All articles tagged with #pittsburgh steelers
Steelers GM Omar Khan says Rodgers’ decision this year shouldn’t drag on like 2025; ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports a mid‑March decision window around the start of the new league year, with optimism Rodgers could return to Pittsburgh after a season that produced an AFC North title and 24 TDs to 7 INTs.
The Steelers’ 2026 Combine tracker shows 2 formal and 2 informal known meetings so far, with listed prospects including Darrell Jackson Jr. (DL, Florida State), Lee Hunter (Texas Tech), Jake Golday (LB, Cincinnati), Bryce Boettcher (Oregon), and Anthony Lucas (EDGE, USC); updates will continue throughout the week.
At the Steelers’ 2026 media day, GM Omar Khan stressed flexibility over sweeping changes, signaling that no drastic roster purge is planned even as he keeps options open with top players. He offered guarded updates: Broderick Jones’ neck injury is significant with no clear timetable; Jones’ return and Kaleb Johnson’s rookie year status remain murky; Darnell Washington’s broken arm won’t derail plans and DeShon Elliott is on schedule; fifth-year option for Jones likely declined with Dylan Cook in the left‑tackle mix. On Aaron Rodgers, he acknowledged no hard deadline but expects a decision sooner than later. He also avoided firm guarantees on veterans like Patrick Queen and Jalen Ramsey while stressing cap space could support unconventional moves (extensions for multiple tight ends or extra edge rushers). Overall, Khan’s tone kept the Steelers flexible rather than predictive.
Steelers GM Omar Khan says Mike McCarthy’s draft involvement will be very similar to Mike Tomlin’s, with McCarthy joining pro days and dinner meetings as planning begins. McCarthy has already engaged in pre-draft work and isn’t expected to back away from the process, though it remains to be seen if the team values the same traits. The Steelers emphasize “Steelers DNA” even as the exact physical and character criteria may evolve during the pro day circuit.
Dallas bolstered its offense by trading for George Pickens, a top-10 receiver last season, pairing him with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb in a move many view as lopsided given Pittsburgh’s need to replace him and the Steelers’ rumored pursuit of Tyreek Hill (who is a free agent after Dolphins release) or DK Metcalf. The Hill angle highlights Pittsburgh’s aggressive win-now mindset, while Dallas’s acquisition reinforces a blueprint for sustained contention.
An NFL insider predicts Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson could go in the top half of the first round, potentially forcing Pittsburgh to trade up from pick 21 to grab him. With multiple first-rounders, teams like the Browns, Jets, and Rams could make aggressive moves to target Simpson. His strong early-season start gave way to a late slump tied to weight loss from gastritis, but scouts may still see upside, especially with a high-profile showing at the NFL Combine.
Mike Wagner, the Steelers safety who helped the team win four Super Bowls in the 1970s, has died at 76. An 11th‑round pick in 1971, he spent 10 NFL seasons with Pittsburgh, was a Pro Bowler in 1975-76 and a second-team All-Pro in 1976, played in 119 regular-season games with 36 interceptions, and was praised by Steelers owner Art Rooney II for his toughness, consistency and team‑first mindset.
Rodgers has discussed a potential 2026 return with Steelers coach Mike McCarthy, with insiders saying the odds of a Steelers reunion are increasing; a contract would be required and Rodgers hasn’t made a final decision, but McCarthy’s openness to him as QB1 has renewed the possibility of him playing in Pittsburgh.
The Atlanta Falcons plan to release quarterback Kirk Cousins ahead of the 2026 free-agent period, making the veteran signal-caller available as the quarterback market is expected to be thin. Signed to a $180 million deal in 2024, Cousins spent 2025 backing up Michael Penix Jr. and started eight games with declining numbers after Penix’s ACL injury. With a new regime moving on, Cousins could attract interest as a bridge option, potentially drawing teams like Pittsburgh though competition and age temper expectations.
The Steelers hired Brian Angelichio as offensive coordinator, reuniting with Mike McCarthy to give the offense an identity and boost Pat Freiermuth, whose role shrank despite a strong 2024 season. Angelichio's tight‑end background is expected to revitalize Freiermuth’s game, while Darnell Washington remains a key piece in an adapted TE plan.
Brian Angelichio is nearing a deal to become the Steelers' offensive coordinator, potentially making him the team's fourth OC in four seasons, with head coach Mike McCarthy reportedly saying he will call the plays. Angelichio has spent the last four years with Minnesota as passing game coordinator and tight ends coach under Kevin O’Connell, after previously coaching tight ends for the Packers (2016–18) under Mike McCarthy and stints with the Panthers, Buccaneers, Browns and Commanders. The Steelers also interviewed Cowboys TE coach Lunda Wells and Saints QB coach Scott Tolzien.
The Steelers are adding Frank Cignetti Jr. to their offensive staff, reuniting with Mike McCarthy after their Green Bay days. Cignetti, currently the offensive coordinator at IUP, has a long NFL résumé and college coaching background. With Tom Arth retained as quarterbacks coach, Cignetti would take a different role whose exact title isn’t decided and could be a senior offensive assistant or another new designation as Pittsburgh looks to spark its offense.
The Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly expect Aaron Rodgers to return for the 2026 season, with Mike McCarthy now at the helm and Rodgers’ strong 2025 showing fueling optimism; insiders say the organization believes he still wants to play and would provide continuity at quarterback if he comes back.
Under new coach Mike McCarthy, Pittsburgh is looking to upgrade its offense for 2026 and reportedly eyeing Alec Pierce as a potential No. 2 wide receiver to pair with DK Metcalf. Pierce’s 2025 numbers with the Colts—1,003 yards and 6 TDs—make him an appealing, versatile target, as the Steelers consider adding multiple receivers to lift a lagging passing game.
The Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly expect Aaron Rodgers to be their starting quarterback next season if he decides to continue playing in the NFL. Steelers insider Mark Kaboly says the team believes Rodgers still wants to play, and new coach Mike McCarthy has indicated he’d welcome him back, though Rodgers has not announced retirement after last season. Rodgers, 42, had 3,322 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 16 games, and his decision in the coming weeks will largely determine whether he returns to the league and to Pittsburgh.