First Call: Steelers reportedly had trade interest in a punter; Aaron Rodgers curious about Packers WR

Wednesday’s “First Call” includes an interesting subplot to the Steelers’ punter decision. One of Aaron Rodgers’ former receivers just became available, while another did not.

And an ex-Pirates pitcher is heading north of the border once more, while a recent Bucs’ farmhand had a huge night.

Who wanted Waitman?

Many felt that the Steelers’ punting decision may come down to who may get trade interest.

Apparently, Corliss Waitman got some, but they kept him anyway and terminated the contract of Cam Johnston.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the New Orleans Saints were interested in acquiring Waitman in a trade, but the Steelers didn’t reciprocate.

Corliss Waitman has won the Steelers punter job, and he had interest elsewhere. The Saints inquired about trading for him before the Steelers made the final decision to stick with him.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 26, 2025

Johnston was in the second year of a three-year, $9 million contract. He was injured in the season opener last year.

Checking in

Aaron Rodgers appears to be interested in one of his former pass catchers.

The Steelers sure could use one of those.

According to Packers On SI writer Bill Huber, Rodgers asked about the status of receiver Romeo Doubs during a recent conversation.

Doubs is one of six Packers receivers on the 53-man roster. Last week, Packers coach Matt LaFleur seemed agitated with the speculation that Doubs might be cut.

Romeo Doubs is NOT going anywhere & Matt Lafleur is annoyed it's even a question.@packers #gopackgo pic.twitter.com/8dPVCxSkO1

— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) August 21, 2025

Last year, Doubs played in 13 games, caught 46 passes for 601 yards and four touchdowns, averaging a career-high 13.1 yards per reception.

Doubs’ rookie year of 2022 was the last year for Rodgers in Green Bay.

During the interview, Rodgers also commented on facing the Packers for the first time since he left the team after 18 years as the franchise’s quarterback. They’ll be in Pittsburgh on Oct. 26.

“I’ve thought about it,” Rodgers said. “I was thinking maybe coming to Lambeau would be amazing. … It won’t be as energized, I would say, if we were coming back to Lambeau instead of having the Packers out to Pittsburgh. The thing is, not many guys that I’ve played with are still there.”

The Steelers play Rodgers’ other former team in Week 1 when they visit the New York Jets.

A move for Malachi?

One receiver who is a former Rodgers teammate available now is Malachi Corley. He was released by New York after being a third-round pick last year.

Corley only ended up playing nine games in his rookie season, catching three passes for 16 yards. He also ran the ball twice for 26 yards. On one of those plays, he lost a fumble on a premature celebration heading into the end zone.

What we thought was a Jets TD... is a touchback! Houston ball ????#HOUvsNYJ on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/D3liGAROrt

— NFL (@NFL) November 1, 2024

The Steelers were known to be interested in Corley coming out of Western Kentucky. He came into Pittsburgh for a pre-draft visit. The Jets were also interested in eventual Steelers pick Roman Wilson.

After the draft ended, New York posted some footage of general manager Joe Douglas working the phones extensively to make sure they landed one of those two receivers in the third round.

In the end, New York moved up from pick No. 72 to No. 65 in order to draft him.

Jets released footage of Joe Douglas attempting to trade up for Malachi Corley multiple times, until he finally got a deal done with Carolina

(Jets were also considering Roman Wilson. And Douglas was very excited the Colts drafted AD Mitchell) pic.twitter.com/TNuybZgs7c

— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) May 1, 2024

But whatever Douglas liked about Corley, new GM Darren Mougey obviously doesn’t.

Related

• Analysis: Breaking down who stayed and who went as the Steelers made their mandatory final roster cuts
• Pirates give Mitch Keller plenty of early offense in victory over Cardinals
• Tim Benz: A layer of irony to the latest Kenny Pickett trade

Borucki back where it began

Former Pirate Ryan Borucki is going back to the team that drafted him. The left-hander was picked up by the Toronto Blue Jays.

The 31-year-old pitcher was released by the Pittsburgh Pirates on Aug. 18 after being designated for assignment three days earlier. He had been with the Pittsburgh organization for the last three seasons after starting his career with the Blue Jays as a 15th-round pick in 2012.

In between, Borucki played part of the 2022 season in Seattle.

Borucki was immediately sent to Triple-A Buffalo, which was playing against the Pirates’ farm team from Indianapolis.

ROSTER MOVE: LHP Ryan Borucki has been assigned to the #Bisons and is active tonight in Indianapolis. Welcome back to the Herd, Ryan! pic.twitter.com/kRGN4ynMfA

— Buffalo Bisons (@BuffaloBisons) August 26, 2025

The Bisons won that game 5-4. Borucki didn’t pitch. Indy catcher Rafael Flores (part of the David Bednar trade) homered twice in the loss.

???? Home Run Rafael Flores! ????

A two out, 3-run shot to left field! His 3rd in the Bucs organization, and RBI's 16,17, & 18.

Flores has been HOT down in AAA Indy -

Slashing .314/.375/.429 since August 14th ???? pic.twitter.com/5VKljWOtKg

— Christian ✞ (@CWolfPGH) August 26, 2025

???? 2-Homer night for Rafael Flores! ????

He homered in the 1st inning, & just did it again in the 7th!

Really beginning to turn it on in AAA ????
pic.twitter.com/hAKyJTURYg

— Christian ✞ (@CWolfPGH) August 27, 2025

Indians infielder Alika Williams went 3 for 5 as well.