*** 2025 Pittsburgh Steelers: Starting QB? TBD later (1 Viewer)

[5-ish Finkle]

@JosinaAnderson



Still here in Indy at the Scouting Combine having conversations. Sounds like tje #Steelers are going to have some interesting changes.Will keep you posted.

- Russ likely comin' back
- Naj likely comin' back
- Artie entrenched
- Pat Meyer still on staff
- Austin still on staff

What are the interesting changes? Trading for an old, or injury prone, WR and maybe signing a CB? Hiring BC's old equipment manager? Shadyside Academy's ball boy?

"Yee haw", I guess.

 

[Grid71]

@JosinaAnderson



Still here in Indy at the Scouting Combine having conversations. Sounds like tje #Steelers are going to have some interesting changes.Will keep you posted.

- Russ likely comin' back
- Naj likely comin' back
- Artie entrenched
- Pat Meyer still on staff
- Austin still on staff

What are the interesting changes? Trading for an old, or injury prone, WR and maybe signing a CB? Hiring BC's old equipment manager? Shadyside Academy's ball boy?

"Yee haw", I guess.

Dang it!!! You spoiled the surprise

 

[sm8680]

I truly hope it turns out that Art Rooney II will be passing the keys to Daniel. If that happens, I believe Leeroy has either mentioned this before or hoped for it. I could be wrong.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Heard Russ isn’t coming back but who knows.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

@JosinaAnderson



Still here in Indy at the Scouting Combine having conversations. Sounds like tje #Steelers are going to have some interesting changes.Will keep you posted.

I would guess they are getting close to a Fields deal.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Heard Russ isn’t coming back but who knows.

He shouldnt be....but he still does some stuff Mikey T values a LOT; "ignoring the middle of field, hence he avoids picks" being the primary "plus" for him there.

I grow more pessimistic Fields returns with each passing day. I think they'd probably rather have Justin, but he will have other suitors, due to his age if nothing else. Enough teams come sniffing, chances increase he chooses elsewhere. In which case, they'll eventually be forced to settle for Russ.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Heard Russ isn’t coming back but who knows.

He shouldnt be....but he still does some stuff Mikey T values a LOT; "ignoring the middle of field, hence he avoids picks" being the primary "plus" for him there.

I grow more pessimistic Fields returns with each passing day. I think they'd probably rather have Justin, but he will have other suitors, due to his age if nothing else. Enough teams come sniffing, chances increase he chooses elsewhere. In which case, they'll eventually be forced to settle for Russ.

As long as the contract isn’t completely insulting, I think Fields would prefer to stay. He loves Mike T and he has commented a few times about not having the same O coordinator in consecutive years. I think he would like to stay with Arthur Smith in the same O with some design more for him.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Heard Russ isn’t coming back but who knows.

He shouldnt be....but he still does some stuff Mikey T values a LOT; "ignoring the middle of field, hence he avoids picks" being the primary "plus" for him there.

I grow more pessimistic Fields returns with each passing day. I think they'd probably rather have Justin, but he will have other suitors, due to his age if nothing else. Enough teams come sniffing, chances increase he chooses elsewhere. In which case, they'll eventually be forced to settle for Russ.

As long as the contract isn’t completely insulting, I think Fields would prefer to stay. He loves Mike T and he has commented a few times about not having the same O coordinator in consecutive years. I think he would like to stay with Arthur Smith in the same O with some design more for him.

And all of that may be true...and it can sail right out the window when Woody Johnson's kid convinces dad to throw 22m a year at Fields cuz "he has 92 SPD on Madden, and itd be rad to have him play with Garret Wilson again!"

 

[steelcityman]

Its getting scary in Pittsburgh now. Fields should have been signed by now. Not cause he is Josh Allen, but because you look around at the junk bonds that are FA QBs today..
Maybe they can pull a Patriots, 49ers or Seahawks and fall back asswards into a star QB for 10 years in the mid/later rounds.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Im almost rooting for them to mess around and miss out on all the usual suspects at QB...and Artie then convinces Mike to fire up the Tanny Train!

That should just about guarantee a top 5 pick, if nothin' else.

(Im just kidding...we all know they'd find way to go 8-8-1 anyway ).

