Anything can happen on cut down down day, and so far there have been a few surprises. Knile Davis‘ release seemed to open the door for Sammie Coates to get an opportunity to return kicks. Adam Schefter ended that speculation when he announced that Sammie Coates was traded to the Cleveland Browns. This move continues a period where Mike Tomlin has made a series of surprising moves.
Trade terms:
Browns get WR Sammie Coates and 7th-rd pick in 2019 NFL Draft.
Steelers get 6th-round pick in 2018 Draft:
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 2, 2017
Sammie Coates Traded To The Cleveland Browns
Coates was a third round draft choice by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2015. He was drafted seemingly as potential insurance for a Martavis Bryant suspension. He was signed to a four year deal worth $2.91 million. Coates ended up with two big receptions in a 2015 playoff loss to the Denver Broncos, after catching only one pass during his rookie season. He moved up to third on the depth chart in 2016, after Bryant was suspended for the season. Coates first career start came against the Washington Redskins, and he responded with two catches for 56 yards. Over the first five weeks of the season, Coates was the most dangerous deep threat in the NFL.
Coates was averaging over 20 yards per reception until a pair of broken fingers on his hand all but ended his season. He remained on the active roster and continued to contribute to the Steelers as a gunner on special teams. Coates was used mostly as a decoy in the passing game the remainder of the season, catching only two more passes the rest of the season. He suffered a loss of confidence as a result of his injuries, but was determined to continue contributing to the offense any way he could. Coates was looking to bounce back in 2017, making several nice catches during the preseason. Coates’ finishes his Steelers career with 22 receptions for 446 yards and two touchdowns. The Steelers will receive the Browns sixth round draft pick in 2018 for Coates, while the Browns get Coates and the Steelers seventh round pick in 2019.
Main Photo:
