Steelers/NFL category, Page 65
Steelers positional analysis: Future at QB seems like either/or decision — for now
This is the fifth in a series examining the Pittsburgh Steelers roster, position by position, heading into the offseason. Today: Quarterbacks As Pittsburgh Steelers fans discovered last year, predicting the team’s starting quarterback in January is an exercise in futility. Twelve months ago, Kenny Pickett appeared to be poised to...
Mark Madden: Justin Fields has better options than staying with Steelers
This space recently floated the largely accepted notion that starting Justin Fields at quarterback next season makes sense for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fields is 25 and has pedigree, having been selected 11th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. He’s mobile and athletic: Lamar Jackson Lite. If Fields blossoms, perhaps he’s...
First Call: James Harrison doubts Mike Tomlin’s ‘standard’ message; ex-Steeler up for Lions’ defensive job
James Harrison has a pointed critique of Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. Another former Steelers linebacker is in the hunt for a significant coaching promotion. The Penguins try to get right in Seattle on Saturday. On the college hoops scene, Pitt, Duquesne and Robert Morris all play conference games this...
Football Footnotes: Round 4 of Mahomes vs. Allen conjures memories of Bradshaw vs. Stabler
The Steelers and Raiders haven’t faced each other in the playoffs since 1983-84. But with the Buffalo Bills preparing to lock horns with the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday, the glory days of Black and Gold versus Silver and Black are coming back to mind....
Steelers positional analysis: Was Pat Freiermuth underutilized in Arthur Smith’s offense?
This is the fourth in a series examining the Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster, position by position, heading into the offseason. Today: Tight ends When the Pittsburgh Steelers signed tight end Pat Freiermuth to a five-year contract worth nearly $50 million in September, it was done with the expectation he would become...
NFL finalizes dates for 2026 draft in Pittsburgh
Dates have been finalized for the NFL Draft that will be held in Pittsburgh next year. The league announced Thursday that the draft will take place April 23-25, 2026. Last May, Pittsburgh outbid other cities for the chance to host the draft, one of the league’s tentpole events of the...
Steelers OLB T.J. Watt among 5 finalists for AP defensive player of year award
On the day he withdrew from participating in the Pro Bowl games because of injury, Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt again was named a finalist for the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year award. Watt is not considered to be a front-runner to win the award. Watt, who...
Tim Benz: Jim Rooney’s explanation for playoff slump a sobering reality check of Steelers’ lowered standards
Jim Rooney is the brother of Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II. He recently wrote a book about their father, the late Dan Rooney, who also served as the Steelers president and owner of the franchise. As part of a media tour for the book, “A Different Way to Win,”...
First Call: Todd Haley may be in line for another NFL gig; Steelers executive misses out on Raiders job
A former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator may find his way back into the NFL. A Steelers front office member is staying put despite an interview with another team. It’s already NFL mock draft season. And we preview the Penguins’ next stop out west. All that and more is in “First...
U mad, bro?: Steelers fans shift ire from head coach to lack of a QB
Following the Steelers’ latest failed attempt to win a playoff game, most of Pittsburgh’s angst was aimed at head coach Mike Tomlin. However, this week’s “U mad, bro?” appears to be focused on the franchise’s lack of a quarterback. Either way, it’s just as good. Whatever it takes. Vent. Get...
Steelers-themed KFC locations launch in Mexico
Two Kentucky Fried Chicken locations have transformed into a Steelers fan’s paradise, but they’re not in Pittsburgh — they’re in Mexico. KFC Mexico approached the team about creating Steelers-themed KFC locations in Mexico City and Guadalupe, according to Cecelia Cagni, the Steelers’ director of corporate communications. Temporary Steelers branding of...
Steelers positional analysis: Adding to WR room with or without George Pickens is top priority
This is the third in a series examining the Pittsburgh Steelers roster, position by position, heading into the offseason. Today: Wide receivers After spending the 2024 season looking — to no avail — for a wide receiver to pair with George Pickens, the Pittsburgh Steelers will continue their search into...
Impending free agent QB Russell Wilson says talks on new contract have started with Steelers
Russell Wilson not only wants to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025, but the veteran quarterback said the team has taken steps toward making that happen. Appearing on the ESPN’s “Pat McAfee Show” on Wednesday afternoon, Wilson said discussions have started on a new contract. “We have been starting...