 

[Wigglytuff's Gruff]

That should just about guarantee a top 5 pick, if nothin' else.

I'm also hoping for this scenario. Let it all fall apart properly.

 

[steelcityman]

That should just about guarantee a top 5 pick, if nothin' else.

I'm also hoping for this scenario. Let it all fall apart properly.

You have faith they will fix anything with a top 5 pick in 2026?

 

[Wigglytuff's Gruff]

You have faith they will fix anything with a top 5 pick in 2026?

More than I do with pick 20.

 

[steelcityman]

Probably wont have to worry about it regardless, 7-10 at worst in 2025, no where near a top tier QB pick in 2026. Its just wash, rinse, repeat.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I have no self-control:

21. Matthew Golden -WR Texas
52. Omarion Hampton - RB North Carolina
83. Darius Alexander - DT Toledo
122. Jaylen Reed - S Penn State
163. Nohl Williams - CB California
225. Nazir Stackhouse - DT Georgia
238. Caden Prieskorn - TE Ole Miss
247. Nick Martin - LB Oklahoma State

 

[steelcityman]

Happy to see someone thinks that offense needs addressed PDQ. Golden and Hampton would help that a lot(I'm more of an Egbuka fan, but can be happy w Golden). And still address the DL.

 

[Grid71]

That should just about guarantee a top 5 pick, if nothin' else.

I'm also hoping for this scenario. Let it all fall apart properly.

You have faith they will fix anything with a top 5 pick in 2026?

2026 draft will be in Pittsburgh and Arch Manning is expected to join the frukus. So, yeah. It could be the best thing for this franchise

 

[steelers1080]

That should just about guarantee a top 5 pick, if nothin' else.

I'm also hoping for this scenario. Let it all fall apart properly.

You have faith they will fix anything with a top 5 pick in 2026?

2026 draft will be in Pittsburgh and Arch Manning is expected to join the frukus. So, yeah. It could be the best thing for this franchise

We'd have to have a top 5 pick most likely, idk that happens. Even if we suck tremendously, I think we're probably around 10-15.

If we trade down in the 1st for extra 2026 picks, the best we can do is probably an extra 2nd, unless we trade back a ton.

 

[Gold Fox]

"March for Arch"? Only two problems with that....

1. I doubt Arch will be ready for NFL after starting only one season in college. He'll probably stay until 2027.
2. Steelers will not be *that* bad to be within range of top 1-3 picks. Other teams will have more capital and higher priorities to get Manning.

 

[crushedspirit]

I like Golden as well, but no way Hampton is there at 52.

Arch ain't coming out in 2026. That 2027 draft is shaping up to be something at WR and QB.

 

[travdogg]

I have no self-control:

21. Matthew Golden -WR Texas
52. Omarion Hampton - RB North Carolina
83. Darius Alexander - DT Toledo
122. Jaylen Reed - S Penn State
163. Nohl Williams - CB California
225. Nazir Stackhouse - DT Georgia
238. Caden Prieskorn - TE Ole Miss
247. Nick Martin - LB Oklahoma State

That'd be a dream scenario. I think there is a good chance the top-3 guys all go in round 1.

 

[steelcityman]

That should just about guarantee a top 5 pick, if nothin' else.

I'm also hoping for this scenario. Let it all fall apart properly.

You have faith they will fix anything with a top 5 pick in 2026?

2026 draft will be in Pittsburgh and Arch Manning is expected to join the frukus. So, yeah. It could be the best thing for this franchise

I would think Arch is either the #1 pick, or stays in college. Steelers arent going 2-15, so they would need to trade up for him, and that would be crazy expensive. But who knows.

And as for the draft in pittsburgh, I doubt the Steelers even consider that any factor. Their pulse doesnt seem to raise no matter the situation, its just boring all the time. They wont shock the league with any big deals or picks.

 

[steelcityman]

I like Golden as well, but no way Hampton is there at 52.

Arch ain't coming out in 2026. That 2027 draft is shaping up to be something at WR and QB.

I'd love Hampton, Henderson, Judkins, K Johnson at 52, or even trade up a few spots to get one of them. I dont feel like watching a combo or Warren and RJ Harvey or Tuten for the next 4 years. A team that prides itself on running the ball having no solid RB, thats probably the route they take.

