Pittsburgh Review

The NFL has released a list of rule proposals from teams ahead of the annual Spring Meetings in West Palm Beach on April 30. Among the suggestions is a proposal by the Steelers to allow one phone call or video conference with pending free agents during the league's two-day legal tampering period before free agency begins.

Detroit has proposed a significant change to playoff seeding, suggesting that conference seeding should be based solely on record, regardless of division wins. Currently, division winners are seeded 1 through 4, and wild card teams follow based on their records. The league has maintained this format since introducing wild cards in 1970.

The Packers have suggested making aiding a ball carrier illegal again, targeting methods like the Eagles' "Brotherly Shove." This proposal extends beyond quarterbacks to all runners. The Lions propose eliminating automatic first downs for defensive holding or illegal contact penalties, which could have unintended consequences.

In player movement news, the Steelers have reworked their secondary by signing cornerbacks Darius Slay and Brandin Echols and safety Juan Thornhill. They also retained cornerback James Pierre. Only Slay is expected to start immediately; however, Echols and Thornhill bring valuable experience.

Slay, despite being 34 years old, remains effective as evidenced by his recent performance with Philadelphia during their Super Bowl run. Echols joins from New York where he played behind top-tier corners but still contributed significantly.

Thornhill replaces Damontae Kazee on Pittsburgh's roster and offers versatility at safety positions alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick and others.

The NFL's free agency landscape continues evolving towards shorter contracts. In its early days back in 1993, multi-year deals were common; now most players sign one-year agreements due to various strategic reasons for both parties involved.

Teams prefer short-term commitments to avoid future salary cap issues if performances don't meet expectations while players see it as an opportunity to "bet-on-themselves" for better contracts later.

However when re-signing their own players who are considered foundational pieces or stars within franchises longer deals remain typical reflecting mutual familiarity between parties involved.