5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
Yeah, sort of nuts.
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*** 2025 Pittsburgh Steelers: good draft on paper. Back to the Rodgers wait (6 Viewers)
- Thread starter Godsbrother
- Start date
Yeah, sort of nuts.
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
Are there any vet free agents left? They should have kept Herbig considering his versatility.
I like the Sawyer pick, as a player, and we always grab an edge and depth there is important for our D, but I probably preferred a DB or oline there — though I don’t recall who was available.
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
OL over either throwaway pick in the 7th seemed sensible.
I know Jalen Travis went a few picks after Sawyer, but cant recall specifically who else was around either.
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
maybe bruener is a special teams ace and others in that spot would not make the team any way
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
As for FA, they signed Calvin Anderson at OT. Championship!
According to Spotrac they can re-sign Chuks!
Only UDRFA lineman reported as "official" at this point is Williams.
According to Spotrac they can re-sign Chuks!
Only UDRFA lineman reported as "official" at this point is Williams.
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5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
Yeah, I assume thats the thinking...but also assume Bruno II probably wont make it either.
Grid71
Footballguy
Rodgers will have to get rid of the ball quickly. This line is going to deal with growing pains. And very little depth.
Someone needs to sack up and tell Pickens to run his routes from hike. By the time he’s done with his 8 lazy waddle steps, Rodgers will need to be releasing the ball. Pickens won’t get many looks when he doesn’t get to where the QB needs him in rhythm.
Very happy with how Omar committed to getting younger with the defensive front 7. The group he drafted will be better in 2026.
Team is set up perfectly to either exceed expectations with Rodgers or have our worst season primed for taking that QB next year round 1. More likely column B than A.
Someone needs to sack up and tell Pickens to run his routes from hike. By the time he’s done with his 8 lazy waddle steps, Rodgers will need to be releasing the ball. Pickens won’t get many looks when he doesn’t get to where the QB needs him in rhythm.
Very happy with how Omar committed to getting younger with the defensive front 7. The group he drafted will be better in 2026.
Team is set up perfectly to either exceed expectations with Rodgers or have our worst season primed for taking that QB next year round 1. More likely column B than A.
JoeSteeler
Footballguy
I see a few places had him as a 3rd round projected pick.
steelers1080
Footballguy
Steelers anticipated to cut Adams after drafting 2 DL.
Drunken Cowboy
Footballguy
I think they still need help at NT
3C's
Footballguy
They just drafted a 340lb DT.
Drunken Cowboy
Footballguy
He plays way to high to be a nose
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
Black's probably my "least favorite" pick this year, for sure (not counting any 7th rounders. Those guys are just absolute darts by that point, usually). He should still be a rotational piece vs. the run, but expecting him to be air-lifted into the center of the defense and immediately solve their run defense woes? Ehhhh.....nah. He was a 5th rounder for a reason. I still really like that they double dipped at the spot, and he has a couple things that might let him develop with the right coaching.
I don't think it was an accident that they announced him as a DE when they made the pick. His length and his wingspan might allow him to be a really, really solid run defending 5T or 3T for them in obvious running situations: Set the edge, keep the Highsmiths/Watts/Herbigs clean to run to the football. Kick inside next to Cam in "big boy" sets with Harmon and Benton at 5 and 3.
They've sorta tried this before, though, and it didn't really work. Guess we'll see.
I don't think it was an accident that they announced him as a DE when they made the pick. His length and his wingspan might allow him to be a really, really solid run defending 5T or 3T for them in obvious running situations: Set the edge, keep the Highsmiths/Watts/Herbigs clean to run to the football. Kick inside next to Cam in "big boy" sets with Harmon and Benton at 5 and 3.
They've sorta tried this before, though, and it didn't really work. Guess we'll see.
Drunken Cowboy
Footballguy
I really hope he doesn't make the team. He is a guy I have always thought was underrated, but completely washed at this point.
