Category: Pittsburgh Steelers

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.

The Steelers were justified in moving on from Justin Fields

The Pittsburgh Steelers near the end of the first week of the new league year without a defined starter at the quarterback position. For some, they feel the team has botched finding a long-term solution at the position following the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger.

This offseason is much like last, as the quarterback room might look different with two of the three players from their 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.

The latter is what some fans are calling a mistake. How could the Steelers “let Justin Fields go?” However, it’s a mistake to think that way. Here’s why.

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Fields wasn’t the original plan

One of the bigger misconceptions of last season is that the Steelers heavily pursued Fields to be their starter. It wasn’t until Russell Wilson was signed, intending to be the starting quarterback in 2024, that Kenny Pickett demanded a trade.

Pickett was unwilling to compete or play behind the veteran, necessitating a move for a backup.

Holding the first pick in the NFL Draft, it was obvious the Bears were going to select Caleb Williams and they had no leverage to deal Fields. His agent claimed the Bears “had his client’s best interests” in mind when they traded the passer to the Steelers.

In reality, Fields’ market was next to nil. The Steelers had the only offer worth taking: a sixth-round pick in exchange for a former first-round pick.

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He was also never the planned starter

Many in the national media incorrectly believed Fields was competing for Wilson for the starting job. That misconception was furthered by Fields starting the first six games of the regular season for an injured Wilson.

Despite leading the Steelers to a 4-2 record, Wilson reclaimed his starting role in Week 7 and never looked back. Once again, talking heads would incorrectly claim Fields was “benched” despite the plan to play Wilson all along.

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Financials

If the Steelers had truly viewed Fields as their long-term solution they would’ve traded for him and not signed Wilson to begin with. The allure of signing Wilson for a rock-bottom contract was enticing, but it was never as appealing to pay Fields to the tune of the New York Jets two-year, $40 million offer.

This was apparent when the Steelers passed on Fields’ fifth-year option, which was in the neighborhood of paying Fields $23 million this season: more than the Jets’ eventual offer.

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Long-term Development

Some fans have viewed Fields’ age (26 as of March 5th) as a benefit, but that’s all for naught if the quarterback isn’t performing at a high level.

One of the talking points is that Fields could develop in Pittsburgh. The problem is, when does that occur?

The former first-round pick arrived in Pittsburgh with 38 career starts out of 40 games played. His trial period was essentially a summer without Wilson, including all of camp, the preseason, and six regular season starts.

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Struggling to win

If there’s one pattern that Justin Fields carried over from previous Steelers quarterbacks Mitchell Trubisky and Kenny Pickett, it was failing to maintain drives or score points. With all these passers Pittsburgh won games by playing tight defense. That would prove unsustainable.

In Fields’ six starts, the Steelers offense sputtered to an 18-10 win over the Falcons where all of the scoring from kicker Chris Boswell. Another tight victory was achieved in a 13-6 win over the Broncos.

In a 20-10 victory over the Chargers Fields would have one of Fields’ best games as a pro but it was all downhill from there with losses to the Colts and Cowboys.

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Wilson performed better

The opportunity to show he was better than Wilson – or another other option – sailed with the inability to showcase elite traits against poor Colts, Cowboys, and Raiders defenses. Playing him further into 2024 or beyond would be a gamble.

Despite a lopsided win over the Raiders, Fields was unimpressive in his final two starts, completing fewer than 60% of his passes and totaling 276 passing yards.

The change to Wilson was evident initially. Wilson would go 6-1 in his first seven starts as the offense saw an uptick in yards (100+ per game) and points (10+ per game). The season would crash and burn with a five-game losing streak and another season minus a playoff win.

The anger directed at the offense turned into a loathsome hatred for Wilson and an odd fascination with Fields. But would Fields have done better? That’s unlikely.

Fingers of blame pointed to Wilson, which isn’t entirely fair given the Steelers’ defense’s inability to stop opponents such as the Eagles (20-play drive) or Ravens (Derrick Henry’s 348 yards in two games). Fields couldn’t have prevented that.

