*** 2025 Pittsburgh Steelers: TJ Watt signs a 3 year, $123 million deal (5 Viewers)

[menobrown]

Gotta love that we kept all of the 2026 picks.

Yes, for now, good ammo to add vet at position of need in season.

I know Kahn was one of the few GM's at the Manning passing academy this weekend and protecting that bevy of picks for a little move up is probably on his mind but those picks can get you a vet help a lot easier then moving you up much, if we are talking like the 3-5th's rounders especially.

 

[zamboni]

We should all have someone in our lives that loves us as much as Arthur loves Jonnu.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Wonder if they're possibly angling that Ramsey or Slay are the replacement at FS?

 

[menobrown]

Wonder if they're possibly angling that Ramsey or Slay are the replacement at FS?

From what I've read not a one off as a Minkah replacement but something that will be a part of what he does.

Here is one snippet from The Athletic:

It’s worth noting that the Steelers are in subpackages about 80 percent of the time and also have leaned heavily into three-safety defenses in the past. Ramsey gives the Steelers options. They can play him on the outside, in the nickel or at safety, depending upon the package, game plan and opponent. Because of his history playing on the outside and defending No. 1 WRs, Ramsey’s versatility could give the Steelers more opportunities to disguise coverages and evolve their defense.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Wonder if they're possibly angling that Ramsey or Slay are the replacement at FS?

From what I've read not a one off as a Minkah replacement but something that will be a part of what he does.

Here is one snippet from The Athletic:

It’s worth noting that the Steelers are in subpackages about 80 percent of the time and also have leaned heavily into three-safety defenses in the past. Ramsey gives the Steelers options. They can play him on the outside, in the nickel or at safety, depending upon the package, game plan and opponent. Because of his history playing on the outside and defending No. 1 WRs, Ramsey’s versatility could give the Steelers more opportunities to disguise coverages and evolve their defense.

Could certainly see that being a direction they'd take.

Maybe he makes a move more to S/Slot-only over the next few years as he ages out of the contract, etc.

 

[Godsbrother]

Traded Minkah?

That's crazy IMO. Ramsey was great once but, IMO, Minkah is still a game changer and Ramsey is not.

Minkah has been pretty invisible the last couple of seasons. It may be a scheme thing but he hasn’t been a play maker for a few years

He has been an All-Pro and Pro Bowler more recently than Ramsey. He's also a little over two years younger than Ramsey.

IMO Fitzpatrick>Ramsey but the margin is probably smaller than I recognize. Still, IMO you make a move to add Ramsey to play with Minkah and Watt not as a replacement for Minkah. IMO this is a lateral move at best.

I guess adding Jonnu is nice but I have always wondered why he is never able to stick anywhere.

Over the past two seasons Minkah has had 1 interception and forced 1 fumble. I’m not saying he isn’t a good player but he hasn’t been a playmaker for a while

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

There are free agent safeties left out there. Blackmon?

 

[menobrown]

Wonder if they're possibly angling that Ramsey or Slay are the replacement at FS?

From what I've read not a one off as a Minkah replacement but something that will be a part of what he does.

Here is one snippet from The Athletic:

It’s worth noting that the Steelers are in subpackages about 80 percent of the time and also have leaned heavily into three-safety defenses in the past. Ramsey gives the Steelers options. They can play him on the outside, in the nickel or at safety, depending upon the package, game plan and opponent. Because of his history playing on the outside and defending No. 1 WRs, Ramsey’s versatility could give the Steelers more opportunities to disguise coverages and evolve their defense.

Could certainly see that being a direction they'd take.

Maybe he makes a move more to S/Slot-only over the next few years as he ages out of the contract, etc.

Yes I think so. Since he's been on the market this off-season most of the speculation on him regardless of which team he went to was this season or the one after he'd be making a transition to safety. I think that transition starts now, it's just not full time, but I expect it to continue to grow and I'd not even be the position he plays more of this season.

I can understand a vision for him and how he can help the defense this year. But $26m is some serious coin for his current level of play and I sure hope he's one and done because I don't want any part of extending a guy who seems to always want out when the going gets tough, including faking injuries to get his way.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Offseason Omar Khan be like...

Even with Smith being acquired, I am sorta feeling like this is another "all in on defense" kinda thing, though. We've seen how well that has went lately. I guess I just don't trust Artie to be able to get creative enough to leverage a couple receiving TEs and DK in a way that makes the offense more dynamic.