 

[crushedspirit]

I like Golden as well, but no way Hampton is there at 52.

Arch ain't coming out in 2026. That 2027 draft is shaping up to be something at WR and QB.

I'd love Hampton, Henderson, Judkins, K Johnson at 52, or even trade up a few spots to get one of them. I dont feel like watching a combo or Warren and RJ Harvey or Tuten for the next 4 years. A team that prides itself on running the ball having no solid RB, thats probably the route they take.

Good list there, and my preferences would be Judkins or Hampton. After the combine I just don't believe Omarion makes it to 52, but would be thrilled if so. Judkins is a very sweet alternative though.

 

[steelers1080]

Worst case, based on rumors, appears to be that Fields and Russ sign elsewhere (maybe Jets and Giants respectively).

I don't think that Khan would have a snap reaction and overpay one of the old men or Darnold, but Art2D2 might.

If we lose Russ and Fields, I think my preference would be take a QB late in the draft and just give them a shot. Best case they surprise us, worst case we go all-in on a QB class next year that is expected to be way better.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Expect Fields announced as signed in the near future.

There is some smoke around trading for Courtland Sutton still. And they were very close to trading for Kirk so I would not be surprised if we signed him, depending on his health.

 

[sm8680]

I’m excited about Justin Fields potentially becoming the everyday starter. I hope he continues to improve, especially in his progressions. Regardless of who the QB is, the Steelers need to sign someone like DK Metcalf, Courtland Sutton, or Christian Kirk.

Can any die-hard Steelers fan explain why Larry Ogunjobi hasn't been cut yet? I can't quite put my finger on it, but I believe he’s underperformed and is overpaid.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

February to March is basically "the season of lies" for the nfl every year, so I remain firmly convinced that their next starting quarterback will be Lauren Tannehill.

 

[steelers1080]

Expect Fields announced as signed in the near future.

There is some smoke around trading for Courtland Sutton still. And they were very close to trading for Kirk so I would not be surprised if we signed him, depending on his health.

Why do we want the team to sign an overpriced, injured WR? I don't get the Kirk appeal. Sutton would be a great addition talent-wise but what's his anticipated next contract? $20 - $25 mil per year?

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Expect Fields announced as signed in the near future.

There is some smoke around trading for Courtland Sutton still. And they were very close to trading for Kirk so I would not be surprised if we signed him, depending on his health.

Why do we want the team to sign an overpriced, injured WR? I don't get the Kirk appeal. Sutton would be a great addition talent-wise but what's his anticipated next contract? $20 - $25 mil per year?

The team desperately needs a veteran WR2. Have you seen what is available out there? Roman Wilson couldn't pick up the offense, which doesn't bode well for his long-term success. I expect we will us an early pick again at WR, but we need someone mature in that room.

 

[ThaPenguin]

Kirk traded to Houston.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Nevermind. For a 7th. I am losing faith.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Expect Fields announced as signed in the near future.

There is some smoke around trading for Courtland Sutton still. And they were very close to trading for Kirk so I would not be surprised if we signed him, depending on his health.

Why do we want the team to sign an overpriced, injured WR? I don't get the Kirk appeal. Sutton would be a great addition talent-wise but what's his anticipated next contract? $20 - $25 mil per year?

He is way better than who is currently in the WR room. There aren't many opportunities to really improve.

 

[crushedspirit]

Couldn't have given up a 7th for a quality slot guy like Kirk? Then again they don't throw over the middle anyway.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Couldn't have given up a 7th for a quality slot guy like Kirk? Then again they don't throw over the middle anyway.

Smith's offense doesn't Really use a slot, but Kirk can play outside

 

[crushedspirit]

His best game is short area middle of the field where he can beat slot corners regularly. He's a chain mover with some vertical chops, but who knows about that after his injury. For a 7th it's a no brainer good move for the Texans.

 

[menobrown]

I'm glad they did not give up a 7th to inherit Kirk's contract.

 

[crushedspirit]

I'm pretty sure 16 mil is peanuts for a WR of his quality. That's not even top-20 money.

Wait until you see how much Sir Pickens will ask for this off season.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I'm glad they did not give up a 7th to inherit Kirk's contract.

