On this episode of Steelers Central, we'll get into why Aaron Rodgers raising the Steelers' ceiling isn't enough to justify adding him to a roster that is nowhere near being Super Bowl-ready. The Steelers will end up being a low Wild Card team with or without him.

Next, a 4x SB-winning Steelers QB had some not-so-nice words to say about the Steelers' current situation with Aaron Rodgers, telling him to "chew on some bark. Why the Steelers should take his advice, go with Mason Rudolph, and let the chips fall where they may.

There have also been rumors about the Steelers adding a former player of Arthur Smith, and a Pro Bowler last year. No, it's not at WR, it's at TE. The Steelers should be very wary of this move, given their usage of TEs and a player they gave a new contract to this past season.

Lastly, OTAs have just begun, and I'll tell you what stood out about the Steelers' top two rookies. Additionally, Broderick Jones shed some pounds and shared some insight into his "funky" transition to RT over the last two years, as well as why he is glad to be back in the position he was drafted for.

0:00-14:25 Rodgers vs Rudolph ceiling

14:26-25:15 Bradshaw blasts Rodgers

25:16-34:07 Steelers want a TE?

34:08-44:47 OTA Takeaways

On this episode of Steelers Central, the second season of sizzling WR rumors is upon us. Who is the hot name right now that the Steelers are onto? What teams should Pittsburgh look at when acquiring a wide receiver? All those answers are in this episode of Steelers Central!

Next, we play a game of Would You Rather with the current QBs on the Steelers roster. I explain why the Steelers should be in no rush to get Will Howard on the field and why it would be wise to roll with Mason Rudolph to start the season. This team should not act as a contender as they are not one presently constructed. Take this year as a development year with your offensive line and weapons, and see what you have going forward, including getting Will Howard some snaps when ready. This team should not panic if they are bad, take the record, and get a good draft pick to find your next signal caller.

The big X-factor for this team is that they have invested more of their resources in the offensive line. The team's success will depend on how this unit develops in year two under Arthur Smith’s offense. This unit needs to show growth and explain why they drafted some players, i.e., Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu, as high as they did. If this unit does not progress as well as it should, the Steelers will have set themselves back, and their first-round picks will have been for nothing.

Lastly, speaking of Arthur Smith, I will advocate for the second-year offensive coordinator because the team has not done much to allow for much success. They gave him two new QB rooms in his first two years. They will likely be drafting a new quarterback next year, and they have not listened to him time and time again about which quarterback he prefers, either by subbing Russell Wilson in or keeping him in while he has struggled. The team also let Justin Fields walk when Smith advocated for keeping him because of the improvement he had under Smith. Why the lack of success under Smith is more of a reflection on the team than it is on him.

0:00-19:30 Year 2 of Steelers WR Summer

19:31-33:35 Would You Rather: QB Edition

33:36-45:45 Steelers X-Factor

45:46-58:19 Doing Smith Dirty

On this Steelers Central episode, the 2025 schedule is officially out, and the road to the playoffs is set. We'll dive deep into this year's schedule from Week 4 in Ireland against the Vikings to Week 15 at home against the Dolphins. The Steelers start the season with two revenge games and end with two cold-blooded division rivalries. What is the team's toughest stretch of games? What are their most intriguing matchups? Stay tuned to find out.

Next, George Pickens is making some noise on his new team for an alleged Instagram comment about his old team and their "cheap" ways. Multiple reports have also come out this week about why Pickens was traded and how Tomlin supposedly led the charge. Veteran leaders were reportedly fed up with him and believed it was time to move on before a locker room divide happened with the star WR. What happened behind closed doors inside that Steelers locker room, a player says, insiders don't even know the half of it.

Lastly, it's time to take a look at the three players who will break out this season, one of them being a rookie. These three young, promising players could give the Steelers a surprising boost and confidence in some position rooms. Tune in to see who those guys could be.

0:00-20:50 Steelers Schedule

20:51-30:13 Most Intriguing Games

30:14-46:50 Pickens Drama Continues

46:51-62:18 Breakout Players

On this episode of Steelers Central, we’ll examine the George Pickens trade and how it will impact the Steelers and Cowboys in the future. Why is this starting to look like 2024 2.0 all over again? This time, the QBs on the roster are looking like a downgrade in consistency. 

