Joe Rutter stories, Page 28
NFL Draft preview: In lean year for inside linebackers, Steelers can ride with veteran starters
When the Pittsburgh Steelers broke training camp last year, they had three veteran free agents sharing playing time at inside linebacker. All three were starters elsewhere and provided an ample level of comfort at a spot that was completely retooled that offseason. “We felt really good about the position,” general...
NFL Draft preview: Inspired by Micah Parsons, Penn State duo trying to make mark as pass rushers
It’s fitting that Chop Robinson’s draft bio on the NFL website compares him to Dallas Cowboys star defender Micah Parsons. Although they played different positions at Penn State, they have enough similar traits that personnel execs believe Robinson can follow in Parsons’ footsteps and excel as an NFL pass rusher....
NFL Draft preview: High-end defensive tackles lacking in 2024 class
For a team that could use another infusion of youth on the defensive line, the Pittsburgh Steelers elected to stockpile veteran depth in the offseason. The Steelers re-signed nose tackle Montravius Adams to a two-year contract at the outset of free agency. They added ninth-year veteran Dean Lowry, who turns...
NFL Draft preview: Could Steelers’ quest for right tackle lead them back to Georgia?
History might be the only reason to believe the Pittsburgh Steelers won’t select an offensive tackle in the first round of the NFL Draft. Until last season, when they drafted Broderick Jones, the Steelers hadn’t taken a tackle with their first-round pick since 1996, which lessens the odds of them...
NFL Draft preview: Steelers have 3 viable options if they elect to take center in early rounds
Perhaps the worst-kept secret in the NFL is the Pittsburgh Steelers are targeting a center early in the draft, most likely using the No. 20 overall pick to address a position of need. Center, of course, is the one position on the roster where the Steelers don’t have a definitive...
NFL Draft preview: With 5 tight ends on roster, Steelers can focus offensive needs elsewhere
Given their recent emphasis on the position in the NFL Draft, it’s no coincidence the Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t conduct a top-30 visit with any tight end prospects this offseason. The 2021 draft began a three-year run in which the Steelers used a pick on a tight end, including two on...
NFL Draft preview: Deep wide receiver class can play to Steelers’ advantage
As the NFL Draft approaches, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ need for a starting wide receiver is rising faster than the city’s three rivers during the recent flooding. Since general manager Omar Khan shipped Diontae Johnson, the team’s longest-tenured pass catcher, to the Carolina Panthers a month ago, he has yet to...
NFL Draft preview: Running backs expected to face long wait until names get called
Running back continues to be the most devalued position in the NFL. That holds true with the franchise tag, fifth-year option and — as likely will be played out late next week — the draft. Running back is the most affordable — and some would say replaceable — position in...
NFL Draft preview: With QBs in place, Steelers can watch drama play out in 1st round
In a roundabout way, the Pittsburgh Steelers helped shape the top spot in the NFL Draft. When the Steelers acquired Chicago quarterback Justin Fields on March 16, it solidified that the Bears were sold on selecting a passer with the No. 1 overall pick, and it essentially confirmed that they...
WVU center Zach Frazier, Iowa corner Cooper DeJean visit with Steelers
As the pre-draft visit process enters the home stretch, the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to host college prospects at positions of need. The Steelers continued their emphasis on evaluating players at center and cornerback Friday. They brought in West Virginia center Zach Frazier and cornerback Beanie Bishop and Iowa corner Cooper...
First-round offensive tackle prospect Tyler Guyton makes pre-draft visit with Steelers
Reinforcing their interest in players on the offensive and defensive lines, the Pittsburgh Steelers hosted one player from each side of the ball Thursday. Visiting UPMC Rooney Sports Complex for official top-30 visits were Oklahoma offensive tackle Tyler Guyton and Northern Iowa defensive tackle Khristian Boyd. Guyton is a projected...
As NFL meetings conclude, Steelers continue search for No. 2 wide receiver
ORLANDO, Fla. — Two weeks after trading Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, the Pittsburgh Steelers still lack a bona fide No. 2 wide receiver. It hasn’t been for a lack of trying. General manager Omar Khan has added two veterans in free agency — Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins...
Steelers agree to contract with former Falcons return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson
ORLANDO, Fla. — On a day when the NFL adopted a radical new kickoff rule aimed at boosting the number of returns, the Pittsburgh Steelers acquired one of the best returners in the business. The Steelers agreed to terms with Cordarrelle Patterson, formerly of the Atlanta Falcons, on a two-year...