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Risky Business

Aside from the financial commitment, we all too soon forget the liability Fields was at times. An inability to handle snaps was attributed to a rookie center yet all but disappeared when Wilson was running the offense.

However, one of the biggest issues surrounding the Steelers’ offense all season was the pressure put on the quarterbacks.

Russell Wilson, one of the most sacked QBs in NFL history, finished 2024 with a sack rate of 8.74% over his last five seasons. His reluctance to take shots at times led to holding the ball too long and taking negative plays: to the tune of 213 sacks in 71 games over that span.

That may remind fans of Ben Roethlisberger’s early years. Under offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, Big Ben was a pinata, getting crushed 215 times with an 8.61% sack rate.

Surely, a mobile, athletic quarterback such as Justin Fields should yield better results.

Yet, his similar traits to holding the ball for too long are worse. In 50 games (44 starts) Fields has taken a whopping 151 sacks – an 11.89% rate.

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Glass Ceiling

A light at the end of the tunnel is hard to envision when a quarterback has a 17-33 starting record with 45 touchdowns to 31 interceptions. It’s further complicated with the sack rate and fumbles (44 in 44 starts).

The lack of breakout games is also concerning and something the Steelers front office had to ponder while making a long-term decision. Among Fields’ 44 starts, he’s only thrown for over 300 yards twice. One of those games was the shootout against the Colts in Week 3 where Pittsburgh was forced to sling the ball while playing from behind.

Fields also has only three career games with three or more touchdown passes. Worse, he only has six with two or more. In 13 of his 44 starts, he’s failed to throw a touchdown pass at all.

While his feet are a major talking point, Fields has only scored a rushing touchdown in 15 of those games too. Comparisons to Lamar Jackson are unjustifiable with Fields’ five career games of 100+ rushing yards.

The numbers don’t align with those of a player trending upward. Hence, the Steelers started looking elsewhere.

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Steelers Benefit

Fields signing a substantial contract with New York has an added benefit for the Steelers in the future. They stand to gain a compensatory pick for losing a free agent.

As it stands, that pick will likely be higher than the sixth-round selection they traded Chicago.

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Final Thoughts

I would hope fans saying the Steelers missed out on their long-term future have thoroughly read through the bullet points above. A “TLDR” version has its share of negatives, but all are justified in each section.

Pittsburgh couldn’t move the ball, gain first downs, gain short yardage, or score points in the way they’d like with Fields under center. Paying him $20 million or more per season wasn’t a wise long-term business decision either.

The Steelers used last offseason as a free trial of what Fields could provide. They canceled the subscription and will end up being paid back for what they spent. In that sense, they are totally justified in moving on from Justin Fields.

The Steelers were justified in moving on from Justin Fields appeared first on Steel City Underground.

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

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.

With the start of free agency and a new NFL league year, it’s difficult to remember there was a time when all of the madness of legal tampering periods and headline-stealing signings wasn’t commonplace. It wasn’t long ago that the only way to acquire a player from another team was to make a trade or wait for a player’s release from their current contract.

While the modern era of the NFL is often discussed, the period of unrestricted free agency is frequently overlooked as a turning point. The Pittsburgh Steelers would be at the forefront of this new horizon in the 1990s when one of their players, CB Rod Woodson, along with eight other NFL players sued the league for unrestricted free agency – and won. Woodson received $1.1 million as part of the lawsuit’s settlement.

The league would implement its current free agency system on March 1st, 1993. According to an article from the Los Angeles Times, 484 players became eligible to sign with new teams on this day. Despite not being one of those players becoming a free agent in 1993, Woodson’s contract negotiation history with Pittsburgh was always a tumultuous one, and unrestricted free agency would significantly impact his career.

Woodson was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 1987 NFL Draft. He sat out of training camp due to a contract dispute that lasted 95 days before signing a four-year, $1.8 million deal in October of 1987. The holdout would be the longest in franchise history until Le’Veon Bell refused to sign his franchise tag tender back in 2018.