We have $60MM in cap space before any restructures. Maybe a little more now with the Holcombe restructure. This is the time to spend to fill holes if the goal really is to win one for Heyward and Watt before they retire or falloff.

 

[menobrown]

I'm glad they did not give up a 7th to inherit Kirk's contract.

We have $60MM in cap space before any restructures. Maybe a little more now with the Holcombe restructure. This is the time to spend to fill holes if the goal really is to win one for Heyward and Watt before they retire or falloff.

I understand all that but does mean you don't spend the money wiseley.

Jax were not against the cap, have over $40M in cap space and they'd have cut him. NE has the biggest WR need in the whole league, $125m in cap space and they did not swing a deal. And you know what both of those teams have that we don't? Their starting QB under contract. Dropping over 1/4th of your available cap space on a 29 year old slot WR who has never been confused with special and has missed more games then he's played the last two years is not my idea of spending money wisely. And the draft pick has some value, not a lot but some and IMO more then most years as the class is deep.

I know they were probably going to trade for Kirk last year, he probably just needed to get out of the game he got hurt with his health intact and he'd have been a Steeler last year. In the end I'm glad it did not happen because he would not have changed the outcome and and still think that would be the case. But that did at least make sense to me for them to pursue him last year as options in the middle of the season are limited. They are not limited now, the market is flooded with older vet WR's and even in a weak WR draft class it's kind of deep with slot, secondary WR types.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Hey, at least they've brought in Brandon Weeden 2.0 for a visit!

 

[sm8680]

The closer the Steeler's get to March 12th 4pm Eastern Time for free agency signing the more likely they will lose out on Justin Fields.

 

[crushedspirit]

The closer the Steeler's get to March 12th 4pm Eastern Time for free agency signing the more likely they will lose out on Justin Fields.

Monday at 12 is when negotiations can start, and both Wilson plus Fields will know what their market will be.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

My guess (pure speculation by me) is that Fields wants a 3yr deal with guarantees beyond Y1 and signing bonus, and we are offering 2 years and no guarantees. That stance on guaranteed money is going to really cost us on players now.

 

[steelers1080]

I'm glad they did not give up a 7th to inherit Kirk's contract.

We have $60MM in cap space before any restructures. Maybe a little more now with the Holcombe restructure. This is the time to spend to fill holes if the goal really is to win one for Heyward and Watt before they retire or falloff.

I would rather pay $16 mil for Jonathan Allen than Christian Kirk, but I never thought Kirk was very good.

Kind of surprised him and Landry had 0 trade market.

 

[menobrown]

I would rather pay $16 mil for Jonathan Allen than Christian Kirk

Man I was about to post the same thing about an hour ago but felt like I already was a man on an island here for not wanting Kirk.

 

[sm8680]

Honestly after the Arob fiasco and Mike Williams I just want someone at WR2 - 3. Who other teams would envy.

When Kirk is healthy you could argue that he's a low end WR2 but more likely WR3.

Steelers seem to be asleep at the wheel when it comes to finding a WR2 who would put up the numbers.

 

[crushedspirit]

Hard pass for that price on a declining DT

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I have a bad feeling about this.

Who knows what will happen, but it seems to me that if it is true that they are still talking to both Fields and Russ, that it was a major mistake. They needed to pick one horse and make them feel the love. Now I think both will test the waters.

I have heard so many different things, I don’t know what to believe. Heard we were all in on Stafford and had a deal but he didn’t want to come. Then we had a deal agreed on with Fields but then he changed his mind and wants to see the market first. Then heard it’s Russ. Now Darnold, Russ, or Rodgers, but Fields is def gone.

 

[pghrob]

I have a bad feeling about this.

Who knows what will happen, but it seems to me that if it is true that they are still talking to both Fields and Russ, that it was a major mistake. They needed to pick one horse and make them feel the love. Now I think both will test the waters.

I have heard so many different things, I don’t know what to believe. Heard we were all in on Stafford and had a deal but he didn’t want to come. Then we had a deal agreed on with Fields but then he changed his mind and wants to see the market first. Then heard it’s Russ. Now Darnold, Russ, or Rodgers, but Fields is def gone.

Trust. The Steelers seem to struggle with establishing trust across the organization.