3C's
Footballguy
3C's
Footballguy
Steelers Invite William & Mary WR And Pittsburgh-Native Hollis Mathis To Rookie Minicamp
With the 2025 NFL Draft in the rearview mirror and undrafted free agent signings all but done, the focus for the Pittsburgh Steelers has shifted to rookie minicamp invites. After reports of South Carolina linebacker Debo Williams and Rhode Island TE/WR Tommy Smith receiving invites, the Steelers...
steelersdepot.com
Practice squad maybe, but I love that he's getting a shot with his hometown team.
3C's
Footballguy
Black played entirely B gap (more) and A gap (less), never C or D gap that I'm aware of. He'd need to drop weight to play on the end of the line. And if he plays much/at all he'll be in on running down only as his pass rush skills leave a lot to be desired. However, it sounds like Dunbar is pushing Benton as the primary NT for now, and will kick him outside on obvious passing downs.
barackdhouse
Footballguy
ESPN’s Peter Schrager reports Aaron Rodgers “has no timetable” to sign for the 2025 season.
Schrager said Rodgers has told teams — including the Giants and Steelers — that they should feel free to move on in their quarterback search if Rodgers’ timetable doesn’t fit theirs. Rodgers, 41, told ESPN’s Pat McAfee this month that he was dealing with personal issues and indicated he was in no hurry to sign with the team for 2025. The Steelers could enter the summer with Mason Rudolph and rookie QB Will Howard atop their quarterback depth chart.
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Ok folks seriously what is going on here? Do the Steelers even have a plan at QB?
Schrager said Rodgers has told teams — including the Giants and Steelers — that they should feel free to move on in their quarterback search if Rodgers’ timetable doesn’t fit theirs. Rodgers, 41, told ESPN’s Pat McAfee this month that he was dealing with personal issues and indicated he was in no hurry to sign with the team for 2025. The Steelers could enter the summer with Mason Rudolph and rookie QB Will Howard atop their quarterback depth chart.
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Ok folks seriously what is going on here? Do the Steelers even have a plan at QB?
Hmm, from what I heard out of Schrager's mouth this morning that's not included above ..." during the pre-draft process ". If the above report is based on today's comment's, it's terrible journalism because it makes it appear as if this is new information, it's not.
Rodgers is and always has been Plan A.
Schrager may be plugged in, especially with McVay and anyone who worked under him the last few years, but he does not know all. Even this report is kind of silly to me to mention the Giants who obviously moved on a long time ago IMO.
I believe the other reporting that's been done that Steelers checked in with him a few days before the draft and have every reason to feel confident he will be joining them.
The real question to me is not if they have a plan, it's what is Plan B if what they think based on their conversations with Rodgers don't transpire the way they think it will? I'm sure they do and it might not be an attractive plan but I don't think not addressing it early in the draft was a concern of theirs as I get a sense they did not view any QB they could draft as a significant upgrade on Rudolph for 2025.
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
This part's easy. "Plan B" is Mason.
Sure, there's been mumbles about taking the temperature on a Cousins trade/etc. I don't really buy any of that though. I think they'll just go with Mason and let the chips fall If Rodgers were to jilt them.
Of course, they'd want a 4th QB at least for camp, certainly. So, if that "B+" portion of the plan is what you're really talking about...that, gentle reader, is when Lauren Tannehill will get the phone call from Omar/Artie asking after her availability (oh, and could she maybe see to it to bring her husband along to Pittsburgh for a chat. There may be something he could do for them).
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
(NGL, Rodgers "peace signing" them, like, three days before TC for retirement and them having to go beg a Ryan Tannehill to come be the 4th QB in that room would be. 
I might actually be rooting for it, now that I consider it. Yeah...I'm choosing chaos. This is what I'm rooting for.)
I might actually be rooting for it, now that I consider it. Yeah...I'm choosing chaos. This is what I'm rooting for.)I don't think Mason alone is Plan B. Part of it maybe, but not THE plan.