Woodson would begin his career as a backup under head coach Chuck Noll but worked his way into the starting lineup as a kick and punt returner following a stellar track and field career that included a bronze medal at the 1987 USA Olympic festival. Woodson would retain his return duties through much of his time with the Steelers, and enter the 1988 season as a starting cornerback.

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By 1990 it was time for the two sides to discuss a new deal. The Steelers reportedly offered Woodson a three-year $3 million contract extension that would make him the highest-paid player in team history. Being among the highest-paid players in Pittsburgh would be a recurring theme throughout Woodson’s tenure, especially after QB Neil O’Donnell would supersede his earnings in the coming years.

O’Donnell would sign a new three-year contract worth over $8 million for the 1993 season. Not to be outdone, Woodson would top O’Donnell’s deal with a four-year, $12 million agreement that made Woodson the league’s highest-paid defensive back.

However, Woodson’s performance on the field would justify his earnings. As a three-time All-Pro, he would earn another All-Pro nod and win the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award in 1993, and join the All-Pro team again in 1994 after being named the runner-up in defense of of his DPOY crown.

1995 would be all for naught, mostly, when Woodson sustained a torn ACL in the first game of the season during an attempted tackle of Detroit Lions RB Barry Sanders. According to an AP News archive article, “On September 11, 1995, Woodson underwent reconstructive surgery and had his ACL in his left knee replaced with a patella tendon from his right knee.” He was presumed to be finished for the season, but would make a miraculous return to play in Super Bowl XXX, though in limited action.

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1996 would be another turning point in the intersecting paths of the Steelers and Woodson. After falling to 27-17 to the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XXX, the team made a play at re-signing O’Donnell, but would fail to bring back their starting quarterback. O’Donnell would accept a five-year, $25 million contract with the New York Jets.

By contrast the Steelers gave Woodson a low ball offer of three years, $9 million, which reduced his average-per-season earnings by $1 million from his previous deal. Pittsburgh upped their requests, including a five-year $10 million extension and a five-year $13.5 million offer with incentives and a $500,000 signing bonus. Woodson declined those deals and would return in 1996 for the final year on his current contract.

Woodson would be named an All-Pro again in 1996, but little would anyone know he played his last game in a Steelers uniform in a Divisional Round loss to the New England Patriots.

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Following the ’96 season, the Steelers would continue pursuing a new deal with Woodson. The two sides would fail to come to terms on a four-year deal worth $7 million, the lower offer following Woodson’s reconstructive knee surgery in ’95 and multiple injuries the cornerback played through in ’96. At 32-years-old, Woodson would leave the Steelers after a ten-year tenure. He would be replaced by 1997 first round draft pick Chad Scott.

As a free agent, Woodson joined the San Francisco 49ers with a new three-year deal worth $5.1 million.

However, 1997 would be a down year as he wasn’t named to any postseason accolades and was subsequently released the following season. From there, Woodson would sign with the Baltimore Ravens on a similar three-year, $5.7 million contract that included a signing bonus of $3 million. At age 33 he would play as a cornerback, but transitioned to playing free safety the following season in 1999.

The change of position extended Rod’s career, as he would be named to the Pro Bowl in 1999, his first since 1996. He would continue on with the Ravens for several more seasons, winning a Super Bowl with Baltimore in 2000. In 2001, the Ravens declined an option to keep Woodson, but ultimately brought the 36-year-old back on a five-year deal. However, the team would release Woodson in 2002 for salary cap reasons.

Woodson would find a new home with the Oakland Raiders, continuing his career as a free safety and at 37 years of age, making the NFL All-Pro team once again after helping lead his new team to the Super Bowl. (The Raiders would fall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 48-21.) His playing time would wind down following the 2003 season when he failed a physical following another knee surgery.

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Woodson left the NFL after 17 seasons among the leaders in numerous statistical categories. He was named to 11 Pro Bowls, 9 All-Pro teams (6 first teams, 3 second teams) was the 1993 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and was named to the NFL’s 1990s All-Decade Team, 75th Anniversary All-Time Team, and 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. Woodson would be enshrined in both the Pro and Collegiate Football Halls of Fame. The Pittsburgh Steelers also honored his legacy with the team in recent years by naming him to their Hall of Honor.

