Category: Pittsburgh Steelers

Re-evaluation: Steelers WRs marginal, not spectacular in 2024

Steel City Underground presents a post-2024 NFL season re-evaluation of each positional group on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster in this series, highlighting the standout player or players among each group.

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the season with a bevy of options at wide receiver. They had a mix of familiar players and free agent additions that provided excellent depth. Unfortunately, the mix produced marginal, not spectacular, results last season for a number of reasons. We re-evaluate those players and their production on offense.

Wide Receivers: George Pickens, Calvin Austin, Van Jefferson, Mike Williams, Ben Skowronek, Scotty Miller, Roman Wilson

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The “starters”

The primary receivers that got the nod to start the majority of games for the Steelers were Pickens, Austin, and Jefferson. With Pickens and Austin the only Steelers returners due to the trade of Diontae Johnson. Jefferson was a free agent addition brought in to provide big-play potential opposite Pickens.

Of the three, Pickens led the team in several offensive statistics but showed he was less of a leader personality wise. Highly talented, Pickens had trouble controlling his emotions despite his 59 receptions for 900 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games. He ranked sixth among all NFL receivers with a minimum of 50 receptions, but drew penalties that hurt the team. For a player that posted 15.3 yards per catch, Pickens could have settled in for a 1,000 yard plus season had he dealt with frustration over the performance of the offense in a more mature manner.

Of the starting receivers, Austin arguably had the best overall performance in 2024. Despite his 5-foot-9 height, Austin showcased his athleticism and speed in his third season by grabbing 36 catches for 548 yards and four touchdowns. Perhaps unexpectedly, he averaged 15.2 yards per catch and showed that he, too, could make big plays. His ability to play in the middle of the field was often a recipe for success. Austin doubled up by ranking seventh in the league as a punt returner with a 10.3-yard average.

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Very early, it was apparent that Jefferson was not “that guy” – the threat opposite Pickens – despite being a generally reliable receiver. Starter of 12 of 17 games, mainly as the offense waxed and waned and the coaching staff looked for a spark, Jefferson finished the season with just 24 catches for 276 yards and two touchdowns.

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Disappointments and surprises

Due to injury issues, rookie Roman Wilson never truly contributed, but others stepped up in various roles at receiver.

Despite adding Williams to the roster – an attempt to create more splash – the veteran caught just nine passes for 132 yards and one touchdown in nine games. He didn’t show the downfield threat ability he had in previous BFL seasons and his biggest impacts were in games that Pickens was not a part of.

Miller, typically a slot receiver, rarely got opportunities, making just five receptions for 69 yards in 13 games.

The surprise was Skowronek who was added to replace Wilson in the receivers group. In ten games, Skowronek played with a bit more urgency to his game while securing five catches for 69 yards. As the Steelers’ top gunner on coverage team, Skowronek proved he was also a willing, tough blocker in the run game, marking him as the best depth player for the Steelers among the group they fielded in 2024.

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Looking forward

The Steelers revamped their receivers group in 2024, but the personnel did not meet expectations. Jefferson has moved on to the Tennessee Titans, Williams back to the Los Angeles Chargers for 2025. The Steelers re-signed Miller to a one-year contract and hope to see Wilson on the field for them in the upcoming season. Skowronek, recently married, was given a two-year contract by the Steelers this spring.

The biggest news is that veteran D.K. Metcalf was signed during free agency and could be the big-bodied, playmaker the Steelers need opposite Pickens if the latter can stick with the team after the 2025 NFL Draft.

Re-evaluation: Steelers WRs marginal, not spectacular in 2024 appeared first on Steel City Underground.

SCU Week in Review – March 23rd

In case you missed it (or anything) the SCU Week in Review recaps all articles, videos, posts and more, shared via Steel City Underground’s various platforms throughout the week.

Did the Steelers fumble their plans at the quarterback position?

Media and fans everywhere are in a frenzy, almost a panic, believing the Pittsburgh Steelers have botched their quarterback plans for the future. However, do we really know what their plans are?

Surely, there is a plan from a calculated Omar Khan, who has been aggressive in other areas. Is that plan to roll with an expensive veteran still or to bypass blowing money by operating with a bridge quarterback to get their to eventual long-term suitor?

The hosts also discuss the criticism of not taking a quarterback while Ben Roethlisberger was under contract and how that may be unwarranted.

View the video below on YouTube or visit our podcast page to find it on all popular audio platforms.

Weekly Highlights

Re-evaluation: Steelers linebackers remained reliable

Re-evaluation: Steelers linebackers remained reliable

Was this the Steelers QB plan all along?