This part's easy. "Plan B" is Mason.
Sure, there's been mumbles about taking the temperature on a Cousins trade/etc. I don't really buy any of that though. I think they'll just go with Mason and let the chips fall If Rodgers were to jilt them.
Of course, they'd want a 4th QB at least for camp, certainly. So, if that "B+" portion of the plan is what you're really talking about...that, gentle reader, is when Lauren Tannehill will get the phone call from Omar/Artie asking after her availability (oh, and could she maybe see to it to bring her husband along to Pittsburgh for a chat. There may be something he could do for them).
I feel pretty certain if they'll bring in someone else of note if Rodgers spurns them.
barackdhouse
Footballguy
Yeah I've been operating under the assumption all offseason that Rodgers is their only plan. And I'm starting to doubt if he really signs. But I would really love to see it for Metcalf and Pickens. I think Freiermuth is maybe criminally undervalued right now for 2025 if he does sign. I just find it hard to believe they're gonna roll with Rudolph if it comes to it.
I'll just tell you I've been drafting for awhile now on assumption Rodgers signs and from what I've been seeing all 3 of those players are good value/underrated because I believe people are to scared of the QB situation.
barackdhouse
Footballguy
yeah same here
steelcityman
Footballguy
Its gonna be Rodgers, but might not be signed until a week before training camp. He's not worried about public opinion, and might not even be worried about the Steelers front office. Its a one year plan, so I hope Howard enters rookie camp and all the summer activities thinking he could be starting this year, because he should be once the season goes in the tank, and it will.
belljr
Footballguy
So we got a chance of picking up Kenny Pickett. Hot damn
Blick
Footballguy
At least it won’t cost a 1st this time.
fred_1_15301
Footballguy
Can we all agree that the Steelers should not be in win now mode? The bottom line is that they don’t have the QB that can take them over the hump. There are no available QBs (Rodgers, Cousins, etc) that will take them over the hump. Given that, I see no problem going with Rudolph this year and trying to address the QB gap next year in the draft. They need to have a bad year to improve their long term outlook. 
steelcityman
Footballguy
Steelers have coaches.
steelcityman
Footballguy
By win now, do you mean super bowl, cause yes, I agree. But if you mean 10-7 and making playoffs, I cant agree. This team is pretty talented, TBH, upgraded WR and RB, get a 1st and 3rd rd pick from last year back into the fold, and built up the DL and added a crafty vet CB The only hole is QB. Many teams have depth issues. You think the Bills and their WR crew is crying about winning? Nope. On paper, this should be a solid team than will go nose to nose with the Ravens and Bengals again this year. Rodgers gives them a better chance to win more games this year, but they arent winning an AFC title or super bowl. But they are never going to tank a season on purpose. They have 11 picks in 7 rds next year in the draft and cap space to spend, that is their rebuild.Can we all agree that the Steelers should not be in win now mode? The bottom line is that they don’t have the QB that can take them over the hump. There are no available QBs (Rodgers, Cousins, etc) that will take them over the hump. Given that, I see no problem going with Rudolph this year and trying to address the QB gap next year in the draft. They need to have a bad year to improve their long term outlook.
1 QB
2 Watt extension
those are the 2 remaining questions right now.
If/when the season goes in the tank, and it will, always does under Tomlin lately, they better play Howard. I think he can be a solid QB1, and they need to find out THIS YEAR, and if not, spend draft picks to make sure they get a QB they want next year. Allar, the LSU kid, Nico, Sellers, IDC who it is, but this QB disaster has to end soon.
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
I disagree. If the line is healthy and meets their potential and Rodgers stays off of the ground, I think the team is competitive.Can we all agree that the Steelers should not be in win now mode? The bottom line is that they don’t have the QB that can take them over the hump. There are no available QBs (Rodgers, Cousins, etc) that will take them over the hump. Given that, I see no problem going with Rudolph this year and trying to address the QB gap next year in the draft. They need to have a bad year to improve their long term outlook.