Throwback Thursday: Rod Woodson and the Steelers start of unrestricted free agency appeared first on Steel City Underground.

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

The NFL’s legal tampering period began on Monday, with a flurry of news hitting the airwaves around Noon Eastern. Pittsburgh, however, made their big splash of the offseason a day earlier, trading with the Seattle Seahawks for WR D.K. Metcalf – and extending the 27-year-old star to a deal reportedly worth $30 million per year in average salary.

Following that major move, the Steelers were relatively quiet. Their announced additions on Monday include veteran and former Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl champion CB Darius Slay (who turned 34 on January 1st) and former Baltimore Ravens LB Malik Harrison.

Harrison, who rotated as a starter alongside Baltimore’s Roquan Smith, is the second linebacker Steelers GM Omar Khan has poached from their division rival in consecutive years, adding Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Queen as a key piece of the defense last offseason.

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While those changes are minimal, the players the Steelers aren’t bringing back will truly change the face of the franchise this upcoming season. As of publication, Pittsburgh is still without a true starting quarterback. Last year’s three passers – Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and Kyle Allen – were all scheduled to become free agents at the start of the new league year on Wednesday at 4 p.m. At least one of those QBs won’t be back for 2025, as Fields’ agents announced he’s signing a two-year, $40 million deal with the New York Jets. $30 million of that contract is guaranteed.

Fields started six games for the Steelers last season, leading them to a 4-2 record before Russell Wilson returned from injury and assumed the starting role for the remainder of the year.

While Fields’ numbers were spotty, many believed he was the top candidate to take the Steelers starting job in 2025. The chatter on Wilson has been minimal, with some sides speculating the Steelers were hopeful to have either Wilson or Fields return, but not both.

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If Wilson isn’t retained, the Steelers will have a new starting quarterback. The Steelers are rumored to be in talks with New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers, but the 41-year-old has yet to be released by his current team. Rodgers was traded to the Jets in 2023 where he signed a revised contract worth $112.5 million with $75 million guaranteed. Rodgers is still on the books for $86 million before his announced release.

The only quarterback currently signed with the Steelers is former Miami Dolphins backup Skylar Thompson, who was added via a futures contract in January and could serve as one of two backups behind the eventual starter.

Who’s under center isn’t the only change as Pittsburgh’s heavily criticized offense over the last few seasons lost two of it’s big pieces. Left tackle Dan Moore Jr. is headed to the Tennessee Titans on a massive four-year, $82 million deal that has $50 million guaranteed. Moore has been the butt of criticism since being picked in the fourth round by the Steelers in 2021.

Strictly a left tackle, the team tried to replace him two seasons ago with Georgia prospect Broderick Jones. Moore started 66 of a possible 68 games since joining the team. According to Pro Football Focus, Moore allowed 41 QB pressures and 12 sacks in 2024.

In Moore’s place, Jones, a first round draft pick of the Steelers in 2023, will be expected to finally shift to the left side of the line. That should allow 2024 first round pick Troy Fautanu to assume the starting role at right tackle after missing almost all of the 2024 season.

That’s not the only offensive line shift, as last year’s Week 1 starting right guard, James Daniels, is expected to sign with the Miami Dolphins. Daniels was lost for the season following a Week 4 loss to the Colts. His replacement, 2024 fourth round pick Mason McCormick, is the presumed 2025 starting right guard in his place.

A familiar face will likely replace a familiar face in the Steelers backfield too, as the team placed a second round tender on restricted free agent Jaylen Warren. The tender is worth $5.3 million and allows the Steelers to match any opposing offers this offseason.

They’ll likely do so, or extend the former undrafted back, as his counter part Najee Harris will sign with the Los Angeles Chargers for around $9 million. Harris, the Steelers first round pick in 2021, played in all 68 games since joining the team and gained over 1,000 yards in each of those four seasons.

