Burgh Sports United - Blog

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.

Steelers and Jordan Whitehead with Reported Mutual Interest

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 21:12:00 +0000

Jason Shetler

According to Noah Strackbein of Sports Illustrated, the Pittsburgh Steelers and veteran safety Jordan Whitehead have mutual interest on signing a potential deal.

Whitehead made a name for himself in Western Pennsylvania, playing his high school ball for Central Valley and collegiately at the University of Pittsburgh.

In the 2018 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Whitehead as a fourth round selection.

Whitehead spent his first four seasons playing for the Buccaneers, before spending two seasons with the New York Jets in 2022 and 2023.

On March 13th, 2024, Whitehead returned to Tampa Bay on a two-year deal.

A year later, Whitehead was involved in a serious car accident, which caused him to miss the entire 2025 season.

The Steelers could certainly look to add more safety depth, with DeShon Elliott working his way back from a significant knee injury, as well as Jalen Ramsey’s current injury status. Other safety options include Darnell Savage and Sebastian Castro.

Whitehead was teammates in the Buccaneers’ secondary with cornerback Jamel Dean, who signed a three-year, $36.75 million deal with the Steelers in March.

Penguins Expressing Interest In Morgan Rielly

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 12:20:00 +0000

Jason Shetler

According to David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period, the Pittsburgh Penguins have “some degree” of interest, in Toronto Maple Leafs veteran defenseman Morgan Rielly.

Rielly was a fifth overall draft selection by Toronto in 2012.

The Vancouver, British Columbia native has spent his entire 13-year NHL career with the Leafs, and has been their alternate captain since 2016-17.

This season, Rielly put up 11 goals on Toronto’s blue line, along with 114 blocked shots across 78 games.

Penguins president of hockey operations, Kyle Dubas, has previous ties with Rielly, as the former Leafs GM signed Rielly to an eight-year, $60 million dollar extension, in October of 2021.

Rielly is a left shot defenseman, which Pittsburgh clearly has a need for. However, the 32-year-old carries a hefty, $7.5 million AAV over the next four seasons. Perhaps Toronto could retain some salary to facilitate a Reilly trade, even if the Penguins would have to give up a good package.

Kaeden Korczak Acquired by Penguins from Vegas

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 18:46:00 +0000

Jason Shetler

p/c: David Zalubowski

A day before the NHL free agency period begins on Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Penguins swung a deal with the Vegas Golden Knights. It’s a swap of defensemen, as Pittsburgh is acquiring Kaeden Korczak, while Parker Wotherspoon is headed to Vegas. The Penguins are retaining 50% of Wotherspoon’s remaining salary.

A second round selection of the Golden Knights in 2019, Korczak played parts of four seasons in Vegas. The 6’3, 207 pound defenseman registered 102 hits and 95 blocked shots in 2025-26; both of which are career bests.

Wotherspoon signed a two-year contract for $2 million with the Penguins last year.

The 28-year-old Wotherspoon enjoyed perhaps his best season in the NHL for Pittsburgh; compiling 162 hits, second most on the team, while being paired on top alongside Erik Karlsson, and becoming a major contributor on the penalty kill.

At 25, Korczak gives the Penguins years of control, as he’s signed through 2029-30, for a $3.25 million AAV.

While Vegas was clearly looking to move cap space with this trade, they are getting back a solid defenseman, on the short-term, for a fraction of the cost.

Penguins Acquire Hendrix Lapierre

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 17:08:00 +0000

Jason Shetler

The Pittsburgh Penguins have added to their forward depth with the acquisition of Washington Capitals center Hendrix Lapierre. In exchange, Washington will receive a third round draft pick for 2027 and a fifth round pick for 2028.

Lapierre was a 22nd overall selection by the Capitals in the 2020 NHL Draft.

A native of Gatineau, Quebec, Canada, Lapierre spent parts of four seasons playing in DC. His best season was in 2023-24, where he registered eight goals in 51 games.

Lapierre had 16 points (4 G; 12 A) in 74 games with Washington in 2025-26

In terms of skill set, Lapierre’s ability to move the puck, as well as chase pucks down, are his strong points. However, his face-off acumen leaves plenty to be desired, with a career face-off win percentage of just 38.4%.

The 24-year-old Lapierre is currently a restricted free agent.

This past season, the Penguins traded for younger forwards - Egor Chinahkov from the Columbus Blue Jackets last December and Elmer Söderblom from the Detroit Red Wings at the trade deadline. Perhaps a trade to Pittsburgh can provide Lapierre with a nice, change of scenery.

Steelers to Sign Nick Herbig to Four-Year Extension

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 20:41:00 +0000

Jason Shetler

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Pittsburgh Steelers are in agreement with edge rusher Nick Herbig, on four-year extension for $100 million. The deal includes $42 million in guaranteed money.

The Steelers found a diamond in the rough during the 2023 NFL Draft, as they selected Herbig in the fourth round out of Wisconsin.

