Burgh Sports United - Blog

Steelers Place Michael Pittman on Injured Reserve

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 19:05:00 +0000

p/c: Michael Owens

Jason Shetler

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Pittsburgh Steelers are placing wide receiver Michael Pittman on injured reserve. The IR stint will require Pittman to miss a minimum of four games.

Pittman was one of the most notable pickups by the Steelers this past offseason, as he was acquired from the Indianapolis Colts.

Pittman’s tenure in Pittsburgh got off to an inauspicious start. At the beginning of training camp, Pittman dealt with a foot injury, which has lingered into the season.

While Pittman did play last Thursday in Cleveland, he was limited to just 15 yards on two catches.

Head coach Mike McCarthy this week had indicated that Pittman would be out multiple weeks.

The Steelers have a Week 9 bye, so Pittman would be eligible to return Week 10 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Should Steelers Pursue Marvin Harrison Jr?

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 02:44:00 +0000

p/c: Matthew Huang

Jason Shetler

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a surprising splash prior to last season, acquiring DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks.

Given the expectations, Metcalf largely underperformed in 2025. Aside from on field performance, the former Pro Bowl receiver was given a two-game suspension, for a fan incident at Ford Field, which nearly cost the Steelers a trip to the playoffs.

Steelers general manager Omar Khan wasted no time addressing a key need during the first day of the NFL free agency period this past March, as he traded for Indianapolis Colts WR Michael Pittman.

The wide receiving group as a whole for Pittsburgh hasn’t been strong in the early part of the season. Metcalf, who’s $33 million AAV is seventh most among receivers in the league, continues to be inconsistent, while Pittman has practically been damaged goods, since arriving to the Steelers - dealing with a foot injury going back to the start of training camp. Roman Wilson is making strides; albeit slightly. And Germie Bernard has shown flashes as a rookie, in limited action.

Regarding the foot issue with Pittman, head coach Mike McCarthy on Thursday confirmed that Pittman will be out multiple weeks. While not official, the diagnosis of Pittman’s foot could be plantar fasciitis, which may require an IR stint.

Over the past few weeks, there have been rumors of the Arizona Cardinals placing Marvin Harrison Jr. on the trade block. Should the Steelers entertain the idea?

The son of Hall of Fame Colts wide receiver, Marvin Harrison, the younger Harrison put up ridiculous numbers at Ohio State, where he was named the Biletnikoff award winner and Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year in 2023.

Arizona selected Harrison with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Harrison posted impressive numbers as a rookie with the Cardinals in ‘24, recording 885 yards receiving on 62 catches, along with eight touchdown receptions.

Since then, Harrison’s production has taken a dip, and it’s been painful to begin 2026, with just five catches for 85 yards and one touchdown in four games.

The Cardinals are in rebuilding mode, so it wouldn’t be a surprise for them to see what type of offers they could fetch for the former first rounder.

A team that trades for Harrison would not only have his services for the rest of this season, but next year as well.

The Steelers will likely find themselves in a wide open AFC playoff race, given how many teams have struggled in the early going, which might give them more of a reason to add to the offense, especially since it’s Aaron Rodgers’ final season.

A Harrison trade will depend on the severity of the Pittman injury. If it continues to linger, then getting Harrison makes sense.

The question then becomes what would Omar Khan give up to obtain Harrison?

Towards the end of preseason, the Steelers received a 2027 third round draft pick from the Dallas Cowboys, as part of the Broderick Jones deal. Perhaps Pittsburgh can use that pick, which likely will be a late third, to flip to Arizona for Harrison, which could provide him a fresh perspective and change of scenery.

Steelers Sign Sean Murphy-Bunting

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 16:13:00 +0000

p/c: Stacy Bengs

Jason Shetler

According to NFL reporter Tom Pelissero, the Pittsburgh Steelers are signing veteran cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ practice squad.

A former second round selection of the Buccaneers in 2019 out of Central Michigan, Murphy-Bunting played four seasons in Tampa, where he recorded six interceptions in 53 games.

The Tennessee Titans signed Murphy-Bunting to a one-year contract worth $3.5 million, prior to the 2023 season. Murphy-Bunting started 14 games with the Titans, registering two interceptions, a pair of forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.

In March of 2024, Murphy-Bunting inked a three-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals for $25.5 million. During the 2024 season, he had three INTs, along with two forced fumbles in 15 games started.

Murphy-Bunting suffered a torn ACL that was considered a non-football injury, which effectively ended his entire 2025 season.