Harris’ snaps could be replaced by another former Eagle, RB Kenneth Gainwell, who’s signing with Pittsburgh was announced late Tuesday evening. Gainwell is a four-year veteran who played as a backup in Philly. He had 75 carries for 290 yards and one touchdown, plus 16 receptions for 116 yards in 2024. Gainwell doubles as a special teams kick returner, gaining 456 yards on returns last season with a 36 yard long.

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The Steelers offense isn’t the only side of the ball that will look different. As the secondary adds Darius Slay they say goodbye to Donte Jackson, who will also be joining the Chargers. His two-year deal is worth up to $13 million. Jackson came to Pittsburgh last season via the Carolina Panthers in the Diontae Johnson trade. Jackson appeared in 15 games with five interceptions.

Another change on the current roster that occurred on Monday is the release of DT Larry Ogunjobi. Appearing in 48 games with Pittsburgh over the last three seasons, Ogunjobi totaled six sacks and 132 tackles. His tackles-for-loss and QB pressures have regressed year-to-year in Pittsburgh. Ogunjobi’s release frees up $7 million in cap space for the Steelers.

A final new look is another old look, as the Steelers revised LB Cole Holcomb‘s contract last week. Holcomb, the team’s play caller who suffered a knee injury in November 2023, didn’t appear in a game in 2024. His 2025 cap number was reduced to $3.6 million (from nearly $10 million) to remain with the Steelers. At this time he’s expected to rotate or start alongside Patrick Queen, adding yet another different face to the fold for Pittsburgh this upcoming season.

Holcomb’s retention along with the signing of Malik Harrison forced Elandon Roberts out of town. Roberts is joining the Las Vegas Raiders on a one-year, $3 million contract.

Steelers set to look different in 2025 after start of free agency appeared first on Steel City Underground.

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

One year ago the Steelers were searching for a starting quarterback. With no long-term answer at quarterback, the Steelers took a cautious approach, signing a pair of free-agent quarterbacks, veteran Russell Wilson and former first round pick, Justin Fields, each to a one-year “trial” deal. The hope was that at least one of them would emerge as a viable starter, providing enough stability to keep the team in contention.

At the start of the season, Fields got off to a promising 4-2 record, including an impressive three-game winning streak to kick off the schedule. With Wilson returning from injury, he took over as the team’s starter for the remainder of the season. The decision to stick with Wilson over Fields was met with mixed reactions when the team sunk into a five-game losing streak to close the season. Ultimately, while Pittsburgh remained competitive, the 2024 season played out as most expected for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Most fans were clamoring for the team’s first playoff victory in several years, but the Steelers fell short with a postseason appearance loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card round. Now they may look to change their fortunes at the quarterback position once again.

As the NFL calendar flips towards a new league year and the start of free agency, the Steelers once again find themselves in need of a starting quarterback. With various avenues available to lock down a reliable signal caller, lets take a look at some potential options that the Steelers should consider.

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Russell Wilson

One of the best options still available, as we enter the second day of “legal tampering” during free agency, is the same option the Steelers went with in 2024. Although the knock on Wilson is that he’s older – and not the long-term solution at the quarterback position – he’s a former Super Bowl winning quarterback with loads of experience.

With the Steelers recently adding one of Wilson’s favorite targets when he was the Seattle Seahawks, WR D.K. Metcalf, the two could connect again in Pittsburgh to light up the scoreboard.

Wilson also had a lot of success after taking over the starting job for the Steelers last season, winning six of his first seven games. Wilson’s presence could shift the Steelers’ Super Bowl odds significantly, making them one of the more attractive wagers on the best betting sites.

The team could do worse than sticking with the player they know, and one who already knows offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s playbook. If they move on from Wilson, there are a few more names available who could serve as a backup or bridge quarterback.

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Jameis Winston

A former number one overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Jameis Winston has had an up-and-down career. Although he possesses undeniable arm talent and an ability to make explosive plays, his career has been marred by inconsistency, turnovers, and inefficiency. Since leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a 9-7 record in his second season, Winston has struggled to find long-term success as a starter.

After spending last season with the Cleveland Browns, where he started seven games, Winston is once again searching for a new home. Statistically, Winston’s numbers leave much to be desired. His completion percentage ranked 34th in the league last season, and turnovers continue to be a glaring issue.