Was this the Steelers QB plan all along?

2024 Steelers Season Recall: Doubling down on o-line on day two of draft

2024 Steelers Season Recall: Doubling down on o-line on day two of draft

Throwback Thursday: Steelers HOFer Kevin Greene turns pro wrestler

Throwback Thursday: Steelers HOFer Kevin Greene turns pro wrestler

Fan Friday: 4 amazing facts every Steelers fan should know about Acrisure Stadium

Fan Friday: 4 amazing facts every Steelers fan should know about Acrisure Stadium

Quick Hits

SCU Week in Review – March 23rd appeared first on Steel City Underground.

Plays of the Year: Pierre pick ends Browns comeback attempt

Steel City Underground will pick an exceptional play of the game as a highlight each week of the Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 NFL regular season. Stay tuned as we hand-select the very best from the Black and Gold!

On Sunday, December afternoon, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense was dominant in their Week 14 game with the Cleveland Browns. As the final stretch of the 2024 NFL regular season kicked off, the Steelers were also able to take advantage of errors the Browns made on the field at Acrisure Stadium to move to 10-3 on the season, earning a 27-14 victory.

Following a fourth-quarter Cleveland touchdown, the Steelers’ offense turned the ball over to the Browns when Cordarrelle Patterson lost a fumble at midfield. Set up at the 50-yard line, Browns quarterback Jameis Winston made a critical error on the second play of the new offensive series to give the ball right back to Pittsburgh.

On 1st & 10 at the Pittsburgh 39, Winston took the snap from shotgun, operating the no-huddle offense with just 4:07 left in the game. Winston, pressured from the blind side by Alex Highsmith, let the ball go, deep, intending to hit receiver Elijah Moore. Instead, the ball sailed a bit deeper – right into the arms of cornerback James Pierre.

It was the first interception for Pierre this season, who shared snaps as a secondary defensive back in the rotation. It was just the third pick in his career.

The pick was the second of the game for the Steelers; Keeanu Benton grabbed his career-first interception on a screen play in the second quarter. The takeaway slammed the door shut on any chance of a Browns offensive comeback as Pittsburgh improved to 10-3. Little would we know, this would be their final victory of the season.

Plays of the Year: Pierre pick ends Browns comeback attempt appeared first on Steel City Underground.

Fan Friday: 4 amazing facts every Steelers fan should know about Acrisure Stadium

Acrisure Stadium, formerly Heinz Field, is more than just a football venue—it’s a cornerstone of Pittsburgh sports culture. While its name has changed, its legacy as one of the NFL’s most iconic venues hasn’t. Home to the Steelers since 2001, this stadium has hosted countless thrilling moments.

While it lags behind the ultra-modern features of newer stadiums, its history, atmosphere, and significance to fans make it among the best. Here are four incredible facts every Steelers fan should know about their home field.

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Consistently ranked among the NFL’s best venues

Acrisure Stadium (formerly Heinz Field) has aged like fine wine. Since opening in 2001, it’s earned praise for blending grit with charm. Sports Illustrated ranked it the 11th-best NFL stadium, beating every venue in the AFC North.

USA Today also ranks the stadium as the 9th best in the NFL. But what’s the secret? Location, location, location. Nestled on Pittsburgh’s North Shore, it offers sweeping views of the Ohio River and easy walks to bars and restaurants. Sure, it lacks the flashy tech of modern stadiums—concourses feel dated, and luxury suites aren’t as lavish. But fans don’t care.

The energy here is electric. Tailgates bleed into the stands, creating a deafening home-field advantage. Since 2017, the Steelers have won 68% of their home games at Acrisure. While the lease runs through 2030, contract extension talks will likely begin in 2026-2027. For now, this 24-year-old gem remains a fortress of black-and-gold pride.

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It is also among the safest NFL stadiums

Fan safety is a growing concern at NFL games, with incidents of altercations and disorderly conduct rising across the league. However, Acrisure Stadium ranks among the safest venues, placing 10th in a Bryant Baucom study that analyzed crime rates in and around stadiums.

This ranking is particularly noteworthy when considering national trends. A Sportsbook Review survey reveals that 4 in 10 NFL fans have witnessed or experienced crimes at or around stadiums. About 45% of women aren’t comfortable attending games alone, and 77.2% of parents won’t let their children attend without supervision.

These statistics highlight the importance of stadium safety, making Acrisure Stadium’s high safety ranking a significant point of pride. Another study suggests that Acrisure Stadium and the surrounding area experience 36.03 crimes per 1,000 residents. By contrast, Empower Field at Mile High leads the ranking as the NFL’s most unsafe stadium, with a disturbing 74.14 crimes per 1,000 residents.

