Steelers Central

On this episode of Steelers Central, I’ll give my thoughts on the team’s Preseason Week One win against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The QB\’s executed the offense at a high level, pass protection was above average, and the depth pieces in the secondary proved their worth. Some UDFA WRs made their case battling for the last spots as well. Why was I not impressed with one key area of the Steelers'...

On this episode of Steelers Central, the Steelers offense has gotten off to a slow start, is it time to start worrying? The WR core has struggled outside of DK Metcalf, the offensive line has not opened consistent running lanes, and Aaron Rodgers has even looked shaky at times. It's time for some mid-training camp takeaways including a standout rookie class. The Steelers rookie class has reall...

On this episode of Steelers Central, we take a look ahead to see if Broderick Jones could get benched in the middle of the season. Despite Pittsburgh’s lack of depth at the position, I think it is more likely that people believe that, given the improved play of Dylan Cook and Calvin Anderson throughout training camp, and also the Steelers' urgency to win. If Jones doesn’t perform well in the p...

On this episode of Steelers Central, although it’s early to say in training camp, is this Steelers defense on the path to being elite? There have been some promising schematic changes, including disguising coverages and moving edge players, but some people are saying it’s just early and they're testing it out. I’ll tell you why I think these changes are only a sign of things to come. Speaking...

On this episode of Steelers Central, training camp is officially upon us, and we’ll take a look at what position battles are going to be the most fun to watch as Week One nears. That includes one rookie looking to land the starting RB spot against a former undrafted free agent, and who will the other outside WR be alongside DK Metcalf? As always, some veteran players may be on the chopping block....

WAR IS OVER! The Steelers have officially signed TJ Watt to a record 3-year $123 million extension. See why I think the Steelers overpaid for Watt, despite not offering him a four- or five-year deal. Now the pressure turns to the 30-year-old OLB to make the Steelers a playoff contender and have meaningful games down the stretch of the season. Part of his success will be from adjusting his game. Fo...

On this episode of Steelers Central, it’s time to take a look at the state of the T.J. Watt contract situation and why this is becoming such a hold-up. With just under 10 days until players report to training camp, Watt and the Steelers are still far apart, according to multiple reporters, with the sticking point being guaranteed money late in the deal. I think a deal will get done, but the Steele...

On this episode of Steelers Central, I take a look at some players who may not be on your radar, but could be as the 2025 season approaches. One of these guys is a linebacker who signed the biggest deal in Steelers Free Agent history. Another is a player who received a new extension worth just under $50 million and did not deliver consistent production for a sputtering offense. Tune in to see who...

On this episode of Steelers Central, it’s time to break down the rare player-for-player trade involving Jalen Ramsey and Minkah Fitzpatrick. This brings in the veteran versatile corner who could even see some time at the safety position. Ramsey brings some edge and physicality to the Steelers' defense and will be a plus defender in the run game. This addition also gives the Steelers the deepes...

On this episode of Steelers Central, we'll break down Aaron Rodgers' first appearance on the Pat McAfee show and why I was impressed by his appearance. Rodgers took a backseat and was the student in the room as he learned about his new team, the leadership hierarchy, and the nuances of his new roster. Next, the Steelers' defense may have some new wrinkles in it for this coming season....

On this episode of Steelers Central, we get into the relationship that will decide the Steelers' offensive success this season: Arthur Smith and Aaron Rodgers. The relationship and respect between the offensive coordinator and the quarterback are essential to achieving offensive success, especially between two headstrong individuals. Rodgers and Smith need to be on the same page and have each...

On this episode of Steelers Central, it’s time to analyze some key takeaways now that mini-camp is over. I noticed a possibility of achieving more balance offensively, throwing a rookie defensive lineman into the fire, and the return of Minkah Fitzpatrick are just some of the things I observed during the first mandatory team activities. Next, the Steelers are getting chintzy with teams about tradi...

On this episode of Steelers Central, it’s time to talk about the 41-year-old Ayuasca king, Aaron Rodgers. We’ll analyze his contract and why this was the best move if the Steelers truly believe they can “compete”. I will admit that this was not an overpayment by any means, and it was not about the money. This truly seemed like him wanting to evaluate his future and see if this was the right fit fo...