On August 30th, 2026, Murphy-Bunting was waived by the Cardinals.

A couple days later, on September 2nd, Murphy-Bunting returned to the Buccaneers, as a member of their practice squad.

The signing of Murphy-Bunting provides the Steelers some much needed veteran depth at CB. Joey Porter Jr. was traded to the Dallas Cowboys this past week, while Jamel Dean, a teammate of Murphy-Bunting’s in Tampa, sustained a low-ankle sprain in Pittsburgh’s Thursday night loss to the Cleveland Browns, and could miss a couple games.

Assessment of the Joey Porter Jr. Trade

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 +0000

p/c: Barry Reeger

Jason Shetler

The saga surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers and Joey Porter Jr. has finally reached a conclusion.

Multiple reports surfaced late Wednesday night that the Steelers are finalizing a trade that would send Porter to the Dallas Cowboys, in exchange for a 2027 conditional sixth round pick and a 2028 second round pick.

Pittsburgh selected Porter in the second round (32nd overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft. The Steelers obtained that pick from the Chicago Bears, at the 2022 trade deadline, as part of the Chase Claypool deal.

The former Penn State product had a career year in 2025, as he was rated one of the top cover cornerbacks in the league; posting a passer rating against of 57.2.

Porter entered this past offseason as a sure fire extension candidate. Both sides, however, were unable to come to terms, before the start of the season. The Steelers reportedly offered Porter an AAV of $27 million, which apparently wasn’t good enough for Porter’s liking.

Going into training camp, Porter had dealt with a lingering back issue. The apparent injury caused him to miss the entire preseason, as well as the first few weeks of the regular season.

Despite being a full participant in practice on Monday and Tuesday, Porter’s back supposedly flared up on Wednesday, which ruled him out, for Pittsburgh’s Week 4 Thursday night matchup versus the Cleveland Browns.

Assessment of the trade: Dallas obviously fills a big need at cornerback, with the addition of Porter.

While the Steelers might have viewed Porter as a seemingly disgruntled player, who would serve as a distraction, the return feels underwhelming, especially when the second round pick isn’t even for next year’s draft.

The trade of Porter is likely to prompt the Steelers to go out and bring in another CB to replace him.

Pirates Must Do What They Can to Keep Brandon Lowe

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 16:03:00 +0000

Jason Shetler

Last offseason, Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington pulled off his best trade, when he acquired Brandon Lowe, Mason Montgomery, and Jake Mangum, as part of a three-team deal with the Tampa Bay Rays and Houston Astros.

Rarely do the Pirates obtain a player coming off an All-Star season, but that was the case with Lowe, who had been brought in to be a massive upgrade offensively at second base.

Finishing last in most offensive categories in 2025, Pittsburgh showed a remarkable turnaround this year, with a Top 5 offense, including runs scored. They also set a new franchise record for single-season home runs.

Lowe has certainly played a major role in the Bucs’ homer barrage in 2026, with a club-leading 32 long balls. He’s just the second lefty-hitting second baseman in MLB history to hit 30 home runs for multiple teams. The first being Robinson Canó, who did so with the New York Yankees in 2012 and the Seattle Mariners in 2016.

On the opposite side of the ball, Lowe is playing a Gold Glove level second base, registering +14 Defensive Runs Saved, which are tied for third best at the position.

Unfortunately for the Pirates, Lowe is set to hit the free agent market in the offseason. Pittsburgh is most likely to give the veteran second baseman a qualifying offer of $22.025 million, which he will probably decline. If that happens, the Pirates would receive a 2027 compensatory draft pick.

Although Lowe will be 32 next season - an age where players typically begin to exit their prime - he hasn’t shown any real signs of slowing down, as he continues to be one of the most productive offensive second basemen in baseball, and is also having his best season defensively.

Most project Lowe to receive between $16-18 million annually, with a max of $20 million, on a three or four-year deal.

The Pirates were willing to go outside their comfort zone, when they made a surprising offer to free agent slugger Kyle Schwarber last winter, which was reportedly four years at $125 million. Given Lowe’s $20 million max annual, would the Bucs make an aggressive offer, such as $80 million over four years?

There’s plenty to like about the Pirates’ offense heading into 2027, with Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds, Ryan O’Hearn, Nick Gonzales, and Spencer Horwitz. Not to mention the rookie contributions from Konnor Griffin, Esmerlyn Valdez, and Rafael Flores.