A few veteran receivers who could be solid one-season replacements, including one recently released from the Jaguars, are available. The Packers could also be a team to look out for on the trade market since they have a lot of WR depth with only one football. The team is also looking to waste another year of a high-paid defense with a young offense, with key holes at WR and QB waiting to be filled. Another year is stuck in the middle for Pittsburgh.

Lastly, I don’t think Omar Khas is entirely to blame. He is still cleaning up the mess made by Kevin Colbert in his final years of drafting. Since 2013, only one of the Steelers' FR picks has signed a multi-year extension. The team’s top two picks from the 2022 season are now off the roster. The one area he does deserve blame for is being proactive and having backup plans when his original plans fall through, like trading George Pickens and not having his replacement on the roster. He has not been a guy who plans, but has undoubtedly changed the players they are drafting to high-character and well-respected college players.

0:00-15:45 George Pickens Trade

15:46-36:15 Thoughts Moving Forward

36:15-49:03 Front Office Blunders

In this episode of Steelers Central, we examine the Steelers' priorities now that the draft is over. The utmost priority must be the quarterback and upcoming contracts of key FAs like George Pickens and T.J. Watt.

Next, the team has made several UDFA signings, and I will highlight the four with the best chance of making the roster. One is a safety from Iowa who had a mid-round grade but fell due to his poor athletic grades. This player is highly instinctual and will do anything to make the roster.

The preview to the 2026 Draft and what the team will need starts now, as seven starters are due for a new contract. First and foremost will be the quarterback position in a loaded draft class. Among other needs is cornerback, where the team continues to put a band-aid over a bullet hole. It is time to address that position with a high draft pick or open the checkbook in free agency.

Lastly, it is time to pump the brakes on Will Howard. He was a steal for the team in the seventh round, but he has concerns. His lack of arm strength and the ability to improvise stand out. While he has a chance to show promise and stand out in training camp, people need to stop acting like he is the next Tom Brady. I would love to see Howard get some time in the regular season to see what he’s got to showcase, but fans should not act like we’ve got a generational talent.

0:00-18:00 Post-Draft Priorities

18:01-28:30 UDFA Signings

28:31-48:30 2026 Draft Needs

48:31-58:58 Pump the Brakes on Howard

In this episode of Steelers Central, my grade for the Steelers' 2025 Draft is officially in. Is it an A, B, C, or something in between? You'll have to watch to find out. Also, what mid-round pick left me scratching my head, not because of the value but because of the need? Overall, the Steelers did have a plan and a theme with all of their picks in this NFL Draft.

Next, with the team seemingly not interested in drafting one of the top QBS, the team took a late-round pick at the QB who won the College Football National Championship. Why I think this was the right move, and what I expect out of the team moving forward

The team also made some corresponding moves after the draft, releasing a Nose Tackle who has been with the team for four years and appeared in 11 games this past season. They also signed their prototypical veteran WR, who will bolster the team's ability to be physical but not provide much in the passing game. I think this was a good value signing, providing much-needed veteran leadership and a guy who is willing to do the dirty work.

Lastly, I'll highlight the holes the team has at QB, OT, and CB. One of these positions still has some value, and there are guys who would be solid depth at the position. The team should also not be worried about losing compensatory picks, as that time has passed. Tackle is the position that has me most worried, though, with two young players on the roster who need some guidance.

0:00-21:19 Steelers 2025 Draft Grade

21:20-31:42 QB Plan

31:43-37:52 Post Draft Movement

37:53-48:14 Remaining Roster Holes

On this episode of Steelers Central, I finally released my official 2025 mock draft, which includes trading down nine spots in the first round and still getting a top-end defensive line prospect. The team also addresses all its needs of RB and WR, as well as getting a sleeper QB out of the ACC in the fourth round. Overall, it turns out to be a solid draft class for the Steelers, addressing needs on both sides of the ball.

Now, the team needs to figure out the internal issues of getting a TJ Watt deal done along with figuring out the QB situation, two things the teams have been reactive instead of proactive. Why waiting on these two situations will now cost the team money and lingering uncertainty in an already testy locker room.