While Winston may not be the Steelers’ best option as a full-time starter, he could be a valuable addition to the quarterback room, especially if the team chooses to move forward with a rookie. Having a veteran like Winston as a backup or spot starter would provide some insurance in case of struggles or an injury. It also allows them to do the funniest thing ever and possibly matchup Cleveland’s former starter, Winston, with the Steelers former starter Kenny Pickett. (Who was traded to the Browns on Monday.)

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Jacoby Brissett

Another veteran option for Pittsburgh is Jacoby Brissett. Although he may not be a game-changing quarterback, he is a reliable and steady presence who can keep the team competitive. At 6’4” and 235 pounds, Brissett possesses the size and strength to make the necessary throws while also being a physical presence in the pocket.

Brissett has built a reputation as a dependable quarterback who protects the ball well and limits mistakes. While he won’t single-handedly win games, he also won’t lose them for his team, a quality that head coach Mike Tomlin values. Brissett would also serve as a solid bridge quarterback while the Steelers evaluate their long-term options.

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Jaxson Dart

In a quarterback draft class that doesn’t appear to be very deep, Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders are projected to go within the top ten selections: far outside of the Steelers reach with the 21st selection. Following a strong showing at the combine, Ole Miss product Jaxson Dart has turned some heads and maybe forced his way into first-round conversations.

While Dart is not viewed as an elite prospect on the level of Ward or Shedeur, he possesses a unique blend of athleticism, arm strength, and playmaking ability that makes him an intriguing option for a team like Pittsburgh.

Dart has a similar skill set to Justin Fields, and head coach Mike Tomlin has stated on numerous occasions that he values mobility at the quarterback position. If the Steelers decide to draft Dart, they may opt to completely revamp their quarterback room by moving on from Wilson too. This could open the door for a veteran like Brissett or Winston to serve as a mentor while Dart develops into the starter.

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Aaron Rodgers

Believe it or not, Aaron Rodgers may still have some gas left in the tank. At 41 years old, the future Hall of Famer remains one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in modern NFL history. While his best days are behind him, Rodgers still possesses the intelligence, experience, and leadership that could help a contending team like the Steelers.

There has been speculation that Rodgers might stay in New York, possibly even switching from the Jets to the Giants. However, if the Steelers are looking for a short-term solution, Rodgers could be an interesting fit.

While acquiring Rodgers would likely require some financial maneuvering, his presence could provide the Steelers with one last shot at making a deep playoff run before shifting their focus to a younger quarterback in the future. That being said, Rodgers’ injury history and recent inconsistencies raise concerns. Would Pittsburgh be willing to invest in an aging quarterback for a short-term fix? If the Steelers believe they are just a quarterback away from contending for a Super Bowl, then Rodgers could be worth the risk.

Several options the Steelers could look into at the quarterback position in 2025 appeared first on Steel City Underground.

Metcalf trade shakes up Steelers future moves

The Pittsburgh Steelers hadn’t made any clear indications ahead of the official opening of free agency in March as of the morning of the 8th. Yes, there were rumors; there were murmurs. It wasn’t until Sunday evening, as fans continued to debate whether Pittsburgh was going to sign an outside quarterback or one that played for them in 2024 that a trade announcement shook up all future moves for the Steelers.

Per numerous sources, including Dale Lolley of Steelers.com, Omar Khan and the Steelers organization agreed to trade for former NFL and Seattle Seahawks standout receiver D.K. Metcalf.

We mentioned Metcalf as a trade the Steelers should consider, previously. Joe Kuzma wrote,

“Aside from financials, Metcalf is young and durable. He’s missed few games due to injury over his career, which includes three 1,000-plus yard seasons over six years, and he’s never caught fewer than 900 yards in a single season either. Pairing him with Pickens would be prudent for Pittsburgh, who needs to surround whomever their quarterback will be with viable offensive weapons.”

If the reports are true, indications are that the Steelers included a 2nd round pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft and may be swapping a 6th round for a 7th round pick this year with the Seahawks in order to have Metcalf in a reported 5-year, $150 Million deal. More info is likely to be verified this week.