While the components are there, for a quality lineup, the Pirates must find a way to bring Lowe back into the fold, if they want to establish themselves as a Top 5 caliber offense moving forward.

Ben Cherington Expected to Return as Pirates General Manager

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 20:37:00 +0000

p/c: Christopher Horner - Trib Live

Jason Shetler

In a recent article from ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Pittsburgh Pirates are expected to retain general manager Ben Cherington next season. Pirates insider Jason Mackey was on 93.7 The Fan Wednesday, and also said he expects Cherington to be back.

Cherington entered 2026 in his seventh year as GM of the Pirates.

The Bucs are on the verge of missing the postseason for an 11th consecutive year. Only the Los Angeles Angels have a longer playoff drought (12).

In terms of offense, the Pirates drastically improved in that area this season going from one of the worst a season ago to Top 5, in most offensive categories. The additions of Brandon Lowe and Ryan O’Hearn played a massive role, as well as Oneil Cruz becoming a more complete hitter at the plate.

However, the pitching let them down - by and large. The bullpen really struggled in the first half, while nobody could have forecasted Paul Skenes underachieving to the level in which he has this season. It also didn’t help that Mitch Keller turned into a replacement level starter in ‘26 (5.26 ERA).

Heading into next season, the Pirates do have a nice core of young players to help contend. In regards to the lineup, Konnor Griffin, Esmerlyn Valdez, and Rafael Flores are useful pieces. On the pitching side, it’s Braxton Ashcraft, Bubba Chandler, Jared Jones, and hopefully something closer to the 2025 version of Skenes.

From the bigger picture, Pirates owner Bob Nutting sees a potential lockout looming, with the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement in the offseason. Cherington is signed through 2027, so Nutting likely isn’t willing to buy out Cherington’s final year, while paying another GM on top of that.

DK Metcalf’s Contract with Steelers: Buyer’s Remorse?

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:30:00 +0000

p/c: Rick Osentoski

Jason Shetler

Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan shocked the football world, on March 9th, 2025, when he traded for Seattle Seahawks standout wide receiver, DK Metcalf.

Soon after the trade, Metcalf agreed to sign a five-year extension for $150 million with the Steelers; the largest deal in franchise history.

Metcalf’s first season in Pittsburgh consisted of some ups and downs. While he did average 14.4 yards per catch last year, his 59 receptions were the second lowest total of his NFL career.

The turning point for Metcalf came in Week 16 in Detroit against the Lions, when Metcalf ran over by the stands and got into an altercation with a Lions fans.

The altercation resulted in Metcalf receiving a two-game suspension. Metcalf appealed his punishment, but the league denied the appeal. The suspension also voided him $45 million in future guaranteed money. Despite Metcalf getting suspended, the Steelers were still able to capture the AFC North crown.

While sitting out the entire preseason, with an undisclosed injury that he sustained in camp, Metcalf made waves online in negative fashion, when he posted a photo on his Instagram page over the appearance of a Giant Eagle employee.

The Steelers picked up a 20-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. However, Metcalf had perhaps his worst performance as a member of the Black & Gold. He recorded only 40 yards on four catches, and was guilty of two offensive pass interference calls.

Although it’s still the early stages of Metcalf’s tenure in Pittsburgh, it needs to be objectively better moving forward. In terms of average annual value, Metcalf is right around $33 million, which is seventh highest among NFL wideouts. In addition, his suspension last year nearly cost the Steelers making the playoffs - giving off bad optics - and quite frankly - selfish behavior.

Metcalf is still in the prime of his career at 28, so there’s no reason why he can’t perform near or at the level he did in Seattle. Obviously, Steelers’ management recognizes the talent Metcalf possesses, with Omar Khan paying him Top 10 receiver money, and Mike McCarthy having coached against him during his time in Dallas.

For the Steelers’ sake, let’s hope it doesn’t go from the biggest deal in team history to the most regrettable.

Why Steelers Should Promote Andy Weidl to General Manager

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 02:18:00 +0000

Jason Shetler

p/c: Sebastian Foltz - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Following the retirement of former Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert, Omar Khan was named to that role, in May of 2022.

Shortly after Khan became the Steelers new GM, Andy Weidl joined the organization, as assistant general manager.

Weidl returned to Pittsburgh, this after starting his NFL tenure as a player personnel assistant with the Steelers in 1998.

From 2005-2015, Weidl served as a scout for the Baltimore Ravens.

In 2016, the Philadelphia Eagles hired Weidl to be an assistant director of player personnel. Three years later, he was promoted to director of player personnel.