Steelers special teams captain Miles Killebrew added as injury replacement to Pro Bowl
Miles Killebrew will get a chance to participate in the Pro Bowl Games for the second year in a row. The Pittsburgh Steelers special teams captain was named Wednesday as an injury replacement for the games, giving the team five representatives at the event, which will be held Feb. 2...
On Sports: Tristan Jarry talks for 1st time since demotion; former Steelers have a shot at the Super BowlVideo
In Wednesday’s “On Sports,” struggling Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry gave his first interview since being sent down to the American Hockey League last week. Meanwhile, in his place, Alex Nedeljkovic has put together some nice starts back-to-back. Plus, a couple of former Steeler quarterbacks are chasing a Super Bowl...
Steelers positional analysis: Jaylen Warren could see feature role with Najee Harris set for free agency
This is the second in a series examining the Pittsburgh Steelers roster, position by position, heading into the offseason. Today: Running backs Since the Pittsburgh Steelers last won a postseason game, they have relied on a first-round pick, a second-rounder and a third-round selection to be their leading rusher. Could...
Steelers center Zach Frazier named to PFWA all-rookie team
Center Zach Frazier, one of three rookies to make significant contributions to the Pittsburgh Steelers this past season, was named to the all-NFL rookie team Tuesday by the Professional Football Writers of America. Frazier, the team’s second-round pick from West Virginia, started 15 of 17 games last season. He was...
Tim Benz: Even if Steelers fans are ‘so spoiled,’ it doesn’t make them wrong
I recently saw that Cleveland area sports commentator Bruce Drennan called Pittsburgh Steelers fans “so spoiled.” Well, compared to the Browns up in Cleveland, obviously. Who isn’t “spoiled” compared to them? Compared to the likes of most franchises when it comes to Super Bowl wins? Again, sure. The Steelers have...
First Call: Steelers reportedly were quick to rebuff trade inquiries about Mike Tomlin; former Steelers coach may get promotion
In Tuesday’s “First Call,” trade talks around Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin have been short and sweet. Also, a former Tomlin assistant coach may get a promotion. It was a busy night for a number of ex-Penguins. Duquesne will be playing against a number of faces Tuesday night that are...
T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, Chris Boswell represent Steelers on football writers’ all-NFL team
T.J. Watt was one of eight repeat selections and among three Pittsburgh Steelers players voted to the all-NFL team Monday by the Professional Football Writers of America. Watt was named to the list for the second consecutive year and fifth time in his career. Also among the players honored by...
Steelers positional analysis: Promising offensive line looking to put aside injuries
This is the first in a series examining the Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster, position by position, heading into the offseason. Today: Offensive line It was just two years ago that the Pittsburgh Steelers fielded the healthiest offensive line in the NFL with their five starters playing 99% of all snaps. As...
First Call: Arthur Smith not favored to land Jets’ head coaching job; Patrick Queen takes dig at Ravens
In Monday’s “First Call,” it looks like Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith isn’t going anywhere. Neither is Mike Tomlin. Nor are the Baltimore Ravens going to the AFC Championship game, and Pittsburgh product Damar Hamlin had a hand in that. Patrick Queen seemed happy to catch the final score....
Madden Monday: Art Rooney II is oblivious to, or disinterested in, criticism of Mike Tomlin
At PiratesFest over the weekend, designated hitter Andrew McCutchen told Pittsburgh Pirates fans to “be careful what you wish for,” when it comes to some of their demands of Bob Nutting to sell the team. Funny. That’s a refrain we’ve heard quite a bit this week in the national media...
Tim Benz: Gap between Pittsburgh sports fans and local team owners has never been so vast
I didn’t attend PiratesFest this weekend. I recently finished covering the Pittsburgh Steelers’ disastrous demise and the Penguins’ washout of a homestand. My Pittsburgh sports masochism knows at least some limitations. But, via TribLIVE’s Kevin Gorman, I did read about the ire directed toward owner Bob Nutting at the fan...
Mark Madden’s hot take: Steelers’ lack of action speaks volumes
The Pittsburgh Steelers won’t swap Mike Tomlin to Chicago or ditch him via any method. The Steelers won’t make any big personnel moves, except perhaps trading wideout George Pickens because his shenanigans go too far even in the laissez-faire culture Tomlin enables. The Steelers won’t make changes to the coaching...