Lastly, we will look at two prospects that I mocked to the Steelers in the draft, including a QB who set the school record for passing yards in the ACC in his only season at the program. He is a pure pocket passer who specializes in timing and anticipation, but there are worries about his arm strength and limited athleticism.

The other prospect was a four-year starter at a Big Ten school from which the Steelers love to pick their defensive line. This time, they will go to the offensive trenches to choose a tackle with experience, a nimble lower body, and great size. However, to be a complete player, the tackle will need to put on more weight and work on hand and footwork.

0:00-21:00 2025 NFL Mock Draft

21:01-31:35 Proactive, not Reactive

31:36-40:25 QB Kyle McCord Syracuse

40:26-48:38 OT Jack Nelson Wisconsin

In this episode of Steelers Central, we’ll start looking deeper into more options outside of Aaron Rodgers, like the possibility of trading for Kirk Cousins or signing Carson Wentz. There is a growing sentiment that quarterback could be rising up Pittsburgh’s need list as well, with players like Shadeir Sanders, Jaxson Dart, and Kyle McCord being brought in for visits. The clock is ticking in Pittsburgh’s search for their 2025 starting quarterback.

Next, there looks to be some turmoil early in the TJ Watt contract negotiations. He recently posted a peace sign on his IG story, signaling some early frustration. Why, I don’t think fans should be worried…yet. Steelers insider Mark Kaboly has also reported that Watt wants an average salary more than Myles Garrett. That is a move the Steelers should not give in to.

Lastly, we’ll look at two mid-round prospects that the Steelers have brought in for top-30 visits. The first is a homerun hitter with top-end speed and burst with some fumbling and boom or bust issues. The second player is a nimble run stiffer with a great motor but an absolute lack of pass-rush variety.

0:00-18:40 Options Outside of Aaron

18:41-31:21 Watt a Dilemma

31:22-44:18 RB Bhayshul Tuten Virginia Tech

44:19-52:12 DT J.J. Pegues Ole Miss

In this episode of Steelers Central, a TJ Watt extension is almost inevitable, but what will it cost the Steelers? A couple of factors will play into extension talks, including injury history and play drop-off. Listen to why giving him 40 million a year would be an overpay for the team and what would be an appropriate amount for both sides to settle on.

As the draft nears closer, what three prospects do I expect to slide that could catch the Steeler's eye, including the second-rated QB in this draft class, the top WR, and a top three running back that didn’t have an elite combine?

Lastly, we’ll break down draft previews of WR Savion Williams, a physically gifted and versatile offensive weapon with concerns about his hands and lack of production, and QB Shedeur Sanders, a pro-ready pocket passer who can dice you up but does not have elite physical traits and sometimes tries to do too much.

0:00-13:00 TJ Watt extension cost

13:01-21:35 Prospects that could slide

21:36-31:30 WR Savion Williams TCU

31:31-45:39 QB Shedeur Sanders Colorado

On this episode of Steelers Central, we’ll look back at what HC Mike Tomlin said about the DT position and what exactly the team is looking for when they draft one in this upcoming draft class, why this could be similar to what they did in 2001 trading down three spots to get NT Casey Hampton, one of the more underrated reasons why they won two Super Bowls.

Along with drafting an interior defensive lineman, this Steelers must have a breakout season entering his third year to take this interior pass rush to the next level. Keeanu Benton has shown flashes of being the athletic, disruptive NT he was drafted to be but has not consistently put it all together. This must be the season he does it.

Lastly, we’ll look at the safety position, an area that the Steelers have paid much more attention to in recent weeks. Nick Emmanowri combines a linebacker’s body with his athletic ability in coverage to make the most complete safety in the draft. Malaki Starks is a heat-seeking missile defending against the run and has an excellent change of direction to match up with some fifty WRs. See which one I think Pittsburgh could take a gamble on in the first round.

0:00-12:10 Steelers want a playmaking DT

12:11-19:15 Keeanu Benton's breakout season

19:16-28:20 S Nick Emmanwori South Carolina

28:21-40:07 S Makaki Starks Georgia