The trade does change-up what the Steelers will be able to do in free agency and the draft. It may also indirectly resolve the biggest debate among members of Steelers Nation: Will it be Russell Wilson staying in Pittsburgh or Justin Fields?

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With reports saying that Fields and the Steelers are not close in their negotiations and that Fields may be inclined to test the market, the Metcalf signing may have just let the cat out of the bag on who Khan and the Steelers organization were banking on: Wilson. Wilson built rapport with Metcalf while both were with the Seahawks; a dynamic offensive duo.

Whether the trade for Metcalf indicates that Pittsburgh would make a move to trade George Pickens away, yet another receiver many Steelers fans have labeled as “immature,” (JuJu Smith-Schuster, who seems plenty mature now) remains to be seen.

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Pickens and Metcalf as an outside receiving duo would definitely cause opposing defenses concerns, but both receivers have big personalities – not to mention wearing the same jersey number. Pickens could actually benefit big time from having another receiver in Pittsburgh that is a threat in order to elevate his own play and create opportunities instead of double-teams all game, every game.

With the wide receivers group from 2024 in a questionable state, the team likely will trim several players from it to create cap space for other positions in the draft, focusing on the defensive and offensive line – for example – instead of receiver with their first round pick. I’ve advocated for the lines being more of a priority than receiver numerous times, and stick by that line of thought even more now.

With free agency ready to hit the boiling point, Steelers fans will have plenty of new talking points to debate as the organization reshapes itself after this latest shakeup.

Metcalf trade shakes up Steelers future moves appeared first on Steel City Underground.

SCU Week in Review – March 9th

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?

We’re one week away from the official start of a new league year and only days away from the legal tampering period for NFL free agency.

Joe and Brian tackle the Steelers’ impending free-agent questions. Which of their to-be free agents is brought back? Which are let go? And what names and surprises may be on the horizon?

The hosts discuss the quarterback position, trading for receivers, and how a lot of the position groups this offseason are lackluster at best.

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

Weekly Highlights

Re-evaluation: Steelers relied heavily on running backs

Re-evaluation: Steelers relied heavily on running backs

2024 Steelers Season Recall: Pittsburgh picks o-line again in first round

2024 Steelers Season Recall: Pittsburgh picks o-line again in first round

Free agents for the Steelers to pursue at every position

Free agents for the Steelers to pursue at every position

Throwback Thursday: 3 NFL Draft steals by Steelers in the 1980s

Throwback Thursday: 3 NFL Draft steals by Steelers in the 1980s

Three trades the Steelers should explore this offseason

Three trades the Steelers should explore this offseason

SCU Week in Review – March 9th appeared first on Steel City Underground.

Plays of the Year: Najee Harris won’t be denied first TD of 2024

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 3-2 Pittsburgh Steelers came into Allegiant Stadium during Week 6 to face a Las Vegas Raiders team that had dominated two other AFC North teams (the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns) earlier in the regular season.

For the Steelers, it was an offensive struggle early, as they held a 15-7 advantage over the Raiders midway into the third quarter. For the Raiders, the third quarter was an offensive struggle as well, having a punt blocked on their first possession to start the second half and then being forced to a three-and-out on their only other series in the quarter.

This led to the Steelers having a 7-play, 65-yard drive that would be capped off by RB Najee Harris, who had been criticized throughout the first set of games as not running as hard or efficiently as some fans would’ve preferred.

The fourth-year pro silenced his doubters by taking a handoff on 2nd-and-5 from the Las Vegas 36. Harris appeared to be stopped near the sideline but bounced outside and broke free of tackles, finishing his 36-yard run with a diving statement.

The Steelers would go up 22-7 and never look back in the game, improving to 4-2 on the season with a final score of 32-13.

Harris would finish the day with his first 100-yard game of the season, rushing 14 carries for 106 yards and the above touchdown.

Plays of the Year: Najee Harris won’t be denied first TD of 2024 appeared first on Steel City Underground.