I disagree. If the line is healthy and meets their potential and Rodgers stays off of the ground, I think the team is competitive.Can we all agree that the Steelers should not be in win now mode? The bottom line is that they don’t have the QB that can take them over the hump. There are no available QBs (Rodgers, Cousins, etc) that will take them over the hump. Given that, I see no problem going with Rudolph this year and trying to address the QB gap next year in the draft. They need to have a bad year to improve their long term outlook.
There's a big difference in what is actually best for the Steelers next year vs. what is likely to happen next year, which I think was his main point.
The best thing for the Steelers going forward for the next 5+ years would be for them to relatively bottom out next season and go 4-13 or 5-12. Either Rodgers just retires or gets hurt, Rudolph is a disaster, and Boswell has an off year where he can't save this team and offense like he has so often done.
That can help bring about some significant changes that this organization needs + would put them in a great position to hopefully land a difference-making young franchise QB.
Until then, this organization is stuck in the mud with Tomlin, who it seems like some Steelers fans want to coach here 30 years, despite his teams getting absolutely embarrassed and run off the field in six straight playoff disasters and having the same consistent issues (i.e. some Ravens players recently talking about how easy it is to gameplan for the Steelers, which has long been an issue) throughout that time.
Bracie Smathers
Footballguy
Steelers Wanted To Avoid '3-Ring Circus' With Big Personality Dynamic Heading Into 2025 NFL Season
The Pittsburgh Steelers were seen as a top option to select Shedeur Sanders to give their quarterback room a boost, but that obviously didn't happen during the 2025 NFL Draft. They clearly were not interested in taking even the slightest risk on drafting him...
Steelers Linked to $180 Million QB Amid Aaron Rodgers Drama
As the NFL offseason continues to drag on, quarterback Aaron Rodgers remains a free agent, with the Pittsburgh Steelers emerging as one of his only remaining options if he chooses to play.
As the four-time MVP continues to not make a final decision, it puts the Steelers in a tricky position with Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and Will Howard, who they drafted in the sixth round, as the only quarterbacks heading into 2025.
However, while appearing on "The Pat McAfee Show," NFL insider Ian Rapoport revealed that Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins could emerge as a new option...
The Pittsburgh Steelers were seen as a top option to select Shedeur Sanders to give their quarterback room a boost, but that obviously didn't happen during the 2025 NFL Draft. They clearly were not interested in taking even the slightest risk on drafting him...
Steelers Linked to $180 Million QB Amid Aaron Rodgers Drama
As the NFL offseason continues to drag on, quarterback Aaron Rodgers remains a free agent, with the Pittsburgh Steelers emerging as one of his only remaining options if he chooses to play.
As the four-time MVP continues to not make a final decision, it puts the Steelers in a tricky position with Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and Will Howard, who they drafted in the sixth round, as the only quarterbacks heading into 2025.
However, while appearing on "The Pat McAfee Show," NFL insider Ian Rapoport revealed that Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins could emerge as a new option...
fred_1_15301
Footballguy
For me, the goal is to assemble a team that can win a Super Bowl. I don’t believe this team with Rodgers can do that. If you do believe that, then we just agree to disagree. I don’t really care about “competitive” when it inevitably results in just missing the playoffs or a 1st round exit (and subsequent draft pick in the early 20s. Aren’t we tired of this story. I would be ok with them stinking it up with Rudolph if it sets them up for the future.I disagree. If the line is healthy and meets their potential and Rodgers stays off of the ground, I think the team is competitive.Can we all agree that the Steelers should not be in win now mode? The bottom line is that they don’t have the QB that can take them over the hump. There are no available QBs (Rodgers, Cousins, etc) that will take them over the hump. Given that, I see no problem going with Rudolph this year and trying to address the QB gap next year in the draft. They need to have a bad year to improve their long term outlook.
