Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to ESPN's NFL quarter-century team released this week, which included only two Steelers on the 53-man roster. Why were Alan Faneca and Troy Polamalu the only names to make the cut? Did T.J. Watt deserve a spot over the Browns' Myles Garrett? And were names including Aaron Rodgers, Ben Roethlisberger, Le'Veon Bell, Antonio Brown, Chris Boswell, Cam Heyward, Hines Ward, James Harrison and Maurkice Pouncey snubbed?

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder and Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Brian Batko evaluate the team's secondary following the DeShon Elliott contract extension agreed to earlier this week.

How does Elliott solidify the secondary in the long-term next to Minkah Fitzpatrick at safety? What does Joey Porter have to prove at CB alongside new teammate Darius Slay Jr. in 2025? Will Beanie Bishop earning the starting spot at slot corner? Or will names like Cory Trice Jr. have something to say about that within coach Mike Tomlin's defense?

Our duo tackles those questions, then ponders whether Broderick Jones is an asset of liability at LT next fellow young players including Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick as they look to protect an increasingly immobile Aaron Rodgers at QB.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to DeShon Elliott signing a three-year contract extension with the Steelers.

Was keeping Elliott long-term the right move for GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin? Can Elliott and Fitzpatrick be elite playmakers in a secondary that also includes Joey Porter Jr. and has added names like Darius Slay Jr., Juan Thornhill and Brandin Echols this offseason? And how much can an improved defensive line that includes Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon, Keeanu Benton and Yahya Black help guys like Elliott with playmaking on the back end?

Paul offers thoughts on those questions; the Pirate starting a series with the Detroit Tigers; and the NBA and Stanley Cup finals nearing stellar finishes.

Post-Gazette Pirates insider Colin Beazley previews the Pirates' three-game series in Detroit against the current best team in baseball, the Detroit Tigers. Beazley starts with the statistics, then gives a run down of all three pitching matchups: Bailey Falter vs. Casey Mize, Andrew Heaney vs. Tarik Skubal, and Paul Skenes vs. TBA. The Tigers have many good players, but Beazley says the three to watch are Javy Baez, Gleyber Torres and Spencer Torkelson. He then finishes with a bold prediction.

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes QB Will Howard to talk about his transition from winning a championship with the Ohio State Buckeyes in college to life as a sixth-round NFL draft pick.

Howard explains how he's been getting involved in the community with other rookies this week; his rapport with new teammate Aaron Rodgers in the QB room; the importance of earning respect in the eyes of coach Mike Tomlin; and his growing relationship with receivers including DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Robert Woods, Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington.

Then later, the guys take a look ahead to Howard's first Steelers training camp next month at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news.

He ponders how Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers matches up with his new AFC North division rivals including Joe Burrow of the Bengals, Lamar Jackson of the Ravens and Browns options including Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders and Joe Flacco. Is he the clear No. 3 in the pecking order? Or could he offer coach Mike Tomlin and OC Arthur Smith advantages that Burrow and Jackson don't offer their teams?

Later, Paul gives his thoughts on J.J. Spaun's victory at the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club and the Pirates' frustrating weekend series against the Chicago Cubs in which they allowed just nine runs but still lost three out of four games.

Post-Gazette Pirates insider Noah Hiles recaps the week in prospect news from around the organization.

Is Thomas Harrington starting to figure things out with Class Triple-A Indianapolis after a rocky start? Why do things seem to be going the other way for top pitching prospect Bubba Chandler? Could Billy Cook and Jack Suwinski be pushing for time in the big leagues with their recent hot streaks? And how have names like Konnor Griffin and Termarr Johnson been faring?

Noah gives his thoughts on all of them following a rough weekend for manager Don Kelly, GM Ben Cherington and the big club against the Chicago Cubs.

On the Monday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo ponder coach Mike Tomlin's future with Aaron Rodgers now in the fold at QB.

Does he have the institutional support from owner Art Rooney II and GM Omar Khan to coach past this season, regardless of what happens with Rodgers? Or could follow names like Mike McCarthy of the Green Bay Packers and Robert Salah of the New York Jets in being fired for to reach expectations with the future Hall of Fame QB at the helm?

Later, the guys analyze the team's situation at receiver following minicamp. Are Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin III showing signs that they can be productive behind DK Metcalf on the depth chart? Or should the team still consider signing veterans like Keenan Allen, Gabe Davis and/or Amari Cooper?

Then in the third segment, Chris and Ray explain how special teams coach Danny Smith is approaching the NFL's ever-changing kickoff rules.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news LIVE around 5 p.m. from the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club.

He gives his thoughts on a report by ESPN's Adam Schefter that Aaron Rodgers was actually the Steelers' third choice at QB and that the team preferred Justin Fields and the Los Angeles Rams' Matthew Stafford before turning to the veteran. He also has some closing comments on minicamp with T.J. Watt's contract dispute still unresolved.

Later, Paul talks U.S. Open, as top names like Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau continue to chase J.J. Spaun on the leaderboard.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo recap the team's minicamp at its South Side facility this week.

What did we ultimately learn about Aaron Rodgers upon his arrival in Pittsburgh? What should we make of him not practicing with the team? What kind of impact is DK Metcalf making on the passing game? And how will both players shape Arthur Smith's offense in the year ahead?

Our duo tackles those questions, then give their thoughts on T.J. Watt's absence, the looming risk of a training camp holdout and the 2023 NFL draft class -- led by Joey Porter Jr., Broderick Jones, Keeanu Benton and Nick Herbig -- starting to step into leadership roles for the team.