There are free agent safeties left out there. Blackmon?

Or Simmons, since clearly whoever they get needs to be over 30.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

I can understand a vision for him and how he can help the defense this year. But $26m is some serious coin for his current level of play and I sure hope he's one and done because I don't want any part of extending a guy who seems to always want out when the going gets tough, including faking injuries to get his way.

Certainly a concern, yes.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

Rumors were that Minkah was a malcontent in the locker room and his effort was suboptimal. He'd definitely seen a drop off from his big play ability, but I didn't want to believe the rumors. This trade gives them a little more credence.

I don't think the trade hurts the Steelers. Not sure if it helps them, but probably a better chance than standing pat.

 

[menobrown]

I don't think the trade hurts the Steelers. Not sure if it helps them, but probably a better chance than standing pat.

I think on the whole they are a better team. They better be, I think they just took on $22m in extra salary for this season.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

I don't think the trade hurts the Steelers. Not sure if it helps them, but probably a better chance than standing pat.

I think on the whole they are a better team. They better be, I think they just took on $22m in extra salary for this season.

The extra salary was baked into my evaluaiton.

 

[JoeSteeler]

Fitzpatrick’s old 2025 cap hit: $22.355 million
Ramsey+Fitzpatrick new cap hit: $14.355 million
2025 cap savings of the DB swap: $8 million

Cap and contract details: Steelers trade Minkah Fitzpatrick, add Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith

We added up the salary cap ramifications of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ recent trades.

www.behindthesteelcurtain.com

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Some of that savings will be getting earmarked for Smith, tho.

Not really worried about the money aspect. They had a bunch of space left and Khan is one of the best at playing "credit card football" out there.

 

[Acrobat7]

They really think A-a-ron can get them to a Super Bowl, don’t they?

 

[5-ish Finkle]

They really think A-a-ron can get them to a Super Bowl, don’t they?

Sure looks that way. :-|

Also looks sorta like Mikey is just going out and getting players that have smoked him in the past on other teams. Ramsey on the Jags, Rodgers knocking him off in the SB, DK in that one game in 2023 (not sure on Smith.)

 

[Godsbrother]

I think people are overestimating how much control Mike Tomlin has, especially for this upcoming season. Of course he has a large voice but I don’t think he is alone making these decisions.

The moves they are making arent Tomlin’s “last gasp”. The Steelers are doing what they can to be competitive this season. We may disagree with the approach but they feel they can compete this season and still get their franchise QB in the 2026 draft.

 

[Steeler]

I think people are overestimating how much control Mike Tomlin has, especially for this upcoming season. Of course he has a large voice but I don’t think he is alone making these decisions.

The moves they are making arent Tomlin’s “last gasp”. The Steelers are doing what they can to be competitive this season. We may disagree with the approach but they feel they can compete this season and still get their franchise QB in the 2026 draft.

This is a good point. When they drafted Pickett I thought (along with others) they should not drafted Pickett, make the team as good as possible outside of QB, and then get a QB later. Seattle did that with R. Wilson. Rams did that with Stafford. I don't know if they are on the right track to making the team a SB contender if they just get the right QB, but given their situation after Ben retired, I can at least make myself see that that they are following this template.

Now, if the D would just hold a team under ~20 point in the first quarter of their next playoffs game, they might be on to something

 

[5-ish Finkle]

I think people are overestimating how much control Mike Tomlin has, especially for this upcoming season. Of course he has a large voice but I don’t think he is alone making these decisions.

The moves they are making arent Tomlin’s “last gasp”. The Steelers are doing what they can to be competitive this season. We may disagree with the approach but they feel they can compete this season and still get their franchise QB in the 2026 draft.

If you were including me in that group of "people", I at least am certainly not viewing this as Tomlin's "last gasp." Earlier I merely opined that I don't think it's totally nuts to think maybe they'd choose to move on (either/both sides) at the end of his current deal if he hasn't managed to tack on another playoff win yet. These are clearly "win now" moves for 2025, but he isn't going anyplace until his deal runs out.

And of course he isn't making these decisions alone, but his voice is probably the largest in the room not named Rooney.

 

[Godsbrother]

I think people are overestimating how much control Mike Tomlin has, especially for this upcoming season. Of course he has a large voice but I don’t think he is alone making these decisions.

