A former linebacker of the Pittsburgh Steelers reveals the team lied about re-signing him when he became a free agent.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Robert Spillane was a team and fan favorite during his four-year tenure in the Steel City. However, he revealed it wasn't enough to receive another contract, even though he thought one was coming.
Spillane joined the Steelers in 2019 and improved his production every year until he became a free agent following the 2022 season. He eventually signed a two-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders , but that wasn't his ideal scenario.
"Before I went into free agency, [the Steelers] told me, 'Go out, test the market, see what you get. We're gonna offer whatever they give you. We wanna make you a Steeler. We love you,'" Spillane said on the Bussin' With The Boys podcast . "I call them, 'I got an offer from the Raiders. I want to come back, what's the deal?' They were like, 'Good luck, have fun.'"
Spillane was certainly deserving of a new contract in Pittsburgh. From 2019-22, he racked up 191 tackles, three sacks, one fumble recovery, eight passes defensed, one interception and one touchdown.
It's not like the Steelers were going to have to get into a bidding war with the Raiders, either. Las Vegas offered Spillane a mere two-year deal worth $7 million. It's fair to assume Spillane would have accepted that offer or even a slightly lesser version from Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Robert Spillane (41) leads the defense in celebration after a stop on fourth down during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
However, that's not how things played out and Spillane is content with it.
"They didn't [want me back]," Spillane said. "It hurts to say that. It hurts to feel like that because you felt like you made all these great connections. You felt like you poured your heart on the line. You felt like you did everything to be a good team player. But at the end of the day, this is a business. They don't always want you back."
Spillane has since earned himself another payday with the New England Patriots , signing a three-year, $33 million contract with them this offseason. Maybe New England can finally give Spillane the stability he was looking for in Pittsburgh.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Former Steelers LB Claims Pittsburgh Lied To Him: 'It Hurts'
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