On this episode of Steelers Central, Mike Tomlin, Omar Khan, and Art Rooney all had media appearances early this week, with the main discussion point surrounding the QB position. There is still no clarity on whether Aaron Rodgers will sign despite working out with DK Metcalf recently and reports that the six-hour meeting went well between the two sides. What we do know is that the team will sign two more QBs by the start of training camp, either through the draft, trade, or Free Agency, according to GM Omar Khan.

There was also a question asked about the team’s WR room being too one-dimensional. People are forgetting a WR that the team drafted last year and the continued development of Calvin Austin. Why I think one star WR on this time has a lot more in the toolbox than he has shown thus far in his career. There is a need for size going over the middle, though, so I’ll give you three names that the team could look at in the draft to address that need, and possibly a future need if the team decided to part ways with one of their two FA WRs next year.

Lastly, I’ll break down the two running backs from Ohio State that the Steelers could be interested in. One offers a more aggressive running style similar to Najee Harris, while the other is a home run hitter with 4.40 speed and solid pass protection skills despite standing at just 5’10".

0:00-19:55 Media Availability Takeaways

19:56-29:45 One Trick Ponies

29:46-38:55 RB Treyveon Henderson Ohio State

38:56-50:48 RB Quinshon Judkins Ohio State

In this episode of Steelers Central, the Steelers have become one of the NFL's biggest QB carousels as of late, with five consecutive seasons featuring a new opening-week QB. They have become the very thing they have made fun of for the past two decades: a team that has been unable to develop a QB and is turning to various veterans who are past their prime or not good enough.

The team has also been scouting some of the top safeties in the draft, which may seem like an unusual move, but upon examining the future, it becomes clear. The team has one more year of Deshon Elliot before they must extend him, and Minkah Fitzpatrick has a $24 million dollar cap hit next year. The Steelers may face some tough decisions, and if the board does not fall right, safety could become a fallback option for them.

Lastly, we'll analyze a big-bodied WR from Stanford who possesses some jump ball ability and MOF reliability for the team in the play-action game, as well as an undersized RB from Texas who has serious home run-hitting ability in the backfield.

0:00-19:37 Steelers QB Carousel

19:38-26:15 Sleeping on the Safety Position

26:16-35:25 WR Elic Ayomanor Stanford

35:26-43:39 RB Jaydon Blue Texas

In this episode of Steelers Central, Aaron Rodgers's only option is the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Giants have signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, while the Minnesota Vikings have withdrawn from consideration, and no other team appears interested. Pittsburgh is officially the front runner for the 41-year-old cannon-ball-armed QB, who can sometimes be a headcase. Why now is the time to put pressure on him with him officially being out of options!

Next, the team also seems to be infatuated with an SEC quarterback who is not named Jaxson Dart. Jalen Miroe went to dinner with Mike Tomlin and quarterback coach Tom Arth. Milroe has no shortage of physical talent, but concerns remain about his flawed mechanics. The Steelers should wait until the 2026 Draft in Pittsburgh to draft their next signal caller.

The Steelers lack depth at the tackle position, with one going into the biggest year of his career and moving back to the position he was drafted into. Broderick Jones has all the physical tools and demeanor to be the blindside protector, but will the Steelers go out and get a mentor to fuel his fire of not being a bust?

Lastly, I highlight two Iowa State WRs that the team has met with, and despite having two different playstyles and physical profiles, they have some of the same strengths and weaknesses. Listen to who I think would be the better pick for the Steelers.

0:00-19:55 It’s down to one Aaron

19:56-29:15 Steelers love Milroe?

29:16-42:35 Trust the Brod father

42:36-51:30 WR Jayden Higgins

51:31-62:22 WR Jaylin Noel

On this episode of Steelers Central, we’ll discuss the Steelers' recent depth signings at the defensive line and safety. Both signings were solid moves that provided much-needed depth on the front and secondary. 

These signings also haven’t changed my mind about what the Steelers do in the first round. They still go for a game-changing defensive lineman, with the possibility of trading down if the draft board falls right. I am surprised that they did not send D-Line coach Karl Dunbar to Oregon for their pro day, given the production he showed at Oregon and the interviews Harmon and Tomlin had at the NFL Combine.

Next, could the Steelers just let George Pickens walk at the end of the 2026 season while just getting a 2027 compensation pick? That's what Mark Kaboly thinks could happen. The Steelers have not seemed sold on Pickens as their WR1 due to his poor attitude and off-the-field outbursts, including reportedly being late for the Christmas Day game against the Chiefs. Additionally, could the ongoing lack of quarterback play also be a factor in the future? Could the Steelers move on from the athletic freak of nature in favor of another draft pick and a more mature locker room leader? I would not rule it out.

Lastly, I’ll analyze two running backs in this year’s draft. One is a projected 1st- or 2nd-round pick with great power and burst, and the other has power and back size; a more elusive player in space would fit best in a zone scheme and make people miss at the second level. See which one I think Pittsburgh has a better shot at landing.

0:00-13:55 Addressing the Depth

13:56-21:55 The First Round Pick is…

21:56-37:10 To trade George or not trade George

37:11-47:35 RB DJ Giddens KSU

47:36-56:29 RB Omarion Hampton UNC

In this Steelers Central episode, Mason Rudolph's signing raises the question of whether the team should just roll with him and continue adding more pieces around him or wait for Aaron Rodgers to give them formidable QB play. The Steelers added more depth at both the running back and cornerback positions. Why I like both of these additions to their respective rooms. The Steelers should also consider trading down in the draft to acquire another Day 2 pick because of the number of holes they have to fill on the roster. If the board falls right, the Steelers could get the guy they want in the first round and get another quality prospect in the later rounds while accumulating draft capital. Lastly, I will analyze Jaxson Dart’s film and explain why I’m not entirely sold on him as a prospect.