The moves they are making arent Tomlin’s “last gasp”. The Steelers are doing what they can to be competitive this season. We may disagree with the approach but they feel they can compete this season and still get their franchise QB in the 2026 draft.

If you were including me in that group of "people", I at least am certainly not viewing this as Tomlin's "last gasp." Earlier I merely opined that I don't think it's totally nuts to think maybe they'd choose to move on (either/both sides) at the end of his current deal if he hasn't managed to tack on another playoff win yet. These are clearly "win now" moves for 2025, but he isn't going anyplace until his deal runs out.

And of course he isn't making these decisions alone, but his voice is probably the largest in the room not named Rooney.

Nope wasn’t referring to anyone in particular.

But I am hearing a lot of comments on the radio and TV suggesting that it is Tomlin alone calling the shots and that he is selling out to win this year knowing that it will be his final season with the team.

I think this is ridiculous but I’ll eat the crow if it turns out to be the case.

 

[irish eyes]

Very optimistic about all the moves.....if it was 2018.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

The Steelers never, ever endorse a "rebuild" mentality. They always go out and try to build a team to win now. That strategy is what has led Tomlin to never have a losing season. It's also probably what contributes to them not winning a playoff game in a long time too.

The good news is that next year's draft is pretty deep at QB and even if we draft in the late teens-early 20s as we have been lately, there may very well be a pretty decent QB at that spot. Unlike when we took Pickett from a very weak QB class.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I think it was a good trade for both teams, Miami was lucky to get Minkah back in return
I understand Fitz has not been an All Pro the last season or two, still happy to get back something better than just a 5th round pick
Enjoy Jonnu Smith, good addition for you all.

-Miami's offense took a U-Turn last year, lot of it was Tua's 3rd-4th major concussion
You don't want Smith leading your team in Rec/Yds/TDs when you have Hill and Waddle
88/888/8TDs and Miami went 9-8 after going 11-6 the season prior when Hill and the offense was on all cylinders

Always respectful of the Steelers organization
I give the Steelers a B+/A- and Miami a solid "B" when you consider both sides wanted Ramsey gone
Cheers!

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

I think people are overestimating how much control Mike Tomlin has, especially for this upcoming season. Of course he has a large voice but I don’t think he is alone making these decisions.

The moves they are making arent Tomlin’s “last gasp”. The Steelers are doing what they can to be competitive this season. We may disagree with the approach but they feel they can compete this season and still get their franchise QB in the 2026 draft.

If you were including me in that group of "people", I at least am certainly not viewing this as Tomlin's "last gasp." Earlier I merely opined that I don't think it's totally nuts to think maybe they'd choose to move on (either/both sides) at the end of his current deal if he hasn't managed to tack on another playoff win yet. These are clearly "win now" moves for 2025, but he isn't going anyplace until his deal runs out.

And of course he isn't making these decisions alone, but his voice is probably the largest in the room not named Rooney.

Nope wasn’t referring to anyone in particular.

But I am hearing a lot of comments on the radio and TV suggesting that it is Tomlin alone calling the shots and that he is selling out to win this year knowing that it will be his final season with the team.

I think this is ridiculous but I’ll eat the crow if it turns out to be the case.

These moves are clearly Omar Khan. I really don't understand the Tomlin runs the show narrative.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I’m not sure if it’s all Omar or Tomlin has veto power or what but I don’t think they make these trades without his blessing. I do know that I had heard Fitz trade talks back during the draft so this isn’t out of nowhere and they were shopping him.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

The Steelers have now added Rodgers, added a strong WR, jettisoned a headache at WR, added a solid TE to round out their TE stable that can block, catch, do many things with several people now that can line up, they can go 2-TE/3-TE and overload a side of the OL for short yards since Rodgers is not likely to be taking off much

And they added a 3x All Pro at Cornerback to make a fairly strong trio in their DB room, should be able to cover the slot and both DB Islands on the outside

How are the Steelers worse than they were in say Feb/March going into the off season? I think they have done the best they can minus finding a franchise QB
But they have built the team so that most QBs who would come there be it the Draft or Free Agency or a trade, the Steelers are not a horrible team right now

Super Bowl? No
They can get to the Playoffs and I could see them winning a game but going past the wildcard round will be difficult
Pittsburgh is not Baltimore and they are retooling several positions, but the franchise is never in a rebuild mode, they won't allow it to happen