That’s not to say incidents never happen. In 2022, a tragic escalator fall claimed a fan’s life—the first fatality in the stadium’s history. Similarly, in 2023, an unruly fan was ejected twice for harassing others. CBS News reports the assailant was booked for reckless trespassing and sent to the Allegheny County Jail. Still, security stays sharp. Surveillance systems, bag checks, and strict ejection policies keep risks low.

Stadium officials and local law enforcement work together to ensure a safe environment for fans. Security personnel quickly handle disruptions, as unruly attendees are ejected if necessary. Despite these measures, accidents still happen. Slips and falls, collisions in crowded areas, accidents in the parking lot, or injury caused by another fan’s actions can cause serious harm.

In such instances, particularly if someone’s negligence caused the incident, you must know your legal options. First, seek immediate medical attention. Then, consult a personal injury lawyer to understand your rights and potential legal outcomes. Whether determining liability or navigating insurance claims, professional legal support can make all the difference in handling an unfortunate situation.

However, TorHoerman Law suggests documenting the evidence, as it can strengthen your case. Ensure you collect as many photos or videos as possible and keep track of anything specific to the case. It can be the key to negotiating fair compensation.

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It’s a FEMA-designated emergency hub

Beyond football, Acrisure Stadium plays a vital role in the community. The stadium is one of four NFL stadiums designated as an emergency response site by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). According to WBOY.com, it can be used as a shelter during extreme weather events or large-scale emergencies.

Other stadiums include New York’s MetLife Stadium, Seattle’s Lumen Field, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers Raymond James Stadium.

Acrisure Stadium has undergone extensive assessments to ensure it can function effectively during disasters. Stadium facilities can be used for mass evacuations, medical response, and temporary housing. Due to its large capacity and central location, the stadium is crucial to Pittsburgh’s emergency preparedness.

The FEMA designation is reviewed annually, ensuring the venue remains ready to support the city during disasters. This recognition highlights the stadium’s significance beyond sports, reinforcing its value to the Pittsburgh community. For Pittsburghers, this means peace of mind. Whether you’re cheering a touchdown or fleeing a storm, Acrisure has your back.

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It’s more than a football field

Acrisure Stadium isn’t just for Steelers football—it’s a multipurpose venue hosting concerts, international soccer matches, and major entertainment events. Over the years global superstars such as U2, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Guns N’ Roses, Beyoncé, Kenny Chesney, and The Rolling Stones have performed there.

In addition to music events, the stadium has hosted club soccer matches featuring teams such as Borussia Dortmund, S.L. Benfica, Manchester City, Liverpool, and AC Milan. Its versatile design allows for seamless transformations, accommodating various sporting and entertainment needs.

The stadium’s infrastructure is impressive, featuring 6,000 square feet of locker room space that’s shared between the Pittsburgh Steelers and The University of Pittsburgh Panthers (who each have individual locker room areas in addition to visitor’s lockers.) Even the grass is elite—Kentucky bluegrass, a surface players prefer over artificial turf.

Looking ahead, Acrisure Stadium continues to attract major events. According to WTAE-TV, AC/DC will bring their “Power Up” tour to the venue in May, returning to national touring after nearly a decade.

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Final thoughts

For over two decades, Steelers Nation knew it as Heinz Field. Since the naming rights were acquired by insurance brokerage firm Acrisure in 2022 they’ve known it by a different name. While the name may be different, the stadium’s heart and soul remain the same.

Fans who are interested can take advantage of offseason guided tours. Visitors can explore the locker rooms, press box, and FedEx Great Hall. These tours give fans a behind-the-scenes look at one of the NFL’s most iconic venues, with plenty of historical memorabilia on display. If you’re there on game day, tailgating is a beloved tradition for Steelers fans. You can soak in the pregame atmosphere in designated areas surrounding the stadium.

Acrisure Stadium is more than just the Steelers’ home —it’s a beloved landmark in Pittsburgh. From its high NFL stadium rankings to its commitment to fan safety, emergency preparedness, and spectacular events, it is essential to the city’s identity. For Steelers fans, it’s home.

Next time you walk through those gates, remember that you’re stepping into a landmark as resilient and spirited as Pittsburgh. Here’s hoping for 22 more years of history.

Fan Friday: 4 amazing facts every Steelers fan should know about Acrisure Stadium appeared first on Steel City Underground.