0:00-13:05 Mason Rudolph QB 1?

13:06-25:13 Kenneth Gainwell and Brandon Echols additions

25:14-35:14 The Possibility of the Steelers trading down

35:15-48:32 QB Jaxson Dart

On this episode of Steelers Central, the Steelers finally land another WR in his prime to form an elite downfield duo with George Pickens. This should benefit the offense, despite giving them two similar wide receivers, but I do have my concerns with factors around them and the possible attitude problems that go along with them. Next, the Steelers have fumbled the bag so poorly on the quarterback position that they are stuck between Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson or reuniting with Mason Rudolph. They have now turned into quarterback purgatory. What have the Steelers done so far in free agency? Well, signing 34-year-old Darius Slay and ILB Malik Harrison is all they have done. That is shameful when you had over 60 million going into FA to make meaningful additions at CB, WR, and DT. Lastly, I go off on the lack of urgency that this team has had, skimping at almost every turn and then having the unmitigated gall to say they are contending for a championship. They have gone from a prideful, stable organization, only satisfied with deep playoff runs and championships, to cutting corners, making bad decisions, and above all, mediocrity on almost all levels.

0:00-13:15 DK Metcalf Trade

13:16-29:55 The QB Conundrum

29:56-40:00 Steelers Moves thus far

40:01-55:52 Nothing but Disappointment

In this episode of Steelers Central, the WR market just received an influx of talent as two teams released their big-name WRs in Davante Adams and Tyler Lockett, while another was going to release theirs but opted for getting a late-round pick in return for them. This was a player that the Steelers coveted at the trade deadline last year, but unfortunately will no longer be on their target list.

The team must also decide on TJ Watt now that the Raiders signed Maxx Crosby to a 3-year, 106.5 million dollar deal. Will the Steelers pay Watt around 35 million dollars, or should they start exploring what draft capital they could get for him?

Next, why the team needs to make a quarterback decision now. This has dragged on throughout FA and could be used against them once FA starts. What is the hold-up, and why the Steelers need to sort this out soon.

Lastly, I’ll examine the cornerback room and explain why this position requires an overhaul. The Steelers need to splurge at this position for a long-term solution that includes multiple signings and no more band-aids over bullet holes.

0:00-16:05 WR Cap Cuts and Trade Options

16:06-25:27 Watt do the Steelers do

25:28-36:12 Playing the QB waiting game

36:13-45:49 Positional Overview: CB

On this episode of Steelers Central, what would an A-plus Free Agency look like for the Pittsburgh Steelers? Why should a new wide receiver and at least one quality corner top the list of the Steelers' needs? Also, what players do the Steelers want to return to the team this year, ideally? Next, a running back with comparisons to Leveon Bell’s running style and a defensive tackle with world-class strength could be intriguing day-two options for the team. Lastly, I plead why the team should keep Elandon Roberts and why the core three linebackers are integral to the team’s future. There should also be a change as to who has the green dot next year.

0:00-27:00 Ideal Steelers Free Agency

27:01-35:11 RB Kaleb Johnson Iowa

35:12-45:14 DT Alfred Collins Texas

45:15-55:25 Positional Overview: MLB

In this episode of Steelers Central, the players did not kindly grade the Steelers' front office and owner in their yearly NFLPA players report card for the Steelers organization. They ranked among the bottom of the NFL in every category except one, and you can probably guess what that was. Art Rooney should start to notice, as players are coming to Pittsburgh for only one reason: not winning; it’s the coach.

Next, I'll highlight some of the defensive linemen who stood out on Pro Day, including one who achieved a perfect 10.00 Relative Athletic Score!

The Steelers have focused on three position groups for their formal interviews. Which position groups are they, and in what order might they draft those players?

One position where they should be solid is outside linebacker, as they arguably have the best trio in the NFL, featuring a Defensive Player of the Year, an all-around underrated end, and a pass rush specialist who totaled 11 tackles, seven of which were sacks. Adding one more veteran to this group wouldn't hurt, especially considering all the injuries they faced last year.

0:00-14:25 NFLPA Report Card

14:26-22:05 D-Line Standouts

22:06-36:00 Formal Meeting Insights

36:01-44:57 Positional Overview: OLB

On this episode of Steelers Central, we look to Indianapolis, where Omar Khan assesses some of the team's biggest questions, including the QB battle, extensions for high-profile playmakers on both sides of the ball, and the draft’s biggest strengths.

Speaking of the draft, I’ll dive into attributes the Steelers should look for in key positions of need like WR, RB, DL, and CB.

Next, it’s time for more tape on possible Steelers draft picks: WR from Texas, Matthew Golden, who flashes a unique blend of speed and separation, and DT from Michigan, Kenneth Grant, a mountain of a man with freakish athletic ability to get to the QB. See which player I had the most fun analyzing their draft tape.

Lastly, the defensive line is a group that needs an infusion of youth, contrary to the offensive line, which requires more veteran leadership. Sew why the men in the middle could have a lot of changes coming to them this offseason.

0:00-20:05 Omar in Indy

20:06-29:15 Attributes of Need

29:16-35:25 Scouting Report: WR Matthew Golden Texas

35:26-44:20 Scouting Report: DT Kenneth Grant Michigan

44:21-53:13 Positional Overview: DT