Monday’s “First Call” includes information linking the Pittsburgh Steelers to an experienced free-agent wide receiver. The Steelers may soon be impacted by certain NFL macroeconomic factors. Additionally, T.J. McConnell and the Indiana Pacers have advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Pittsburgh Steelers may be interested in signing a veteran free agent wide receiver, according to a report in Monday’s “First Call.” The Steelers could be affected by upcoming NFL financial trends. T.J. McConnell and the Indiana Pacers have reached the Eastern Conference Finals.

As the pool of available wide receivers continues to dwindle, the Pittsburgh Steelers still need to add a legitimate threat to their receiving corps. According to Zachary Smith of Steelers Now, the team has been in contact with veteran free agent Michael Thomas, formerly of the New Orleans Saints.

While Thomas could potentially fill the Steelers’ need at wide receiver, his best years seem to be behind him. In 2019, Thomas had a standout season with 1,700 receiving yards and two All-Pro nominations. However, since then, he has struggled with various injuries, including ankle, foot and knee issues. From the start of 2020 until now, Thomas has recorded just 141 catches for 1,057 yards and four touchdowns, a far cry from his previous five seasons where he amassed at least 1,100 receiving yards each year.

The Steelers certainly need an experienced receiver to complement George Pickens. However, if Thomas is the answer at this stage of his career, it may have been a mistake for the franchise to trade away Diontae Johnson in the first place.

Trickle down.

The potential allowance of private equity firms or institutional wealth to invest as limited partners in NFL franchises could have significant implications for the Pittsburgh Steelers. According to Michael Rothstein of ESPN, NFL owners are considering this change, which has been prohibited by ownership bylaws in the past[3].

The high costs associated with purchasing shares of NFL teams have been shrinking the pool of potential minority ownership dollars. Allowing private equity firms to invest could provide additional capital for owners, potentially freeing up funds for stadium replacements or renovations across the league without relying on public funding[3].

This development is particularly relevant for the Steelers, as Acrisure Stadium (formerly Heinz Field) is about to begin its 24th season of operation. The stadium may require upgrades, and the Steelers’ ownership structure could be impacted by the proposed changes[3].

It’s worth noting that Three Rivers Stadium, the Steelers’ previous home, only lasted for 30 years before being replaced by Acrisure Stadium. The potential allowance of private equity investment in NFL franchises could shape the future of the Steelers’ home stadium and ownership group[3].

The Indiana Pacers, led by T.J. McConnell, have advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals after defeating their opponent. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the Pacers franchise.

In Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series, the Indiana Pacers secured a 130-109 victory over the New York Knicks. T.J. McConnell, a product of Chartiers Valley, contributed 12 points and seven assists, shooting six of eight from the field in 23 minutes of play. The Pacers had a significant plus-21 point differential while McConnell was on the court, showcasing his impact on the game.

T.J. McConnell right to the rack 👊 pic.twitter.com/zmhSdwL61m

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) May 19, 2024

5 points in 5 seconds 😈

the no-look pass from Tyrese Haliburton.
the steal by T.J. McConnell.
the and-1 by Aaron Nesmith. pic.twitter.com/pTo70Zriw9

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) May 19, 2024

Throughout the series, McConnell maintained an average of 11.8 points, along with 38 assists and eight steals while committing 10 turnovers across the seven games.

Looking ahead, the Indiana Pacers are set to take on the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals. BetRivers has listed the Pacers as plus-620 underdogs to win the series. The victor of this best-of-seven matchup will advance to face either the Minnesota Timberwolves or the Dallas Mavericks from the Western Conference in the NBA Finals.

Runner-up in the Selke Trophy voting.

The NHL’s Selke Trophy results were unveiled recently. This award is presented annually to the forward who showcases exceptional defensive skills in the game.

Aleksander Barkov from the Florida Panthers claimed the honor with an impressive total of 1,817 points and a remarkable 165 first-place votes. Jordan Staal, a former Penguin, received four first-place votes and secured the second position in the voting with 539 points, representing the Carolina Hurricanes. Auston Matthews from the Toronto Maple Leafs took the third spot.

Notable Pittsburgh connections were evident in the final rankings. Penguins’ captain Sidney Crosby finished ninth with 85 points. J.T. Miller, a former resident of Coraopolis playing for the Vancouver Canucks, ranked 15th with 28 points, while Vincent Trocheck from Upper St. Clair secured the 16th spot with 26 points.

Full Selke Trophy voting results. pic.twitter.com/QlTG8TgkKG

— Matthew DeFranks (@MDeFranks) May 18, 2024