Former Louisville football stars making moves in NFL Free Agency

Joshua Bellamy – WR

Signed w/ New York Jets (2 years, $2.75 million)

In the “I didn’t realize that” news department, somehow Joshua Bellamy has put together a solid NFL career with the Chicago Bears that has allowed him to now enter into his eight season and first with a new team since 2013.

Though he has just 76 receptions, 999 yards, and 5 receiving touchdowns, which equates to being a solid fourth or fifth receiver, Bellamy has been a fixture on special teams for the Bears and is a huge reason why he’s been able to hang onto the roster even with multiple coaching and GM changes over the years.

Bellamy, who signed a two year deal with the Jets a team with a new, offensive minded head coach in Adam Gase, will bring veteran leadership to a group that is relatively young while also giving them a solid backup receiver who’s capable of stepping in as needed as well as a gunner for both the punt and kick off units.

It wouldn’t be surprising to see Bellamy have a career year for the Jets nor would it be a surprise if somehow he was left off of the opening day roster.

Eli Rogers – WR

Re-signed w/ Pittsburgh (1 year)

Much like Joshua Bellamy, Eli Rogers was a guy that no one really expected to do much at the next level after leaving Louisville. But here we are four years later, and Rogers has found a way to stick onto a Pittsburgh Steelers roster that has housed the likes of Antonio Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Martavis Bryant and many other serviceable receivers.

Though he’s dealt with injuries over the last two seasons, he’s done enough to show the Steelers that he is capable of production when healthy. Rogers had his best season in 2016 in his first season with the Steelers, where he was  the primary slot receiver, putting up 48 receptions, 594 yards, and 3 touchdowns.

If he’s healthy, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Rogers become a reliable target once again for Ben Roethlisberger or whoever is the Steelers QB next season.