Throwback Thursday: Steelers HOFer Kevin Greene turns pro wrestler

Steel City Underground takes fans back in time to feature events, special moments, and historical times and players in the world of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Steelers Nation. Join us in our “Steelers Throwback Thursday” series as we revisit these moments.

There are a few free agent NFL players that the Pittsburgh Steelers grabbed off the market that became stars while wearing the black and gold; very few landed in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Linebacker Kevin Greene was an anomaly. While Steelers fans know quite a bit about his playing career, many may not know that the Hall of Famer once turned from professional football to the ring as a professional wrestler, however.

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The football career

Greene, a former Auburn Tiger, was selected by the Birmingham Stallions of the USFL (United States Football League) and later by the Los Angeles Rams of the NFL in 1985. For two seasons, Greene played defensive end in the nickel defense for the Rams. He moved to outside linebacker, but the Rams changed their defensive scheme in 1991; they opted for a 4-3 which was unfamiliar territory for Greene.

In 1993, in a big move, the Steelers reached out to Greene during free agency, and Greene agreed to a contract. In an exclusive interview here on Steel City Underground, Greene said,

“I signed with the Steelers in 1993 because: They employed a 3-4 defense and they wanted me to play Left Outside Linebacker. I feel in love with the city of Pittsburgh. Coming through the Ft. Pitt Tunnel for the first time and seeing the city of Pittsburgh in all it’s glory was awesome.”

Greene moved back to left outside linebacker opposite Greg Lloyd and became the “bookends” in the Steelers’ “Blitzburgh” defense under head coach Bill Cowher.

Despite playing in Pittsburgh for just three seasons in his Hall of Fame career, Greene made a major impact as a member of the Steelers defense and chose to enter the Hall of Fame as a member of the team despite going to the Carolina Panthers before retiring from playing in the NFL.

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Pro wrestler

Greene joined a handful of celebrities that WCW (World Championship Wrestling) president Eric Bischoff brought in during the late 1990s to generate mainstream publicity. He appeared in storylines that involved “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, Ric Flair, and fellow NFL alumnus Steve McMichael.

In one WCW arc, McMichael’s wife Debra was flirted with by Flair. After being chased out of the arena by Miss Elizabeth and Woman, Debra returned to the ring with a metal briefcase. With Randy Savage as coach, McMichael hit Greene with it in order to solidify his position as one of the “Four Horsemen.”

In 1997, one year later, Greene returned during the Great American Bash to face “Mongo” McMichael in the ring over the betrayal. Jeff Jarrett attempted to repeat the briefcase smash, but Greene got his revenge, as seen below in this footage:

On June 22, 1998, Greene faced The Giant on WCW Monday Nitro. The match ended when Bill Goldberg, a former Rams teammate of Greene’s, made his appearance in the ring.

Due to contract stipulations that prevented Greene from wrestling while with the Panthers in 1998, Greene appeared in just five pro wrestling matches, four on pay-per-view.

“It sucked.  I’ll just be honest with you,” Goldberg said per Mike Lacett.  “I’m sure it was hard for him because he had to give up something that he loved.”

“He understands what it took to reach such a high level in the NFL. I’m sure some of the same principals would have carried over into wrestling and he would learn what he needed to learn,” Bischoff was quoted by Lacett. “No doubt in my mind he could have.”

In the end, Greene earned the glory of wearing the gold jacket of the Pro Football Hall of Fame after coaching with Jason Gildon as assistant linebackers coach during training camp with the Steelers in 2008 before being hired by the Green Bay Packers in 2009 under Dom Capers. In 2013, he left the pros to coach his son’s high school football team. Greene’s last two-year stint in the NFL was with the New York Jets as their outside linebackers coach under Todd Bowles.

Greene, forever memorialized as a Steelers great, is a member of the team’s Hall of Honor and passed away in December 2020. He’ll long be remembered for his athletic contributions to professional sports and remains a prominent figure in Pittsburgh sports history.

Throwback Thursday: Steelers HOFer Kevin Greene turns pro wrestler appeared first on Steel City Underground.

2024 Steelers Season Recall: Doubling down on o-line on day two of draft

Steel City Underground presents our 2024 Steelers Recall: a look back at Pittsburgh Steelers games and storylines from last season.

The Pittsburgh Steelers were heavily focused on rebuilding their offensive line over the last few seasons. On the first day of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Steelers would stick with those plans, selecting Oregon State offensive tackle Troy Fautanu. Fautanu would be the second offensive tackle the Steelers took in the first round in consecutive drafts, but they still had one more major hole to fill on their line heading into day two of the 2024 draft.