I like Sawyer and KJ a lot from this past draft, not sure about Harmon but there were a lot of DTs, it's possible I just didn't take to him as much as I did some fo the others that landed in Miami and Buffalo for example. But if they added pieces to the F7 on the DL/Edge and now have a 2-back attack behind Rodgers, there will be some strong outcomes many weeks
I do understand the frustration of the fan base and always having a ceiling of say WC round and not much further
After a while you just want to start over but they are putting themselves into position for a winning season

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

The Steelers have now added Rodgers, added a strong WR, jettisoned a headache at WR, added a solid TE to round out their TE stable that can block, catch, do many things with several people now that can line up, they can go 2-TE/3-TE and overload a side of the OL for short yards since Rodgers is not likely to be taking off much

And they added a 3x All Pro at Cornerback to make a fairly strong trio in their DB room, should be able to cover the slot and both DB Islands on the outside

How are the Steelers worse than they were in say Feb/March going into the off season? I think they have done the best they can minus finding a franchise QB
But they have built the team so that most QBs who would come there be it the Draft or Free Agency or a trade, the Steelers are not a horrible team right now

Super Bowl? No
They can get to the Playoffs and I could see them winning a game but going past the wildcard round will be difficult
Pittsburgh is not Baltimore and they are retooling several positions, but the franchise is never in a rebuild mode, they won't allow it to happen

I like Sawyer and KJ a lot from this past draft, not sure about Harmon but there were a lot of DTs, it's possible I just didn't take to him as much as I did some fo the others that landed in Miami and Buffalo for example. But if they added pieces to the F7 on the DL/Edge and now have a 2-back attack behind Rodgers, there will be some strong outcomes many weeks
I do understand the frustration of the fan base and always having a ceiling of say WC round and not much further
After a while you just want to start over but they are putting themselves into position for a winning season

I think Harmon is a good prospect, but I don't like the pick. It is a move for the future on a team that is doing everything it can to win now. Golden was the pick to make.

I am getting close to seeing a real path to being a superbowl contender for this team. They need 1 or 2 more WR's though. They should probably add a saftey now that Minkah is gone. I am also worried about OL depth. A swing T would be smart. Those moves can all or mostly (Not real optimistic about adding a OT) happen. If so, they have a shot.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

The Steelers have now added Rodgers, added a strong WR, jettisoned a headache at WR, added a solid TE to round out their TE stable that can block, catch, do many things with several people now that can line up, they can go 2-TE/3-TE and overload a side of the OL for short yards since Rodgers is not likely to be taking off much

And they added a 3x All Pro at Cornerback to make a fairly strong trio in their DB room, should be able to cover the slot and both DB Islands on the outside

How are the Steelers worse than they were in say Feb/March going into the off season? I think they have done the best they can minus finding a franchise QB
But they have built the team so that most QBs who would come there be it the Draft or Free Agency or a trade, the Steelers are not a horrible team right now

Super Bowl? No
They can get to the Playoffs and I could see them winning a game but going past the wildcard round will be difficult
Pittsburgh is not Baltimore and they are retooling several positions, but the franchise is never in a rebuild mode, they won't allow it to happen

I like Sawyer and KJ a lot from this past draft, not sure about Harmon but there were a lot of DTs, it's possible I just didn't take to him as much as I did some fo the others that landed in Miami and Buffalo for example. But if they added pieces to the F7 on the DL/Edge and now have a 2-back attack behind Rodgers, there will be some strong outcomes many weeks
I do understand the frustration of the fan base and always having a ceiling of say WC round and not much further
After a while you just want to start over but they are putting themselves into position for a winning season

I think Harmon is a good prospect, but I don't like the pick. It is a move for the future on a team that is doing everything it can to win now. Golden was the pick to make.

I am getting close to seeing a real path to being a superbowl contender for this team. They need 1 or 2 more WR's though. They should probably add a saftey now that Minkah is gone. I am also worried about OL depth. A swing T would be smart. Those moves can all or mostly (Not real optimistic about adding a OT) happen. If so, they have a shot.

