NFL notebook: Big Ben 'surprised' by Rudolph pick

[May 05, 2018]  Ben Roethlisberger does not understand why the Pittsburgh Steelers selected quarterback Mason Rudolph in the third round last week.

For one, Roethlisberger told the "Cook and Poni" show on KDKA-AM on Friday he plans to play "three or five more years" and does not need a successor in place so soon. He also thought the team's depth at quarterback was fine with Landry Jones and Joshua Dobbs in place.

"I was surprised when they took a quarterback," Roethlisberger, 36, said. "Because I thought that maybe in the third round, you can get some really good football players that can help this team now. And nothing against Mason, I think he's a great football player ... I just don't know how backing up or being the third guy -- who knows where he's going to be on the depth chart -- helps us win now."

Roethlisberger also said he feels bad for backups Jones and Dobbs and seemed to dismiss the idea of mentoring Rudolph, saying with a laugh, "If he asks me a question, I might just have to point to the playbook."

--New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was among several people in the sports world nominated by President Donald Trump for the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition.

Others include former New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, former MLB outfielder Johnny Damon, former NFL running back Herschel Walker, beach volleyball gold medalist Misty May-Treanor, golfer Natalie, freestyle wrestling Olympic gold medalist Kyle Snyder and bobsledder Shauna Rohbock. Rivera, Walker and May-Treanor were selected to co-chair the council. Those approved to join the council serve two-year terms.

The council "engages, educates, and empowers all Americans to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and good nutrition," the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' website states.

--The Carolina Panthers reportedly said that the resignation of defensive backs coach Curtis Fuller earlier this week was in response to workplace misconduct complaints against him.

"After approaching Coach Fuller with the findings of an investigation into complaints of inappropriate conduct, we accepted his resignation,'' Panthers spokesperson Steven Drummond said, per ESPN. "The Panthers are deeply committed to ensuring a safe, comfortable and diverse work environment where all individuals, regardless of sex, race, color, religion, gender, or sexual identity or orientation, are treated fairly and equally."

Fuller's misconduct allegations contended he was "inappropriate" with women, according to ESPN. Fuller had been promoted to defensive backs coach last season. He joined the Panthers in 2013.

--The Seattle Seahawks released veteran pass rusher Cliff Avril with a failed physical designation.

Avril, 32, was hoping to return in 2018 after suffering a serious neck injury last October that forced him to miss the final 12 games of the regular season.

Avril had recorded 34.5 sacks in 67 games with Seattle over the past five seasons. He was a Pro Bowler in 2016 when he had a career-high 11.5 sacks to go along with five forced fumbles.

--The Oakland Raiders reached a deal with free agent linebacker Derrick Johnson, who has spent his entire 13-year career with the rival Kansas City Chiefs, the team announced.

Johnson, 35, had 71 tackles and seven passes defended last season in a return from a ruptured Achilles' tendon in 2016. Terms of the deal were not available. According to ESPN, the Raiders canceled a visit with former Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing after agreeing with Johnson.

Johnson was the 15th overall pick by the Chiefs in the 2005 draft and made four Pro Bowls during his lengthy career there. He figures to add a veteran presence to a defense that struggled last season for a team that finished 6-10.

--The Miami Dolphins claimed quarterback Bryce Petty off waivers one day after his release from the New York Jets.

Petty became expendable to the Jets after they selected Sam Darnold with the third overall pick in the recent NFL draft.

Petty, 26, was a fourth-round pick of the Jets in 2015 and went 1-6 as a starter. He passed for 1,353 yards, four touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 10 appearances.

--Field Level Media

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