Steel City Underground’s draft group discussed the possibility that Omar Khan would likely target a true center in the second round. The uncertainty was whether one of the top prospects would still be on the board when the Steelers picked at No. 51 overall.

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The Steelers would spend back-to-back picks on offensive linemen for the first time since selecting Mike Adams and David DeCastro in the 2012 NFL Draft. Pittsburgh selected West Virginia center Zach Frazier in the second round to pair with the Fautanu pick.

Frazier may have slid a bit on teams’ draft boards due to the broken leg he’d received in the Mountaineers’ final regular-season game in 2023. However, the former wrestler and gritty offensive center looked healthy at the NFL Scouting Combine that spring. Frazier recorded 30 bench press repetitions (225 pounds) and was well known for his weightlifting and conditioning efforts.

Frazier was ranked 3rd in production, 13th in athleticism, and 4th among all NFL prospects at the center position per NFL.com.

New Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who has a history of building offenses with a focus on controlling the line of scrimmage, said after the pick of Frazier, “If you want to play a certain brand of football… the Steelers brand of football… it certainly helps to have the right guys.”

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Some of Frazier’s strengths were his exceptional core strength and solid frame, upper body power that allows him to widen run lanes, the ability to drive opponents into the ground, quick visual awareness, solid punch and placement of hands.

The plan going forward was to pair the rookies, Fautanu and Frazier, with 2023 first round selection OT Broderick Jones and well compensated veteran guards Isaac Seumalo and James Daniels to build toward Smith’s vision.

Frazier would start the summer behind veteran Nate Herbig for reps as the Steelers starting center. However, Herbig would sustain an injury early in the preseason process and be placed on injured reserve, opening the doors for Frazier to become the starter.

Frazier would start 15 games as a rookie, and was ranked the 6th best center in the NFL (out of a possible 60) by Pro Football Focus (PFF).

Also, he was one of nine centers to give up a single sack or fewer (with a minimum of 900 blocking snaps) according to PFF. Frazier would be named to PFF’s All-Rookie team for his 2024 performance.

Following Frazier’s selection the Steelers had a pair of third round picks to use to shore up some other positions on the roster. One move would attempt to fill another glaring hole on the wide receiver depth chart, but did not work as planned.

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With pick 84 overall, the Steelers selected Michigan WR Roman Wilson. He would start the trend of Pittsburgh adding players that attended this year’s Senior Bowl. The 5’11”, 185 pound receiver played for the 2023 NCAA championship Michigan Wolverines squad, bringing a tenacity that helped the champions’ run game. He would also add speed to the Steelers receiving corps.

At the combine Wilson recorded a 40-yard dash time of 4.39 seconds and a 1.52 second 10-yard split.

Wilson was a second-team All-Big Ten Conference awardee, and Michigan’s Co-Offensive Skill Player of the Year. He led the Wolverines with 48 receptions for 789 yards in 2023 and tied for ninth in the FBS with 12 receiving touchdowns. The receiver attacked the intermediate and deep portions of the field for Michigan.

The hope was Wilson would take pressure off of George Pickens, a budding star who was often double-teamed without another viable receiving threat on the field. Like the bad luck that struck Fautanu, that plan never materialized either. Wilson would not play in the preseason and spent most of his 2024 season on injured reserve or inactive. He would dress for a single game in Week 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders, totaling five offensive snaps.

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With their other third round selection (98th overall) the Steelers would surprise everyone by taking another player with the last name Wilson, though the true surprise was the draft’s top-ranked linebacker falling into the bottom of the top 100 picks.

Despite signing Patrick Queen to a large free agent contract nearly one month earlier, GM Omar Khan addressed the interior linebacker position again with the addition of North Carolina State’s Payton Wilson. The 6’4″, 233 pound linebacker recorded a 4.43 second time in the 40-yard dash at the combine.

His overall combine score ranked first among all linebackers, but he would fall into the bottom of the third round after teams discovered he played without an ACL.

A multi-sport high school athlete, Wilson had a non-stop motor to find his way into high tackle opportunities. Wilson also possessed the sideline-to-sideline flexibility and speed the Steelers covet in their pass defense schemes.

With the team having lost both playcalling linebackers Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander to season-ending injuries in 2023, the addition of Wilson would provide a safety net in 2024. Snagging

2024 Steelers Season Recall: Doubling down on o-line on day two of draft appeared first on Steel City Underground.

Was this the Steelers QB plan all along?

As the NFL’s offseason is fully underway with the start of the free agency period the Pittsburgh Steelers ended the first week of the signing period without a defined starter at the quarterback position. Some fans feel the team has botched finding a long-term solution at the position following the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger.