Doubling down on my own post. I have been thinking what this offense looks like running a ton of 12 and 13 personnel. The Steelers roll out with Metcalf, Smith, Muth, Washington, and Johnson in the backfield. What can you do as a defense? If you don't bring a very heavy lineup in, the Steelers should be able to get 5+ ypc. If you bring a heavy D, you will have at least 1 of Muth and Smith running free against LB's

 

[Uruk-Hai]

The Steelers have now added Rodgers, added a strong WR, jettisoned a headache at WR, added a solid TE to round out their TE stable that can block, catch, do many things with several people now that can line up, they can go 2-TE/3-TE and overload a side of the OL for short yards since Rodgers is not likely to be taking off much

And they added a 3x All Pro at Cornerback to make a fairly strong trio in their DB room, should be able to cover the slot and both DB Islands on the outside

How are the Steelers worse than they were in say Feb/March going into the off season? I think they have done the best they can minus finding a franchise QB
But they have built the team so that most QBs who would come there be it the Draft or Free Agency or a trade, the Steelers are not a horrible team right now

Super Bowl? No
They can get to the Playoffs and I could see them winning a game but going past the wildcard round will be difficult
Pittsburgh is not Baltimore and they are retooling several positions, but the franchise is never in a rebuild mode, they won't allow it to happen

I like Sawyer and KJ a lot from this past draft, not sure about Harmon but there were a lot of DTs, it's possible I just didn't take to him as much as I did some fo the others that landed in Miami and Buffalo for example. But if they added pieces to the F7 on the DL/Edge and now have a 2-back attack behind Rodgers, there will be some strong outcomes many weeks
I do understand the frustration of the fan base and always having a ceiling of say WC round and not much further
After a while you just want to start over but they are putting themselves into position for a winning season

I think Harmon is a good prospect, but I don't like the pick. It is a move for the future on a team that is doing everything it can to win now. Golden was the pick to make.

I am getting close to seeing a real path to being a superbowl contender for this team. They need 1 or 2 more WR's though. They should probably add a saftey now that Minkah is gone. I am also worried about OL depth. A swing T would be smart. Those moves can all or mostly (Not real optimistic about adding a OT) happen. If so, they have a shot.

Doubling down on my own post. I have been thinking what this offense looks like running a ton of 12 and 13 personnel. The Steelers roll out with Metcalf, Smith, Muth, Washington, and Johnson in the backfield. What can you do as a defense? If you don't bring a very heavy lineup in, the Steelers should be able to get 5+ ypc. If you bring a heavy D, you will have at least 1 of Muth and Smith running free against LB's

I've been screaming at the Ravens for 3 years to get Andrews and Likely on the field at the same time more often. Drives me nuts. Get your best players out there.

If Muth and Smith are two of your best 3 or 4 receivers, play them.

 

[Grid71]

The Steelers have now added Rodgers, added a strong WR, jettisoned a headache at WR, added a solid TE to round out their TE stable that can block, catch, do many things with several people now that can line up, they can go 2-TE/3-TE and overload a side of the OL for short yards since Rodgers is not likely to be taking off much

And they added a 3x All Pro at Cornerback to make a fairly strong trio in their DB room, should be able to cover the slot and both DB Islands on the outside

How are the Steelers worse than they were in say Feb/March going into the off season? I think they have done the best they can minus finding a franchise QB
But they have built the team so that most QBs who would come there be it the Draft or Free Agency or a trade, the Steelers are not a horrible team right now

Super Bowl? No
They can get to the Playoffs and I could see them winning a game but going past the wildcard round will be difficult
Pittsburgh is not Baltimore and they are retooling several positions, but the franchise is never in a rebuild mode, they won't allow it to happen

I like Sawyer and KJ a lot from this past draft, not sure about Harmon but there were a lot of DTs, it's possible I just didn't take to him as much as I did some fo the others that landed in Miami and Buffalo for example. But if they added pieces to the F7 on the DL/Edge and now have a 2-back attack behind Rodgers, there will be some strong outcomes many weeks
I do understand the frustration of the fan base and always having a ceiling of say WC round and not much further
After a while you just want to start over but they are putting themselves into position for a winning season

I think Harmon is a good prospect, but I don't like the pick. It is a move for the future on a team that is doing everything it can to win now. Golden was the pick to make.

I am getting close to seeing a real path to being a superbowl contender for this team. They need 1 or 2 more WR's though. They should probably add a saftey now that Minkah is gone. I am also worried about OL depth. A swing T would be smart. Those moves can all or mostly (Not real optimistic about adding a OT) happen. If so, they have a shot.

Doubling down on my own post. I have been thinking what this offense looks like running a ton of 12 and 13 personnel. The Steelers roll out with Metcalf, Smith, Muth, Washington, and Johnson in the backfield. What can you do as a defense? If you don't bring a very heavy lineup in, the Steelers should be able to get 5+ ypc. If you bring a heavy D, you will have at least 1 of Muth and Smith running free against LB's

Fans will have a field day shouting Muuuuuth or Nuuuuuuu anytime a TE catches a pass. Jonnu is a better blocker vs Freiermuth, so I think he will be on the field more often.