Herbig had a terrific rookie campaign in ‘23, recording three sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.

In 2024, Herbig put up 5.5 sacks, along with four forced fumbles, and pair of fumble recoveries.

Last season was an even higher level of production from Herbig, registering career-high seven sacks, three forced fumbles, one recovered fumble, and his first career interception. He played a bigger role in the second half of the year, when TJ Watt missed time with a punctured lung.

Herbig was set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2026 season. The new deal for Herbig pours even more cash into the Steelers’ defense, particularly at outside linebacker, with Watt signed through 2028 at a $41 million AAV, and Alex Highsmith, who is making a $17 million AAV and is signed through 2027.

Entering his age 24 season, Herbig is emerging as one of the best young edge rushers in the league, and it’s a deal that benefits the Steelers right now, as well as Herbig for the long haul.

Pirates Find Themselves In Interesting Situation with Brandon Lowe

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 17:06:00 +0000

Jason Shetler

p/c: Charles LeClaire

Last offseason, the Pittsburgh Pirates made one of their biggest trades in a long time; acquiring All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe, as part of a three-team deal with the Tampa Bay Rays and Houston Astros.

In my opinion, the acquisition of Lowe is the Pirates’ most impactful position player addition since the Russell Martin signing prior to the 2013 season.

Lowe made quite the statement for his new team to open 2026, as he delivered a pair of home runs against the New York Mets at Citi Field. He became the first Pirates second baseman to hit multiple homers on Opening Day.

The Pirates enter the month of June averaging 5.0 runs per game, which is a vast improvement going into June of last year (3.2). Lowe has been a major reason why the Bucs have a Top 5 offense right now. His 14 home runs lead all MLB second basemen, while his .875 OPS is also tops at the position.

There’s been plenty of discussion around the Pirates, in regards to a possible contract extension with Lowe. Set to become a free agent after the season, Lowe is making $11.5 million in 2026. Pirates general manager Ben Cherington should at least have a sit down with Lowe and his agent about an extension.

Although Lowe will be 32 next season, he’s been one of the most productive hitting second basemen in baseball, and may look to cash in on one more big payday in free agency. If the Pirates are unable to extend Lowe, where do they go from there?

The trade deadline will certainly dictate what Pittsburgh decides to do with Lowe. If they’re looking to compete, then he won’t go anywhere. But should they fall out of contention and sell, then he’ll be their biggest trade candidate.

Two years ago, the Pirates were 54-52 heading into the trade deadline. The team chose to keep Aroldis Chapman rather than sell high at the deadline, because they were still in the mix for a wildcard spot. However, an August collapse resulted in them falling out of contention. Chapman left for free agency, and the Pirates lost him for nothing.

It’ll be interesting what the Pirates will do with Lowe. Do they push the chips forward on playing for a postseason spot, or enter the deadline as fringe contenders, and try to move Lowe for a significant return, even though he’ll only be a rental for a contender?

What Would It Take for Penguins to Acquire Jason Robertson?

Thu, 28 May 2026 17:12:00 +0000

Jason Shetler

p/c: Robert Edwards

In terms of young, rising superstars in hockey, Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson is certainly in the elite category.

This season, Robertson put up spectacular numbers again, as he registered 45 goals. It’s his third career 40-goal campaign.

Only seven seasons into his NHL career, Robertson is already closing in on 500 points with 490.

In October of 2022, the Stars inked Robertson to a four-year extension for $31 million ($7.75M AAV).

As Robertson prepares to become a restricted free agent this summer, he’ll get a substantial raise from his $7.75M AAV - most projecting $10-12M.

Dallas heads into the offseason with a tight budget, leading to plenty of speculation of a Robertson trade.

Obviously, there will be several teams inquiring on Robertson. Would the Pittsburgh Penguins be among them?

The Penguins were one of the biggest surprise stories in the NHL this season - a team that compiled 98 points under first-year head coach Dan Muse, who is a finalist for the Jack Adams Award.

Pittsburgh enters the offseason in a great spot with their cap space. Even with the re-signing of Evgeni Malkin this week, the cap is roughly $35 million. If Kyle Dubas chose to place his foot on the gas, in pursuit of Robertson, what would a potential trade proposal look like?

The Stars would likely search for a package that includes a first round pick, a Top 6 forward with a track record, and a top prospect. So here’s what the Pens could offer for Robertson.

2026 first round pick

2026 second round pick (from Winnipeg)

Bryan Rust

Ben Kindel

A first round pick would clearly be a given. Rust is a proven Top 6 winger coming off seven straight seasons of 20+ goals. Kindel made an immediate impact in Pittsburgh; scoring 17 goals, which were the most by a Penguins rookie since Jordan Staal in 2006-07. In a way to sweeten the deal, they could an include a ‘26 second round pick that belonged to Winnipeg, and a better pick, because of the Jets finishing with less points.

While it may be an unlikely scenario, a Penguins top line of Robertson, Sidney Crosby, and Rickard Rakell would be one to really dream on.