Weidl helped lay the groundwork, to the Eagles eventually becoming a Super Bowl contender. The foundation of the team being built in the trenches, on both the offensive and defensive lines.

Since rejoining the Steelers, Weidl has carried over that philosophy - working alongside Omar Khan.

By and large, the organization has received positive marks, for their drafting and developing. Specifically, the 2023 draft, which produced Nick Herbig and Keeanu Benton; both of whom were signed to long-term extensions this offseason, as well as Joey Porter Jr, who was one of the best cover CBs in the league last season, and has yet to be extended.

Over the past couple years, the Steelers have beefed up their OL, with the selections of 2024 first rounder Troy Fautanu, a potential All-Pro center in Zach Frazier, and a diamond in the rough with Mason McCormick. As for the DL, last year’s first round pick Derrick Harmon looks to be a 2026 breakout candidate for Pittsburgh, while 2025 fifth round pick Yahya Black displayed real flashes of upside, and should play an even bigger role upfront moving forward.

On January 22nd, ten days after the Steelers’ opening round playoff loss to the Houston Texans, Weidl was interviewed by the Atlanta Falcons regarding their GM vacancy.

Given that Weidl is emerging as a legitimate NFL executive, for other teams to express interest in, it would be wise to give Weidl the Steelers general manager tag. He’s played an important role in the organization’s draft strategy, as well as having input in significant moves, such as the DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman trades/extensions, along with the Jamel Dean signing.

Perhaps Khan moves into a president of football operations title, in order for Weidl to be promoted to GM. Khan could be in a position to sign off on moves made by Weidl, and making certain those moves make sense financially.

Now with Mike McCarthy as the head coach, it’s imperative to have strong stability in the front office, especially with a team starting to take positive steps, in becoming a more viable contender sooner rather than later.

Steelers Sign Israel Mukuamu

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 03:00:00 +0000

Jason Shetler

The Pittsburgh Steelers are signing free agent safety Israel Mukuamu, this according to Mukuamu’s representatives.

In the 2021 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys chose Mukuamu as a sixth round selection out of the University of South Carolina.

Mukuamu was mainly utilized on special teams during his time with the Cowboys, although he did record a pair of interceptions in 2024.

Last season, Mukuamu appeared in only one game for the Carolina Panthers, as he was mostly on the practice squad.

During the 2026 UFL Draft in January, Mukuamu had been taken by the Columbus Aviators, but did not appear in any games.

The 6’4 safety will reunite with head coach Mike McCarthy, who he spent four seasons with in Dallas from 2021-2024.

Earlier this offseason, the Steelers lost some key members on their special teams coverage - most notably Connor Heyward and Miles Killebrew. The signing of Mukuamu will try to add depth back to that unit.

Assessing the Pirates Trade of Luke Weaver

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 19:44:00 +0000

Jason Shetler

After trading for Camilo Doval from the New York Yankees over the weekend, the Pittsburgh Pirates solidified their bullpen even more at Monday’s trade deadline, as they acquired Luke Weaver from the New York Mets for infielder Sammy Stafura.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post first reported the Pirates were working to finalize a deal for Weaver. ESPN’s Jorge Castillo reported it was a done deal. And MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reported that Stafura was the player in the trade.

Weaver is having a career year with the Mets this season; posting an 1.84 ERA, along with a 2.82 FIP, and a WHIP of 0.82. The 32-year-old righty has also limited opposing batters to a .473 OPS against in 42 appearances.

Stafura finds himself on the move again, as he was traded at last year’s deadline to the Pirates from the Cincinnati Reds for Ke’Bryan Hayes.

Stafura, the Pirates ninth ranked prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, played mostly this year in High A with the Greensboro Grasshoppers. He slashed .301/.365/.656 in 211 plate appearances. Out of the 19 home runs Stafura hit for Greensboro, 14 came in the month of July.

Assessment of the trade: The Pirates entered the deadline having the fifth worst bullpen ERA in the National League. While Camilo Doval was a buy-low addition to Pittsburgh’s pen, they improve it in significant fashion, with the trade of Weaver.

Weaver had been considered by many as the best available reliever on the trade market. Although the Mets are getting back a very good infield prospect in Stafura, how legit is the power, when you consider the hitter-friendly nature of Greensboro?

Also, it felt like the Mets short changed themselves on the return, as Weaver’s trade value was not only at its highest point, but because he’s signed through next year.

For Ben Cherington, he certainly hit a home run with this deal.