All articles tagged with #steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers parted ways with senior special teams coach Derius Swinton II after a violation of club policy, ending his first season with Pittsburgh; Swinton, entering his 16th NFL season, had spent the prior three years with the Raiders (including 2025 as interim ST coordinator) and previously held ST coordinator roles with the 49ers and Chargers.
The Steelers dismissed assistant special teams coach Derius Swinton II after only a few months on Mike McCarthy’s staff; no reason was disclosed, but ESPN reported it was for a violation of club policy. Swinton, 41, has NFL coaching experience dating to 2009, including time with the Raiders and prior stints as a coordinator, and had not previously worked with McCarthy or Steelers coordinator Danny Crossman.
Aaron Rodgers says he was close to returning to the Steelers after seeing their offseason makeover—adding an offensive lineman, a slot receiver, and veteran additions like Michael Pittman Jr., plus defensive players Jamel Dean and Jaquan Brisker—while staying in touch with Mike McCarthy. His decision came after evaluating health (he played through a wrist injury last season) and feeling the team’s new direction aligned with his readiness and the coaching staff, making this return feel like a net positive.
Steeler offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio praised Aaron Rodgers’ enduring elite arm talent at 42, highlighting his quick release and sharp downfield throws—including a TD pass to DK Metcalf and a strike to Pat Freiermuth—while noting his mobility has waned; Angelichio, who coached Rodgers in Green Bay, is now orchestrating Pittsburgh’s offense.
During the Steelers' OTAs, Troy Fautanu made clear he does not want to switch from tackle to guard, even as new coach staff and the health status of Broderick Jones spark discussion about the offensive line. Jones's neck injury could allow for a temporary reshuffle, but Fautanu’s stance suggests he prefers remaining at tackle next to Mason McCormick, complicating where the line might end up this season.
The Steelers opened 2026 OTAs with a reshuffled starting offensive line: LT Troy Fautanu, LG Mason McCormick, C Zach Frazier, RG Spencer Anderson, and RT Dylan Cook. Rookies Max Iheanachor and Gennings Dunker did not start in the opening group, with Dunker at LG and Iheanachor at RT among the second unit; Brock Hoffman was behind Anderson at RG. Fautanu and McCormick have moved back to their college positions on the left side to maintain chemistry, while Anderson earns the first look at RG and Cook handles tackle duties. Broderick Jones participated in warmups but did not work in team periods due to neck surgery, and Pittsburgh plans to mix and match the line over the coming weeks as the unit isn’t set in stone.
Rodgers’ 2026 deal with the Steelers could reach $25 million (base $22M), continuing a bargain after last year’s lower base, though Pittsburgh will still need wins to maximize the value.
ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky warned that the Steelers could struggle in a brutal nine-game stretch after their 2026 bye, predicting as few as five or six wins as they face a post‑bye slate that includes multiple playoff teams and a late finish against Titans and Ravens, despite Pittsburgh’s recent roster improvements and history of strong seasons.
The Browns’ 2026 schedule highlights five marquee matchups: Week 1 at the Jaguars, Week 4 vs the Steelers on Thursday Night Football, Week 6 vs the Ravens, Week 10 vs the Texans, and Week 18 at the Bengals, with a late stretch of four straight home games and a Week 11 bye.
The Steelers’ 2026 slate features 17 games, including four primetime appearances (one at home and three on the road), a landmark NFL Paris Game against the Saints, and a Black Friday home game vs. the Broncos. They open at home vs. the Falcons, play several 2025 postseason teams, and include a full preseason schedule (Packers, Jets, Bills). Flexible scheduling will be used for select SNF, MNF, and TNF games.
Ahead of the NFL schedule release, rumors place the Steelers’ 2026 slate as Week 1 vs. Atlanta, Week 3 vs. Cincinnati, Week 7 at New Orleans (Paris), Week 12 vs. Denver on Black Friday, Week 13 vs. Houston on Sunday Night Football, and Week 14 at Jacksonville on Monday Night Football, with FanDuel listing an over/under of 7.5 wins.
An NFL opinion piece argues that Aaron Rodgers’ ongoing retirement chatter and a potential 2026 return keep the Steelers unpredictable, but whichever path unfolds, New England could gain an edge in their 2026 slate by facing a potentially weaker Steelers and benefiting from the schedule.
NFL analyst Joe Theismann says the Steelers drafted Drew Allar in the third round to position themselves for a strong 2027 QB class, not just an immediate need. He suggests Allar could sit behind Aaron Rodgers (if he returns) and learn from a veteran, making Rodgers a mentor to both. While next year’s QB class appears deep, outcomes remain uncertain, and Pittsburgh’s move signals a long-term development plan with Allar’s franchise QB potential hinging on growth and opportunity.
The NFL announced the New Orleans Saints will play the Pittsburgh Steelers in the league's first regular-season game in Paris, scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026 at the Stade de France (8:30 a.m. CST/2:30 p.m. CET). This marks the Saints' fourth overseas game and is part of the NFL's global expansion, with GL events as partner and On Location offering travel packages; Saints season-ticket holders will have a chance to opt in for tickets through a limited allocation.
The NFL announced the Pittsburgh Steelers will face the New Orleans Saints in the league's first regular-season game in Paris, on October 25, 2026 at Stade de France. Kickoff is 2:30 p.m. local time (9:30 a.m. ET). The event is part of nine international games in 2026, produced with GL events and French partners as the NFL expands its global footprint.