This is a fanciful idea IMO that is not rooted in NFL reality for how teams operate and surely not one where most of your elite or better core players are older.
This is not Madden franchise mode.
Steelers4Life
Footballguy
Agreed.
But if ownership and the front office were realistic, they'd look at this roster and admit that they aren't an Aaron Rodgers away from being truly competitive in the AFC. They should swallow their pride and set the franchise up for the next decade plus by trading Watt for a young player plus pick(s), allowing Rudolph to start for a year, and then be in a position to be better off moving forward. They haven't won a playoff game with Watt on the roster, and they don't need him just to not win a playoff game again.
If Rodgers is just good enough to make the competitive but not good enough to make them real contenders, then it's the worst case scenario for the team.
The Steelers franchise is stuck in limbo and they have a coach who's comfortable living there. It's an awful combination.
Snotbubbles
Footballguy
For me, the goal is to assemble a team that can win a Super Bowl. I don’t believe this team with Rodgers can do that. If you do believe that, then we just agree to disagree. I don’t really care about “competitive” when it inevitably results in just missing the playoffs or a 1st round exit (and subsequent draft pick in the early 20s. Aren’t we tired of this story. I would be ok with them stinking it up with Rudolph if it sets them up for the future.I disagree. If the line is healthy and meets their potential and Rodgers stays off of the ground, I think the team is competitive.Can we all agree that the Steelers should not be in win now mode? The bottom line is that they don’t have the QB that can take them over the hump. There are no available QBs (Rodgers, Cousins, etc) that will take them over the hump. Given that, I see no problem going with Rudolph this year and trying to address the QB gap next year in the draft. They need to have a bad year to improve their long term outlook.
If you want to tank the year this year to go after a QB early in the draft in 2026, wouldn't it make sense to move on from older players that could get you back draft compensation? I mean, anyone over 30 should be traded away, no? If you're going to tank 2025, then you're going to probably spend the 2026 season grooming the rookie QB. At best, you're probably looking at 2027 as the year you're a serious contender. All those 30 year old will either be over the hill or getting ready for the decent down.
crushedspirit
Footballguy
That is the best way to "tank" so to speak. They've won nothing in the playoffs with Watt, but he is the face of the franchise and Steelers notoriously overpay for aging loyal team veterans.For me, the goal is to assemble a team that can win a Super Bowl. I don’t believe this team with Rodgers can do that. If you do believe that, then we just agree to disagree. I don’t really care about “competitive” when it inevitably results in just missing the playoffs or a 1st round exit (and subsequent draft pick in the early 20s. Aren’t we tired of this story. I would be ok with them stinking it up with Rudolph if it sets them up for the future.I disagree. If the line is healthy and meets their potential and Rodgers stays off of the ground, I think the team is competitive.Can we all agree that the Steelers should not be in win now mode? The bottom line is that they don’t have the QB that can take them over the hump. There are no available QBs (Rodgers, Cousins, etc) that will take them over the hump. Given that, I see no problem going with Rudolph this year and trying to address the QB gap next year in the draft. They need to have a bad year to improve their long term outlook.
If you want to tank the year this year to go after a QB early in the draft in 2026, wouldn't it make sense to move on from older players that could get you back draft compensation? I mean, anyone over 30 should be traded away, no? If you're going to tank 2025, then you're going to probably spend the 2026 season grooming the rookie QB. At best, you're probably looking at 2027 as the year you're a serious contender. All those 30 year old will either be over the hill or getting ready for the decent down.
They will sign him to big money as he moves even closer to the cliffside of his career.