On this episode of Steelers Central, there has not been much noise from either the Steelers or Watt's team regarding Watt's ongoing contract saga. Mark Kaboly recently reported that a significant offer is on the table from the Steelers, but it reportedly does not appeal to Watt's liking. Why the Steelers need to hold firm as they have done with other Steelers' legends, and if requi...

On this episode of Steelers Central, we'll get into why Aaron Rodgers raising the Steelers' ceiling isn't enough to justify adding him to a roster that is nowhere near being Super Bowl-ready. The Steelers will end up being a low Wild Card team with or without him. Next, a 4x SB-winning Steelers QB had some not-so-nice words to say about the Steelers' current situation with Aaron Ro...

On this episode of Steelers Central, the second season of sizzling WR rumors is upon us. Who is the hot name right now that the Steelers are onto? What teams should Pittsburgh look at when acquiring a wide receiver? All those answers are in this episode of Steelers Central! Next, we play a game of Would You Rather with the current QBs on the Steelers roster. I explain why the Steelers should be in...

On this Steelers Central episode, the 2025 schedule is officially out, and the road to the playoffs is set. We'll dive deep into this year's schedule from Week 4 in Ireland against the Vikings to Week 15 at home against the Dolphins. The Steelers start the season with two revenge games and end with two cold-blooded division rivalries. What is the team's toughest stretch of games? What...

On this episode of Steelers Central, we’ll examine the George Pickens trade and how it will impact the Steelers and Cowboys in the future. Why is this starting to look like 2024 2.0 all over again? This time, the QBs on the roster are looking like a downgrade in consistency.  A few veteran receivers who could be solid one-season replacements, including one recently released from the Jaguars, are a...

In this episode of Steelers Central, we examine the Steelers' priorities now that the draft is over. The utmost priority must be the quarterback and upcoming contracts of key FAs like George Pickens and T.J. Watt. Next, the team has made several UDFA signings, and I will highlight the four with the best chance of making the roster. One is a safety from Iowa who had a mid-round grade but fell d...

In this episode of Steelers Central, my grade for the Steelers' 2025 Draft is officially in. Is it an A, B, C, or something in between? You'll have to watch to find out. Also, what mid-round pick left me scratching my head, not because of the value but because of the need? Overall, the Steelers did have a plan and a theme with all of their picks in this NFL Draft. Next, with the team seemi...

On this episode of Steelers Central, I finally released my official 2025 mock draft, which includes trading down nine spots in the first round and still getting a top-end defensive line prospect. The team also addresses all its needs of RB and WR, as well as getting a sleeper QB out of the ACC in the fourth round. Overall, it turns out to be a solid draft class for the Steelers, addressing needs o...

In this episode of Steelers Central, we’ll start looking deeper into more options outside of Aaron Rodgers, like the possibility of trading for Kirk Cousins or signing Carson Wentz. There is a growing sentiment that quarterback could be rising up Pittsburgh’s need list as well, with players like Shadeir Sanders, Jaxson Dart, and Kyle McCord being brought in for visits. The clock is ticking in Pitt...

In this episode of Steelers Central, a TJ Watt extension is almost inevitable, but what will it cost the Steelers? A couple of factors will play into extension talks, including injury history and play drop-off. Listen to why giving him 40 million a year would be an overpay for the team and what would be an appropriate amount for both sides to settle on. As the draft nears closer, what three prospe...

On this episode of Steelers Central, we’ll look back at what HC Mike Tomlin said about the DT position and what exactly the team is looking for when they draft one in this upcoming draft class, why this could be similar to what they did in 2001 trading down three spots to get NT Casey Hampton, one of the more underrated reasons why they won two Super Bowls. Along with drafting an interior defensiv...

On this episode of Steelers Central, Mike Tomlin, Omar Khan, and Art Rooney all had media appearances early this week, with the main discussion point surrounding the QB position. There is still no clarity on whether Aaron Rodgers will sign despite working out with DK Metcalf recently and reports that the six-hour meeting went well between the two sides. What we do know is that the team will sign t...