First Call: Joe Haden denies contact from Steelers; Omar Khan doesn't plan on moving Mason Rudolph despite trade calls

Tuesday’s “First Call” features a potential Pittsburgh Steelers homecoming idea that may not pan out. Another honor for T.J. Watt. The Pitt soccer team is red-hot to start the year.

And what would “First Call” be without some Mason Rudolph trade talk?

Say it IS so, Joe!

The idea of Joe Haden coming back to the Steelers may be enticing to some, but not enough to the franchise itself.

At least that’s according to Haden.

There had been some talk that the Steelers may reach out to their free-agent former cornerback about a 2022 return. In fact, The Athletic reports that the Steelers have actually contacted Haden about such an idea, but he had no interest.

Haden, however, said that’s untrue.

Fake news!! They got @DrewJRosenhaus number!! https://t.co/IATvuJ7hjb

— Joe Haden (@joehaden23) August 29, 2022

After playing in Pittsburgh from 2017-21, Haden was not re-signed for 2022. An extra spot in the secondary is up for grabs now that safety Damontae Kazee suffered what appeard to be a significant wrist injury on Sunday.

Not moving Mason

The Steelers are getting trade calls on quarterback Mason Rudolph, according to the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

The #Steelers have received trade calls on QB Mason Rudolph, but to this point they’ve been reluctant to deal him, per sources. Rudolph is on the books for just $3 million this season and Pittsburgh isn’t giving him away, even if he's 3rd behind Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 29, 2022

But that doesn’t mean a trade is imminent. Appearing on the “All Things Covered” podcast with former Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden, Steelers general manager Omar Khan said that the franchise isn’t planning to deal any of its three QBs.

“I don’t anticipate it being any different,” Khan said of the quarterback room. “Those three guys are in there. We feel very good about the three quarterbacks. They are competing. Coach [Mike Tomlin] will decide how things will shake out, but we feel good about the three we have on the roster.”

The Detroit Lions are releasing quarterback Tim Boyle. The New York Jets are releasing QB Chris Streveler. Both teams have been rumored destinations for Rudolph in the past.

Related:

• Tim Benz: Najee Harris' revelation about his foot is another example of NFL injury 'paranoia' backfiring for Steelers
• Stock up, stock down among Steelers after preseason finale

T.J. leads the way

ESPN published its list of top 100 players Monday.

T.J. Watt was the most highly regarded Steeler. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year came in at No. 6 in the league. The Rams’ Aaron Donald, No. 2 in the poll, is the only defensive player in front of Watt.

“When the game is on the line, he’ll be the guy to make the big play, to give us a splash, to give us a chance to stay in the game and win the game. He’s always been a game-wrecker,” Steelers defensive lineman Tyson Alualu told ESPN.com.

The other three players are Minkah Fitzpatrick at No.23, followed by Cameron Heyward at No. 82 and Najee Harris at 87. Harris was the seventh running back to be called out.

That number feels much too low for Heyward, but at least he was recognized.

Can’t start much better

The football Backyard Brawl isn’t until Thursday. But the Pitt and West Virginia men’s soccer teams started the fun on Monday.

The No. 7 Panthers blanked the sixth-ranked Mountaineers 3-0 to improve to 2-0 on the season. Bertin Jacquesson, Valentin Noel and Lucas Rosa all scored for Pitt.

CUE SWEET CAROLINE

Two straight wins over top- opponents to start the year for the Panthers #H2P pic.twitter.com/3TlFp9GXlC

— Pitt Men's Soccer (@Pitt_MSOC) August 30, 2022

That’s two straight wins over top-10 foes to start 2022 for the Panthers. They also beat No. 2 Georgetown 2-1 on Thursday. Up next is a road game at Marshall on Friday. WVU looks to rebound Friday at Penn State.