образца сезона 2022/2023 стал Джо Морроу! Подробнее об игроке: https://t.co/dQSLWjiWcz pic.twitter.com/fUvdgudyej

— ХК «Сочи» (@HCSOCHI) July 7, 2022

Then there is former Robert Morris forward Nick Lalonde. He’s signing with Neuilly-sur-Marne in France. Lalonde was with the Colonials for three seasons, amassing 38 points on 15 goals and 23 assists.