It’s unfair to fault the Steelers for not replacing Ben so quickly. Finding a replacement for a future Hall of Famer can be a difficult, if not impossible task at any position. It was never apparent when Roethlisberger would hang up his cleats. Because of that moving target, the Steelers were in a tough place to waste draft picks or spend money on a viable heir when they were still attempting to win championships with Big Ben.

Following his retirement, Pittsburgh has attempted all avenues of finding their next franchise quarterback including reclamation projects of former first-round picks (Mitchell Trubisky, Justin Fields), using a first-round pick to draft a rookie (Kenny Pickett), or kicking the tires on former Super Bowl-winning veterans (Russell Wilson). Those efforts proved fruitless, as all three of the quarterbacks on the 2023 depth chart (Trubisky, Pickett, and Rudolph) were gone following that season.

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This offseason is set to look similar, with two of the three players from the 2024 depth chart having signed with other teams. While Russell Wilson is still available, third-string QB Kyle Allen has signed with the Detroit Lions while Justin Fields agreed to terms on a substantial contract with the New York Jets. Some fans are calling the handling of Fields a mistake, however, it’s a mistake to think that way.

Despite FanDuel’s latest news and odds leaning toward Justin Fields or Aaron Rodgers as the Steelers 2025 starter, Pittsburgh’s current path may have been their plan all along. With the previous path of developing a quarterback (Rudolph, Pickett) or trying to tap the potential in a failed first-round pick (Trubisky) the Steelers set out to do something different in 2024.

One of the bigger misconceptions last season is that the Steelers heavily pursued Justin Fields as their starter. Weeks went by with no news until former Super Bowl winner Russell Wilson was released from the Denver Broncos. Due to being owed a substantial amount by his former team, Wilson became an easy free-agent target with a bottom-dollar contract.

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It wasn’t until Wilson signed with the Steelers that Kenny Pickett demanded a trade. Pickett was unwilling to compete or play behind the veteran and was traded, leaving the team without a backup. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has always preferred an experienced quarterback as his second option and the Chicago Bears just happened to have a former first-round selection (7th overall) they were willing to part with (Justin Fields).

The early speculation that the Steelers had their eyes set on Fields as their starter, long before the Wilson signing, was never substantiated. Rather, the media would double-down on their assumptions during the summer when Fields took all of the starting reps throughout camp and the preseason in place of an injured Wilson. The narrative was a change of scenery would mean a second chance for Justin Fields, and a possible long-term quarterback solution for the Steelers.

With Wilson still sidelined to start the season, Tomlin’s reluctance to name a starting quarterback (the Steelers were the last team to do so) further clouded the misconception that Fields was penciled in as the team’s starter.

In relief of Wilson, Fields would start the first six games of the season. Tomlin, never a believer that a player should lose his job due to injury, would go back to Wilson as his starter. Despite leading the Steelers to a 4-2 record, Fields would not start another game all season. Wilson would start hot then sputter to a five-game losing streak to conclude the year.

Now neither appear to be Pittsburgh’s option for 2025, with Fields heading to New York and Wilson visiting other teams in pursuit of a new deal elsewhere. To outside observers, Pittsburgh’s process appears broken, but perhaps its only unconventional. After all, they already ran through former starters and spent a first round pick on the top quarterback on that draft class.

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Having already had a free trial of what Fields looked like as a starter in 2024, plus in practices all season long, the Steelers were already planning for 2025. Initially, they had already declined Field’s fifth-year option (which was in the ballpark of $23 million). If they were unwilling to pay that price tag, it was unlikely GM Omar Khan was willing to pay more.

There may be truth that Fields had discussions about a return, but that could also be chatter for agents to help manipulate their client’s market. Create the story. Drive up the demand, and thus the player’s price tag. This would also be a valid explanation for why Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers remain unsigned. The media sees two veteran quarterbacks without jobs and begins connecting dots to teams with holes at the position.

If the Steelers intended to bring Wilson or Fields back, it’s unlikely that a hyper aggressive Omar Khan wouldn’t have done so. Khan has been near ruthless in his dealings since taking over the general manager job, making incredible moves like Wilson’s cheap deal, Fields’ trade for sixth-round pick, moving up in the draft, acquiring a high pick for Chase Claypool or the most recent trade and extension for WR D.K. Metcalf.

To believe the Steelers have botched the most important position is a fundamental lack of understanding from their perspective. Retaining Fields, at a lower cost, may have been desired. Yet, that could’ve been a smokescreen for a potential quarterback draft pick. Whether it’s this year or next, a long-term deal with money tied to Fields – and no promise of entering the year as the starter – may have been a deciding factor in his signing with the Jets.