Grid71
Footballguy
might be in the cards if the team starts off turrible. could trade some vets to contenders near the trade deadline. actually give guys like cam and watt a shot at a ring for realz. gave em a big payday for last contract as thanks then a title shot with another team.
rodgers rolling in late to camp doesn't help chances of winning week 1. takes a while to get going with a new set of targets
rodgers rolling in late to camp doesn't help chances of winning week 1. takes a while to get going with a new set of targets
Snotbubbles
Footballguy
That is the best way to "tank" so to speak. They've won nothing in the playoffs with Watt, but he is the face of the franchise and Steelers notoriously overpay for aging loyal team veterans.For me, the goal is to assemble a team that can win a Super Bowl. I don’t believe this team with Rodgers can do that. If you do believe that, then we just agree to disagree. I don’t really care about “competitive” when it inevitably results in just missing the playoffs or a 1st round exit (and subsequent draft pick in the early 20s. Aren’t we tired of this story. I would be ok with them stinking it up with Rudolph if it sets them up for the future.I disagree. If the line is healthy and meets their potential and Rodgers stays off of the ground, I think the team is competitive.Can we all agree that the Steelers should not be in win now mode? The bottom line is that they don’t have the QB that can take them over the hump. There are no available QBs (Rodgers, Cousins, etc) that will take them over the hump. Given that, I see no problem going with Rudolph this year and trying to address the QB gap next year in the draft. They need to have a bad year to improve their long term outlook.
If you want to tank the year this year to go after a QB early in the draft in 2026, wouldn't it make sense to move on from older players that could get you back draft compensation? I mean, anyone over 30 should be traded away, no? If you're going to tank 2025, then you're going to probably spend the 2026 season grooming the rookie QB. At best, you're probably looking at 2027 as the year you're a serious contender. All those 30 year old will either be over the hill or getting ready for the decent down.
They will sign him to big money as he moves even closer to the cliffside of his career.
To me, even if you think Watt is worth the ~$40M AAV contract he's going to sign, if you don't have a QB, you're just spinning your wheels, IMO. You don't need to to bottom out, but if you're drafting a QB anywhere in the 1st round, it's going to be a couple years before he's seasoned enough to win you a SB. At that point guys like Watt and Heyward will be in their mid-to-late 30s.
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
Yes. And a non-insignificant portion of the fan base has been yammering about it for a couple of seasons (e.g. Trade Watt while he'd still bring back a haul, get out from under the Minkah contract, etc etc.) Not necessarily with regard to the 2026 QB class specifically, but from a "the cycle needs to be broken" angle. The Current Rooney In Charge will never agree to it, though, so it really becomes a moot point. They would have had to totally bottom out with Tomlin directly post-Ben for him to even dream of it, I'd wager.
Heyward is already in his late thirties, so whatever "window" they're worried about with him is pretty much razor thin. It shouldn't be what they focus on, and yet...here we are.
Even if they start out lousy this year, I wouldn't bet on it. It just isn't how they operate, typically.
They'll let their players go (see: "Harris, Franco", "Harrison, James" and "Faneca, Alan", etc). They'll let them go...but only once there isn't what they deem is an ounce of football left in them. It's similar to how they view coaches. A "We gave you a contract, so you're playing it out." sort of a thing. They'll just let them play until they can't any more and then "retire them" by not offering another contract, exactly as they did with guys like Hines, Ben and Troy (and will be doing with Heyward). All that "one helmet talk" from the owner is just that. The only reason a guy like Ben (and maybe Troy) were "one helmet guys" is because they chose to be. Ben still had a year or two in him, IMO.
Now, if Watt or Heyward were to ask to be moved, that changes the calculus. We know Tomlin loves his "volunteers not hostages" mantra, so they'd probably accommodate a request if it got to that point...and be immediately put in a poor position to get the best return because of those circumstances.
If they were ever going to move TJ, this year should be the year. Let some other team give him his bag, still get back a load of value in return, not be completely bereft of talent as his position with Highsmith/Herbig/et al still rostered, re-tool/assess in '25, aggressively address the QB position in '26 with the idea that it springboards you for the next decade plus.
Honestly, that could/should be the plan regardless of whether they win much in '25 or not. It won't be/isn't, but it should.
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