I hear you about heavy package going out there and push around the D. However, it seemed like a monumental task last season to gain a single yard in short yardage situations. They'd fail to get the job done on 3rd or 4th and 1 over and over. Need Rodgers to make the D pay for crowding the LOS, this unit hasn't displayed much talent for winning those battles. Maybe figure out PA West tush push.

 

[menobrown]

I'm just going to say I don't think they made this trade to play Friermuth less.

 

[fatness]

New-look, all-in Steelers are favored in only six of 17 games

As Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan recently noted on Twitter, the Steelers are favored in only six of their 17 games to be played in 2025. It seemed incorrect, so we checked the lines at DraftKings. And it’s accurate. Pittsburgh is the favorite in six games, and the underdog in 11 games.

The Steelers are the favorites in Week 1 at the Jets (-3), Week 2 vs. the Seahawks (-1.5), Week 6 vs. the Browns (-6.5), Week 9 vs. the Colts (-3.5), Week 15 vs. the Dolphins (-2.5), and Week 17 at the Browns (-2.5).

 

[irish eyes]

New-look, all-in Steelers are favored in only six of 17 games

As Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan recently noted on Twitter, the Steelers are favored in only six of their 17 games to be played in 2025. It seemed incorrect, so we checked the lines at DraftKings. And it’s accurate. Pittsburgh is the favorite in six games, and the underdog in 11 games.

The Steelers are the favorites in Week 1 at the Jets (-3), Week 2 vs. the Seahawks (-1.5), Week 6 vs. the Browns (-6.5), Week 9 vs. the Colts (-3.5), Week 15 vs. the Dolphins (-2.5), and Week 17 at the Browns (-2.5).

So the Patriots & bears are favored over the Steelers . Pretty sad.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

The Steelers have now added Rodgers, added a strong WR, jettisoned a headache at WR, added a solid TE to round out their TE stable that can block, catch, do many things with several people now that can line up, they can go 2-TE/3-TE and overload a side of the OL for short yards since Rodgers is not likely to be taking off much

And they added a 3x All Pro at Cornerback to make a fairly strong trio in their DB room, should be able to cover the slot and both DB Islands on the outside

How are the Steelers worse than they were in say Feb/March going into the off season? I think they have done the best they can minus finding a franchise QB
But they have built the team so that most QBs who would come there be it the Draft or Free Agency or a trade, the Steelers are not a horrible team right now

Super Bowl? No
They can get to the Playoffs and I could see them winning a game but going past the wildcard round will be difficult
Pittsburgh is not Baltimore and they are retooling several positions, but the franchise is never in a rebuild mode, they won't allow it to happen

I like Sawyer and KJ a lot from this past draft, not sure about Harmon but there were a lot of DTs, it's possible I just didn't take to him as much as I did some fo the others that landed in Miami and Buffalo for example. But if they added pieces to the F7 on the DL/Edge and now have a 2-back attack behind Rodgers, there will be some strong outcomes many weeks
I do understand the frustration of the fan base and always having a ceiling of say WC round and not much further
After a while you just want to start over but they are putting themselves into position for a winning season

I think Harmon is a good prospect, but I don't like the pick. It is a move for the future on a team that is doing everything it can to win now. Golden was the pick to make.

I am getting close to seeing a real path to being a superbowl contender for this team. They need 1 or 2 more WR's though. They should probably add a saftey now that Minkah is gone. I am also worried about OL depth. A swing T would be smart. Those moves can all or mostly (Not real optimistic about adding a OT) happen. If so, they have a shot.

Doubling down on my own post. I have been thinking what this offense looks like running a ton of 12 and 13 personnel. The Steelers roll out with Metcalf, Smith, Muth, Washington, and Johnson in the backfield. What can you do as a defense? If you don't bring a very heavy lineup in, the Steelers should be able to get 5+ ypc. If you bring a heavy D, you will have at least 1 of Muth and Smith running free against LB's

I love the Double Down, I'm going to be using that myself in other threads

 

[Grid71]

New-look, all-in Steelers are favored in only six of 17 games

As Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan recently noted on Twitter, the Steelers are favored in only six of their 17 games to be played in 2025. It seemed incorrect, so we checked the lines at DraftKings. And it’s accurate. Pittsburgh is the favorite in six games, and the underdog in 11 games.