Steelers have change of heart on kickoff rule, vote in favor of radical conceptVideo
ORLANDO, Fla. — Initially opposed to the NFL’s new hybrid kickoff rule, Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II was swayed by popular opinion Tuesday at the league’s annual meetings. The Steelers were one of 29 teams that approved the rule change that was adopted at the NFL annual meeting. Three...
Art Rooney II sees Steelers on path to getting better ‘as quickly as possible’
ORLANDO, Fla. — Art Rooney II didn’t openly tell Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan to change the way he constructs the team’s roster. Judging by the way Khan has conducted business in his second season on the job, it just looks that way. For an organization that generally is...
Injury to Le’Veon Bell in 2015 contributed to Steelers voting to eliminate hip-drop tackle
ORLANDO, Fla. — Nine years after the fact, the sight of Le’Veon Bell writhing in pain on the sideline is one Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II hasn’t forgotten. The Steelers lost Bell, their star running back, to a season-ending injury after he was tackled awkwardly by Cincinnati Bengals linebacker...
Steelers GM Omar Khan surprised by overhaul of QB room, happy with new additions
ORLANDO, Fla. — Omar Khan calls himself a patient person, which makes the two sudden trades the Pittsburgh Steelers’ second-year general manager completed at the outset of NFL free agency contradict that personality trait. In a two-day span — which followed the Russell Wilson signing a few days earlier —...
Steelers agree to deal with well-traveled quarterback Kyle Allen plus DE Dean Lowry
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Pittsburgh Steelers have found their third quarterback as well as another depth piece for the defensive line. General manager Omar Khan announced Monday afternoon at the NFL annual meeting that the Steelers have agreed to contracts with quarterback Kyle Allen and defensive end Dean Lowry. Allen,...
Steelers agree with former Eagles receiver Quez Watkins on 1-year contract
Adding another veteran piece to their wide receiver group, the Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to a one-year contract with former Philadelphia Eagles pass catcher Quez Watkins on a one-year contract, according to a league source. Watkins joins Van Jefferson as wide receivers the Steelers have signed since they traded Diontae...
Ravens coach John Harbaugh laments losing ‘all-time favorite’ Patrick Queen to Steelers
ORLANDO, Fla. — John Harbaugh didn’t want to lose inside linebacker Patrick Queen from the Baltimore Ravens. Not after Queen was selected to his first Pro Bowl in 2023. And particularly not to a division rival such as the Pittsburgh Steelers. Still, that doesn’t mean the Ravens head coach holds...
Mike Tomlin on new Steelers QB Justin Fields: ‘He oozes talent and potential’
ORLANDO, Fla. — Russell Wilson occupies the “pole position” at quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the offseason, but that won’t prevent Justin Fields from getting his chance to unseat the nine-time Pro Bowl and former Super Bowl-winning passer. Coach Mike Tomlin said Monday morning that the intrigue surrounding Fields...
Calling it a ‘good move,’ Mike Tomlin supported Steelers trading WR Diontae Johnson to Panthers
ORLANDO, Fla. — Kenny Pickett may have sought a “change of scenery” that led to his trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Coach Mike Tomlin, though, didn’t get the same feeling about wide receiver Diontae Johnson, the other prominent player the Steelers traded this offseason. The Steelers sent Johnson, their most...
Mike Tomlin enjoying ‘discomfort’ that comes with Steelers turning over quarterback position
ORLANDO, Fla. — Since he last met with reporters in mid-January, Mike Tomlin has watched the only quarterback on his roster get traded in a stunning turn of events that saw the Pittsburgh Steelers acquire Russell Wilson and eventually Justin Fields. Kenny Pickett’s departure earlier in the month guaranteed the...
NFL meetings to focus on change to kickoffs; Steelers propose pushing back trade deadline
If the NFL competition committee has its way, a radical approach to kickoffs will take place next season, and a controversial tackling technique will be outlawed. And if the Pittsburgh Steelers get enough support for their proposal, the league’s trading deadline will be pushed back a week. Such topics —...
Steelers host 3 draft visitors, including top tackle prospect Taliese Fuaga
Continuing to zero in on positions that could be priorities in the NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday hosted two offensive linemen and one wide receiver for official top-30 visits. Meeting with Steelers personnel at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex were Oregon State tackle Taliese Fuaga, Georgia State tackle Travis...
