All articles tagged with #pittsburgh steelers
Steelers beat writer Mark Kaboly believes Pittsburgh will pick a wide receiver at No. 21, with Denzel Boston—a 6-4, big-bodied target who visited Pittsburgh pre-draft—emerging as a fit due to his ball-tracking, emphasis on catching away from the body, plus run-blocking ability, aligning with the team’s preference for size and a combat-catch style.
The Steelers’ latest 2026 mock draft envisions 12 selections (no trades) to address quarterback uncertainty and key needs at offensive tackle, left guard, wide receiver, tight end, linebacker, and the secondary. The plan features Jordyn Tyson (WR) in Round 1; A.J. Haulcy (S) in Round 2; Keylan Rutledge (iOL) and Oscar Delp (TE) in Round 3; Cole Payton (QB) in Round 4; Harold Perkins Jr. (LB) in Round 4; Ephesians Prysock (CB) in Round 5; Kaden Wetjen (WR/KR) in Round 6; and James Thompson Jr. (DL), Max Bredeson (FB), Bobby Jamison-Travis (NT) in Round 7, aiming to build a versatile, long-term core for 2026 and beyond.
The Steelers hosted three pre-draft visitors—Texas CB Malik Muhammad, LSU LB Harold Perkins and Memphis OT Travis Burke—bringing their total pre-draft visitors to 24 (27 with locals). All three are seen as mid‑round prospects: Burke is a massive 6'8", 325-pound tackle with a mauler profile, Perkins is an ultra‑athletic off‑ball linebacker, and Muhammad projects as a Day 2 corner with strong ball skills. Pittsburgh has also shown interest in other corners and is expected to wrap up visits next week ahead of the draft.
A Steelers fan-hosted Town Hall on Clubhouse ran a 12-player mock draft using the NFL Mock Draft Database Simulator, prioritizing guard, defensive tackle, and linebacker while trading to stock up 2027 picks. Highlights included Vega Ioane (Guard, Penn State) in Round 1, Jacob Rodriguez (ILB, Texas Tech) in Round 2, Domonique Orange (DL) and Zakee Wheatley (S) in Round 3, Ja’Kobi Lane (WR) in Round 4, and Drew Allar (QB) in Round 4, plus Tacario Davis (CB) and Kage Casey (OT/OL) later. A three-trade deal with Green Bay netted additional 2027 picks, enabling a total of 12 selections (with 8 extra 2027 picks from trades). The group noted some picks could be reaches, planned more mocks before the draft, and even signed off with a song cue for fun.
Denver’s QB situation is settled under Sean Payton after drafting Bo Nix in 2024 and moving on from Russell Wilson, a stark contrast to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who ESPN-insiders say may skip an early quarterback pick or rely on Day 2/3 prospects (including Will Howard) and thus remain uncertain at signal-caller as 2026 looms.
The Steelers are weighing a Patrick Queen trade after a reported inquiry from the Falcons, but a tepid market and Pittsburgh’s surplus draft capital make a deal uncertain. Trading Queen would save roughly $11 million against the cap, yet Pittsburgh appears inclined to keep him unless a compelling offer emerges as they shape the roster for 2026.
The Steelers hosted three more pre-draft visitors—Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, and Michigan tight end Marlin Klein. McNeil-Warren and Lemon are viewed as likely first-round picks, with McNeil-Warren’s versatility and size and Lemon’s elite route and hands; Klein is a Day-3 projection known for blocking and upside as a receiver. The visit adds to Pittsburgh’s tally, bringing them to 23 of 30 non-local slots.
Steelers coach Mike McCarthy said at the NFL owners meetings that he's confident Aaron Rodgers will play another season, though the decision remains Rodgers's personal choice; Rodgers is expected to return to Pittsburgh for a 22nd NFL season, with no specific timeline publicly announced.
With Aaron Rodgers’ decision still in play, the Steelers signaled they’re open to adding at least one quarterback before the 2026 NFL Draft, with GM Omar Khan saying ‘all options are on the table’ and coach Mike McCarthy praising the 2026 QB class. They’ve already shown interest in Miami (FL)’s Carson Beck and North Dakota State’s Cole Payton, and could consider others such as LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, Penn State’s Drew Allar, Arkansas’ Taylen Green, and Alabama’s Ty Simpson. If they draft a QB and Rodgers returns, Pittsburgh could carry four quarterbacks on the roster, likely resting Mason Rudolph as the odd man out; Will Howard’s injury last year underscores the unpredictability of depth-chart decisions.
Steelers owner Art Rooney II says he expects Aaron Rodgers’ decision on returning for 2026 to come before the April 23 NFL draft in Pittsburgh, with retirement or another season in Pittsburgh as likely options. Rodgers helped Pittsburgh reach the 2025 postseason, and Rooney noted Rodgers told him he wouldn’t drag out the decision as long as last year. With Mason Rudolph and Will Howard on the roster, Rodgers’ choice will shape the Steelers’ quarterback plans.
Charlie Batch says Aaron Rodgers’ decision on returning to the Steelers hinges on money, with the team wanting him back but not at a $30 million price tag, while Rodgers’ camp reportedly seeks a higher one-year payday after last season’s roughly $14 million; Rodgers, who threw for 3,322 yards with 24 TDs and 7 INTs in 16 games, is 42 and market dynamics—and not just personal reasons—are shaping the timing, with no clear decision yet.
With Ben Roethlisberger retired, Pittsburgh reportedly stays aggressive with Aaron Rodgers despite aging and uncertainty, raising questions about the team’s long-term plan as no clear QB competitor was added; Will Howard remains a potential fallback if Rodgers returns, and a misstep could leave the Steelers eyeing a Top 10 pick in 2027.
Steelers general manager Omar Khan is expected to attend Ohio State's Pro Day, with coordinators Brian Angelichio and Patrick Graham also on site, as Pittsburgh continues its Pro Day scouting ahead of the draft. Ohio State is home to several projected first‑rounders the Steelers could target, including Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs, Carnell Tate and Kayden McDonald, among others. Khan’s appearance follows a Georgia Pro Day stop, and OSU staff ties (notably former Steelers coach Arthur Smith now OSU's OC) add intrigue around potential trades or selections, though McCarthy’s attendance remains uncertain.
Steelers newcomer Michael Pittman Jr. says he believes Aaron Rodgers likely wants to continue playing but stresses he has no inside information. Pittsburgh would welcome Rodgers back but has not heard of any contract offer; the team is weighing options behind him with Will Howard and Mason Rudolph on the roster while Rodgers contemplates his future, a decision Pittman hopes comes with a title shot in mind.
Mike McCarthy said he doesn’t know whether Aaron Rodgers will return to the Steelers, calling it a “great story” but offering no breaking news. Rodgers’ one-year Steelers deal left his 2026 decision open; if he doesn’t come back, Pittsburgh would rely on Mason Rudolph and Will Howard, with a potential quarterback selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.