The Steelers are the favorites in Week 1 at the Jets (-3), Week 2 vs. the Seahawks (-1.5), Week 6 vs. the Browns (-6.5), Week 9 vs. the Colts (-3.5), Week 15 vs. the Dolphins (-2.5), and Week 17 at the Browns (-2.5).

Playing down to level of competition, that makes Pittsburgh a 4 win team in line for a big QB splash in the draft.

Or Rodgers does his thing and checks into the right play over and over leading to a winning season.

 

[infantsam]

So no one thinks the Steeler/A Smith approach works. Get some meat and run it downhill.
The NFL hates it, but that don’t mean it won’t work. Vegas don’t really like it either based on that 6 win prog.

But it is at least a plan and the moves support it. We’ll see

What we also see is the big money guys who age out before next years QB has a legit chance are worth a lot now in both cap and trade value so we’re dealing

You know that means TJ is next. His 80 mill buys a lot for year 2+ of next years QB.
If we do, we’re only paying him that to preserve ‘Steeler Nation’ which yeah could be worth it but……NotForLong?

I like a 20 million pass rusher and all the **** another 20 can buy. Our weak links have been soooooo easy to exploit.

Love TJ but he belongs in Detroit or similar where the window is wide open.

 

[Godsbrother]

New-look, all-in Steelers are favored in only six of 17 games

As Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan recently noted on Twitter, the Steelers are favored in only six of their 17 games to be played in 2025. It seemed incorrect, so we checked the lines at DraftKings. And it’s accurate. Pittsburgh is the favorite in six games, and the underdog in 11 games.

The Steelers are the favorites in Week 1 at the Jets (-3), Week 2 vs. the Seahawks (-1.5), Week 6 vs. the Browns (-6.5), Week 9 vs. the Colts (-3.5), Week 15 vs. the Dolphins (-2.5), and Week 17 at the Browns (-2.5).

So the Patriots & bears are favored over the Steelers . Pretty sad.

Making any conclusions on the odds that some betting site had of regular season games weeks before training camp opens is pretty silly IMO

 

[menobrown]

So no one thinks the Steeler/A Smith approach works. Get some meat and run it downhill.

I think it's the right approach, and he was a good hire, in light of the personnel available to work with.

Saying that I'm not sure if he's not a lot more then that if he ever got to work with better weapons.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

As much as I've tried to mentally block them out, I still remember the Matt Canada years, so Arthur Smith is a far cry better.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Apparently TJ Watt wants to be the highest paid non-QB in the league?

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

The end of Williamson's last pod is a great listen for anyone talking about the all in Steelers. Khan really is making some genius team building moves. He is maximizing their chance to win with Cam and Watt while not sacrificing the future. They do have a ton of old guys now, but they all have a ton of cap space and draft picks to restock.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMk3zjWRt28

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Apparently TJ Watt wants to be the highest paid non-QB in the league?

I think you can make a strong case he deserves to be.

 

[Cookiemonster]

The Kahn man got an extension too. Well deserved, IMO.

 

[Steelers4Life]

Apparently TJ Watt wants to be the highest paid non-QB in the league?

I think you can make a strong case he deserves to be.

No, not at age 31 coming off a down year and battling nagging injuries already like he has.

He's not worthy of that kind of investment for the years he figures to start declining. He's already been paid for the years when he was at the top of his game and in his prime.

 

[fatness]

From PFT:
Omar Khan’s extension shows no one’s on the hot seat (including Mike Tomlin)

 

[Snotbubbles]

Wonder if they're possibly angling that Ramsey or Slay are the replacement at FS?

As a FS, Ramsey I could see, but not Slay. He's just not a willing tackler.

 

[JoeSteeler]

So are Ramsey and Jonnu now signed through 2026?

 

[5-ish Finkle]

So are Ramsey and Jonnu now signed through 2026?

Ramsey already had years left on his contract when he was acquired. I think he is a UFA in '28

Jonuu was extended for a year, yes.

 

[Acrobat7]

Wonder if they're possibly angling that Ramsey or Slay are the replacement at FS?

As a FS, Ramsey I could see, but not Slay. He's just not a willing tackler.

I would assume Slay plays outside, Ramsey slot and then over time Ramsey transitions to FS.