Anthony

Chickillo

Chickillo spent all but one of his pro seasons with the Steelers. He was a rotational player in Pittsburgh, earning snaps on defense and special teams. Chickillo posted two seasons with multiple sacks and finished his career with 8.5 sacks plus 105 tackles. He is retiring at the age of 28.

The longtime Steelers reserve spent the entire offseason on the Saints’ deep roster, but he could not carve out a reserve or special teams role. Still only 27, Chickillo should be a regular on the workout circuit.

Released in a cap move in March, Chickillo was lightly used for the Steelers’ excellent 2020 defense, contributing just 143 snaps in 11 games. Headed into his age-28 campaign, Chickillo was a key reserve for years in Pittsburgh, but he could have a difficult time cracking the Saints’ loaded 53-man roster.

The move saves the Steelers $5 million against the cap. Chickillo spent a week on the Commissioner’s Exempt List in October, but ultimately had charges dropped in regards to a domestic dispute with his girlfriend. The former sixth-round pick played in 65 games since joining the Steelers in 2015, although he was mostly used in a reserve role on defense. Chickillo will turn 28 in December and could have some interest on the open market as a depth piece at linebacker.

Chickillo spent a week on the Commissioner’s Exempt List in October. He won’t be suspended after charges were dropped for three misdemeanors in a domestic dispute with his girlfriend. The league found “insufficient evidence” in its investigation of Chickillo’s arrest. Chickillo has eight tackles and half a sack in the five games he’s appeared in this season.

Chickillo was arrested and charged with three misdemeanors in a domestic dispute, but the charges were dropped Wednesday and he’s accordingly been removed from the Reserve/Commissioner’s Exempt List. Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert added, “The League will continue to conduct an investigation of the incident, and we acknowledge that Anthony could still be subject to discipline by the League Office under the Personal Conduct Policy.” The Steelers released LB Jayrone Elliott in a corresponding roster move.

Chickillo was arrested and charged with three misdemeanors in a domestic dispute over the weekend and will likely stay hit with a suspension for the rest of the season. While he can’t practice or attend games on the Exempt List, Chickillo’s allowed at Pittsburgh’s facility for meetings, individual workouts, therapy and rehabilitation. He’ll continue to receive his normal salary, too. The Steelers signed Jay Elliott in a corresponding move.

“In regard to the recent incident involving Anthony Chickillo, we will continue to gather information, and we will fully cooperate with the NFL’s investigation,” Colbert stated in a press release. The full statement can be viewed in the link below. Chickillo, who was arrested and charged with three misdemeanors in a domestic dispute over the weekend, was told to stay home on Monday while the team gathers more information.

The Steelers will return to practice Monday following their Week 7 bye, though Chickillo has been told to stay away from the facility for the time being. A scarcely-used backup (he’s played just 44 snaps this season), Chickillo’s arrest could cost him his roster spot.

Chickillo’s arrest occurred Sunday morning at 1:40 AM local time at the Lady Luck Casino in Farmington, Pennsylvania. Police allege the Steelers linebacker got into a heated argument with his girlfriend (who was cited for harassment), resulting in a physical altercation in their hotel room. Chickillo was arraigned shortly after and released on $10,000 bail. “We are aware of an incident involving Anthony Chickillo last night and are still gathering information,” Steelers Director of Communications Burt Lauten said in a statement. “Until we have further details we will not provide any further comments.” The Steelers were on bye this week.