Steelers Central

On this episode of Steelers Central, we get into the relationship that will decide the Steelers' offensive success this season: Arthur Smith and Aaron Rodgers. The relationship and respect between the offensive coordinator and the quarterback are essential to achieving offensive success, especially between two headstrong individuals. Rodgers and Smith need to be on the same page and have each other’s best interests in mind, particularly in the trying times of the season. I think if things go downhill, the team may suffer as a consequence, with Rodgers being a more vocal player when things aren’t going right. I do think they are off to a better start than Smith and Russell Wilson, though.

Next, it's a topic we discuss every offseason: Will the Steelers attack the MOF more? Russell Wilson did not do this often last year, but when he did, he was successful. Rodgers achieved this at the seventh-highest rate in the NFL, but he did not throw it very far and did not have as much success as Wilson when he did. Quantity or quality, what will the Steelers do this year, especially when you have a coach who is hesitant to throw it there?

The Steelers extended a critical piece to their backend in DeShon Elliott on a two-year extension. I love the Steelers getting out ahead of this signing, and it is a bigger signing than people think. Elliott is a fast, physical tone setter for this defense, and this could solidify the Steelers' having a solid safety duo for years to come. What does this signing mean for the locker room and the team going forward this year?

Lastly, it’s time to take a look at the minicamp winners from last week. Hint: Kaleb Johnson is on there. We won’t get too excited, but we’ll look at a WR who already has an established role, a young tackle looking for a breakout year switching sides, and a feel-good story for one linebacker who missed 1.5 years of football but is looking to rebound.

0:00-19:20 Relationship That Defines Success

19:21-29:15 Success Attacking the Middle

29:16-38:35 Resigning DeShon Elliott

38:36-51:59 Minicamp Winners

On this episode of Steelers Central, it’s time to analyze some key takeaways now that mini-camp is over. I noticed a possibility of achieving more balance offensively, throwing a rookie defensive lineman into the fire, and the return of Minkah Fitzpatrick are just some of the things I observed during the first mandatory team activities.

Next, the Steelers are getting chintzy with teams about trading for a potential playmaker. Teams are saying they are lowballing them for viable weapons, according to one reporter. Why I am not too concerned about this, and isn't that the point of trade talks? Don’t teams start low and meet in the middle!

Lastly, the Steelers have reportedly been interested in either trading for or signing a veteran corner. Which corner do I think would benefit the team the most and align with their “all-in” status? Hint: he’s a former All-Pro player who is disgruntled with his current team and has one year left on his deal. He is also highly versatile, a ball hawk, and a trash talker with a high IQ.

0:00-24:15 Minicamp Takeaways

24:16-29:40 Steelers Lowballing

29:41-38:40 High-end CB Interest

On this episode of Steelers Central, it’s time to talk about the 41-year-old Ayuasca king, Aaron Rodgers. We’ll analyze his contract and why this was the best move if the Steelers truly believe they can “compete”. I will admit that this was not an overpayment by any means, and it was not about the money. This truly seemed like him wanting to evaluate his future and see if this was the right fit for him; according to him, it was a move made by his soul, not his ego. The one thing Rodgers will need to adjust to is the organization not giving him complete control over the staff and his players.

Rodgers’ fit and play will ultimately determine his one-year stint in Pittsburgh. The one big adjustment he and Arthur Smith will have to make is how much he plays from under center. Rodgers is immobile and is more prone to being a shotgun passer, whereas Smith lines up in many heavy power formations. The area I think they will have success in is play-action, as that is something Rodgers has mastered throughout his career and will be an overall upgrade over Russell Wilson.

Speaking of being motivated by money, T.J. Watt showing up to camp is not a big deal yet. This is only three days of minicamp where Watt knows the scheme and is not changing teams. When the dust settles, Watt will get his money, hopefully not $40 million, and attention can be shifted to getting another weapon and focusing on the upcoming season. The Steelers should not be pressured into overpaying a player who is nearing the end of his prime and seeking a substantial salary.

Hypothetically, if things don’t work out, what would a TJ Watt trade look like? Why the Steelers should start their bidding at a first-round pick, but be willing to take a second-round pick, mid-round pick, and a reliable starter or player with potential at a position of need. I’ll also provide you with some teams that may be interested in this improbable scenario.

0:00-14:27  Steelers sign Aaron Rodgers

14:28-29:05 Rodgers’ Fit

29:06-47:15 Watt a no-show at minicamp

47:16-56:36 Watt a Haul

On this episode of Steelers Central, there has not been much noise from either the Steelers or Watt's team regarding Watt's ongoing contract saga. Mark Kaboly recently reported that a significant offer is on the table from the Steelers, but it reportedly does not appeal to Watt's liking. Why the Steelers need to hold firm as they have done with other Steelers' legends, and if required, trade Watt to a contender for draft capital.

Next, what is the ceiling for Roman Wilson? The second-year third-round pick missed all of last year with several lower-body injuries and is coming into this year looking to make an impact in a room that is lacking any star power, and why he can provide the team with some meaningful production and give the team a natural separator for the QB to rely on.

Gabe Davis will also visit the team on Thursday as he continues his search for his next team. Davis was released earlier this offseason by the Jaguars, one year into a $39 million contract. Davis would be the perfect X-WR to fit into Arthur Smith's system and would come at a low cost.

Lastly, I sound off on Ian Rapoport's notion that the Steelers are loading up for one last run with the team's defensive core intact.

0:00-18:20 Watt Contract Saga

18:21-28:00 How Good is Roman Wilson?

28:01-37:15 Gabe Davis= Good Fit

37:16-46:06 Rapoport: Steelers Loading Up

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