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The same could be said about Wilson and Rodgers. There might have been interest, but the two veterans staring down an unproven Sam Darnold’s three-year, $100 million deal with the Seahawks has certainly been discussed as a basis for ongoing contract talks.

The likely plan is that Khan and the Steelers always had their eyes set on a “bridge” quarterback that could manage the offense without tying up their salary cap, pairing that veteran player with a rookie they will eventually develop into a starter.

Mason Rudolph fits the bridge criteria. Wilson, Fields, or Rodgers would as well, but those incorrectly seeing the Steelers as “cheap” are failing to see the bigger picture where the team could blossom under new leadership and compete across the board without a substantial sum tied to those quarterbacks.

Such is the current dilemma in the NFL. The quarterback position is important, and that’s why Pittsburgh added help for their eventual starter by pursuing Metcalf while also using their capital to rebuild the offensive line over the last few seasons. With the right stroke of luck, what appears to be an uncanny approach now could be the blueprint for how rebuilding teams operate in the future.

Was this the Steelers QB plan all along? appeared first on Steel City Underground.

Re-evaluation: Steelers linebackers remained reliable

Steel City Underground presents a post-2024 NFL season re-evaluation of each positional group on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster in this series, highlighting the standout player or players among each group.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a storied history when it comes to their defense, especially when it comes to players they’ve fielded at the linebacker position. Whether in their 3-4 base or a hybrid nickel or dime package, the Steelers have relied on guys who can not only pressure the quarterback from the edge, but guys who can stuff the gaps on run plays, get sideline to sideline, and drop well into coverage.

In 2024, there was some ebb and flow to how well the linebackers – inside and outside – played. Overall, this position group remained reliable, if a little predictable at times. We’ll look at the individuals, overall as a group, to re-evaluate how the Steelers fared and what may be ahead for the team.

2024 Linebackers: T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, Payton Wilson, Nick Herbig, Preston Smith, Jeremiah Moon, Mark Robinson, Tyler Matakevich, Cole Holcomb

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On the outside

The duo of T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith continued to be a great pairing in 2024 especially with the addition of Nick Herbig to the mix. Last season wasn’t a record-breaking year for the outside linebackers, and as Highsmith dealt with missing six games due to injuries, Watt saw his sack total drop off. That led to numerous fans during the recent free agency period suggesting the Steelers use Watt as trade material.

Before jumping the broom, ushering in a new beginning by writing Watt off, it’s important to look at what number 90 did in 2024. Watt wasn’t voted team MVP for a franchise-record fifth season for being a slacker. Watt recorded 11.5 sacks, created a league-leading six forced fumbles, added 61 tackles (19 for a loss), 27 quarterback hits and four pass defenses. Watt was a finalist for NFL Defensive Player of the Year – a title he has earned in the past – and was second-team All-Pro. Without Highsmith, Watt drew most of the opposing offense’s chips and double-teams throughout the season.

To get rid of arguably the biggest game-altering player from their defense – Watt – just to trade for a free agent on the market would have been disastrous to a Steelers team that is trying to actively strengthen their defensive backfield and line.

Herbig, in his second season, made five starts in place of Highsmith and shows great promise moving forward. With Watt under near-constant pressure, Herbig was able to make 22 tackles (5 for a loss), 11 quarterback hits, and 5.5 sacks. Additionally, Herbig forced four fumbles and recovered two. And, although Highsmith missed time, he still recorded 45 tackles (9 for a loss), 13 quarterback hits, and 6.0 sacks along with one forced fumble.

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On the inside

The free agent addition of Patrick Queen made a bigger impact than many would have imagined headed into the 2024 season. The former Ravens star shrugged off any AFC North rivalry he may have had when donning the black and gold and went to work, playing 1,090 snaps on defense. Queen led all Steelers defenders with 129 tackles (6 for a loss). He added five quarterback hits, 1.0 sacks, seven pass defenses, two forced fumbles and one recovery. Queen found a home in the middle of the field and was often seen aiding in run defense as well.

2024 NFL Draft steal rookie Payton Wilson and veteran Elandon Roberts split the most time alongside Queen with nearly equal defensive snaps. Payton played with a tempo that had been missing the past couple of seasons and finished the year with 78 tackles (3 for a loss), two quarterback hits, an interception, one forced fumble and two recoveries, including one for a touchdown. Roberts, more aggressive in run-stuffing, logged 46 tackles (5 for a loss), 1.0 sacks, four quarterback hits, and one forced fumble.

Cole Holcomb, who looks to be on track to be a force among interior linebackers in 2025, missed the 2024 season after suffering a season-ending injury. He is a guy to watch once the Steelers start things back up.

Mark Robinson and Tyler Matakevich were given roles on special teams, with Robinson seeing a minimum of 300 snaps to Matakevich’s 195 snaps (due to a hamstring injury that landed him on I/R early before returning in the latter part of the season). Robinson recorded his first career sack against the Baltimore Ravens.

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Recent moves

Roberts has moved on from the Steelers and garnered a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders during this spring’s free agency period. Smith was released by the team. Matakevich remains an unrestricted free agent. Moon is an ERFA.

The Steelers did bring in linebacker Malik Harrison, a former draft selection of the Baltimore Ravens. Harrison, drafted in the third round in 2020, had a career-best season in 2024; he posted 54 tackles (3 for a loss) and 2.0 sacks. Best utilized in the run game, Harrison’s position flexibility (able to move outside) was likely a deciding factor in his addition and Pittsburgh moving on from Roberts.

Re-evaluation: Steelers linebackers remained reliable appeared first on Steel City Underground.

SCU Week in Review – March 16th

In case you missed it (or anything) the SCU Week in Review recaps all articles, videos, posts and more, shared via Steel City Underground’s various platforms throughout the week.

Who’s in, who’s out, and who’s added to the Steelers roster?

Joe and Brian dig into the legal tampering period of NFL free agency to discuss the moves the Steelers have, and haven’t, made.

Among the big news over the last few days is Pittsburgh’s trade for former Seattle Seahawks WR D.K. Metcalf. How does Metcalf’s acquisition and new contract affect George Pickens, T.J. Watt, and more?

And who is going to throw passes to those receivers? Could it be Russell Wilson coming back or a play to bring in Aaron Rodgers? Plus, thoughts on Najee Harris, Larry Ogunjobi, and more moves to be made, all discussed in this jam-packed episode.

View the video below on YouTube or visit our podcast page to find it on all popular audio platforms.

Weekly Highlights

Metcalf trade shakes up Steelers future moves

Metcalf trade shakes up Steelers future moves

Several options the Steelers could look into at the quarterback position in 2025

Several options the Steelers could look into at the quarterback position in 2025

Steelers set to look different in 2025 after start of free agency

Steelers set to look different in 2025 after start of free agency

Throwback Thursday: Rod Woodson and the Steelers start of unrestricted free agency

Throwback Thursday: Rod Woodson and the Steelers start of unrestricted free agency

The Steelers were justified in moving on from Justin Fields

The Steelers were justified in moving on from Justin Fields

SCU Week in Review – March 16th appeared first on Steel City Underground.

Plays of the Year: Fields scores 2 rushing TDs vs Colts

Steel City Underground will pick an exceptional play of the game as a highlight each week of the Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 NFL regular season. Stay tuned as we hand-select the very best from the Black and Gold!

The Pittsburgh Steelers were on the road for their Week 4 game of the 2024 NFL regular season to face the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Through much of the first two quarters of the game, Pittsburgh struggled on both sides of the ball. The result was an end of September football with a record of 3-1.

Offensively, the Steelers did not get off to the fast start they’d planned on. Two critical fumbles – one by receiver George Pickens and another by Justin Fields as he was being sacked – both ended up in the Colts’ possession. Down 17-3, the Steelers picked themselves up in the third quarter to get back into contention thanks to two rushing touchdowns by Fields.

Pittsburgh needed Fields to shake off the big sack fumble, and he did when he scrambled on 1st down for a six-yard gain. On 2nd & 5 at the Colts 5, Fields tried to hit Pickens, but it was broken up. On 3rd down, Fields was able to navigate a scramble to the right for the Steelers’ first touchdown of the game.

Back in the mix, Fields would score another rushing touchdown on the Steelers’ next offensive series after the Colts went up 24-10. On a drive that went 70 yards on 8 plays, Fields was able to take a hard hit but find the end zone again to make the score 24-17.

The Steelers got within 3 points of the Colts thanks to a 70 yard drive (7 plays) that resulted in a passing touchdown, but tragedy struck when center Zach Frazier snapped the ball before Fields was ready, resulting in a recovery of the ball but little time to execute after a Najee Harris run remained in-bounds. With just 37 seconds left, the 4th & 11 play from the Pittsburgh 41 – a deep pass to Van Jefferson – was incomplete.

Plays of the Year: Fields scores 2 rushing TDs vs Colts appeared first on Steel City Underground.