Johan Oviedo Placed on 60-Day Injured List
p/c: Kim Klement Neitzel
The Pittsburgh Pirates have announced that RHP Johan Oviedo is being put on the 60-day injured list due to a lat strain. The move opens up a spot on the 40-man roster for Justin Lawrence, who the Bucs claimed off waivers from the Colorado Rockies on Monday.
Pirates manager Derek Shelton said Oviedo sustained the lat injury, in his latest live BP pitching session.
Oviedo has been with the Pirates since August of 2022, this after being obtained from the St. Louis Cardinals, as part of the Jose Quintana trade.
In 2023, Oviedo made 32 starts for Pittsburgh, posting a 4.31 ERA, along with a 2.1 bWAR.
The 27-year-old native of La Habana, Cuba underwent Tommy John surgery - causing him to miss the entirety of the 2024 season.
With the recovery from elbow surgery, as well as the newest injury to his lat, Oviedo likely won’t return to game action until middle part of the season. Because Oviedo has one minor league option remaining, he should get sent to AAA Indianapolis, once he’s fully healthy.
Pirates Claim Justin Lawrence from Rockies
p/c: Rachel O’Driscoll
According to MLB.com’s Thomas Harding, the Pittsburgh Pirates have claimed reliever Justin Lawrence off waivers from the Colorado Rockies.
Lawrence had been designated for assignment by Colorado over the weekend.
In the 2015 MLB Draft, the Rockies selected Lawrence as a 12th round pick out of Daytona State College.
Lawrence pitched four seasons in Denver. He really scuffled last year, with an ERA of 6.49 over 56 appearances. However, Lawrence is a season removed from having a 3.72 ERA, and being 34% better than the league average reliever going by ERA+.
The 30-year-old righty relies on a two-pitch mix - a sinker and sweeper. The sinker is thrown in the mid-90’s, while the sweeper sits in the mid-80’s.
In terms of Pirates’ bullpen depth, Lawrence will join Dennis Santana, Peter Strzelecki, and Joey Wentz as the only relievers that are out of options.
Michael Bunting Out Indefinitely Following Surgery
p/c: China Wong
According to head coach Mike Sullivan, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Michael Bunting underwent surgery on Wednesday, to remove his appendix. Sullivan said there currently isn’t a timetable for Bunting’s return.
Bunting was acquired by the Penguins from the Carolina Hurricanes at last year’s trade deadline, as the main headliner of the Jake Guentzel deal.
After arriving to Pittsburgh, Bunting provided an instant spark, on the Top 6, recording 19 points (6 G; 13 A), along with a 60.9% Corsi, in 21 games played.
The 29-year-old winger had played in 58 games this season, scoring 14 goals and a Corsi of 57.3%.
Bunting is under contract thru next season, with an average annual value of $4.5 million, before he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
How Should Penguins Approach the Upcoming Trade Deadline?
p/c: Benjamin B. Braun - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The NHL trade deadline is rapidly approaching - March 7th at 3:00 ET, to be exact.
For the Pittsburgh Penguins, it’s been a season of ups & downs - more so the latter.
Mike Sullivan’s team finds themselves in an interesting position. Although they are currently seven points back of the last wild card spot, in the Eastern Conference, there are seven other teams that they would have to leap frog.
Rumors began to circulate in January of the Penguins planning to go on a fire sale, with president of hockey operations, Kyle Dubas, vehemently denying the reports. However, Dubas has seemed to indicate that the organization would be looking to rebuild on the fly.
With the trade deadline less than two weeks away, how should they approach it?
The Penguins have already made seller moves this season. Most notably the Lars Eller trade in November, and the Marcus Pettersson/Drew O’Connor deal, on the last day of January. Given Pittsburgh’s status as a fringe playoff contender, as well as Dubas wanting to replenish the system, I believe they should continue to go the sell route.
Anthony Beauvillier, Matt Grzelcyk, Matt Nieto, and Ryan Shea are players who on expiring contracts. All of them could be used to dump salary, but more importantly, bring up younger talent from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Veteran forward Kevin Hayes has had a productive season, on the Penguins’ fourth line, scoring nine goals, while posting a 56.6% Corsi, which is on track to be a career best. Hayes does carry a cap hit of around $7.1 million, and is signed thru next season, so Dubas could get some decent, draft capital in return.
Questions of moving Erik Karlsson’s complicated contract has certainly been discussed. Although a trade can’t be ruled out, it’s more likely the former Norris trophy winner stays put.
Perhaps the one Penguins player that has garnered the most trade speculation, especially in recent weeks, is Rickard Rakell. The 31-year-old winger is having a terrific, season for Pittsburgh, as he currently leads the team with 25 goals. Dubas will probably want a massive return, for Rakell, who has three years of control remaining at a reasonable average annual of $5 million.
If Dubas wants to rebuild on the fly, then this deadline is the perfect opportunity to do so. There are quite a few replaceable veteran players on the roster that the Penguins could move on from, in order to give their prospects a chance at the NHL level, and expedite that youth movement sooner rather than later.
Steelers Sign Donald Parham
The Pittsburgh Steelers announced on Friday that they have signed tight end Donald Parham.
Following the 2019 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions signed Parham as an undrafted free agent out of Stetson University.
Early on in 2020, Parham was a member of the XFL’s Arlington Renegades. However, his contract was terminated, after the XFL had suspended operations.
Parham would then sign on with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he played parts of four seasons. In 2023, he had 285 receiving yards, while recording a career-high four touchdown receptions.
After being released by the Chargers in late August of last year, Parham joined the Denver Broncos, but spent the entirety of the season, on the team’s practice squad.
At 6’8, 237 pounds, Parham will provide the Steelers an intriguing, TE depth option, alongside Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington.
Steelers Reportedly Plan to Bring Back Jaylen Warren
According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to bring back running back Jaylen Warren.
Warren is set to be a restricted free agent this offseason, with Pittsburgh having the right to negotiate a contract for him first.
The Steelers could offer Warren either a second round tender, or an original round tender. A second round tender costs about $5 million, but if another team signs Warren, they would have to surrender their second round draft pick. An original round tender is about $2 million less. However, there is no draft pick compensation, since Warren was an undrafted free agent.
As a UDFA of the Steelers in 2022 out of Oklahoma State, Warren has been an unsung hero of the offense - serving as a steady, compliment, alongside Najee Harris. In 48 total games with Pittsburgh, the 26-year-old Warren has rushed for 1,674 yards, while averaging 4.8 yards per carry.
If the Steelers are unable to re-sign Harris, then it’ll be interesting to see if Warren will assume a larger role within the offense next season.
Bub Carrington Quickly Adjusting to the NBA Life
In the more recent years of Pitt men’s basketball, the recruiting talent has improved. One of the best recruits under Jeff Capel was Bub Carrington.
Coming out of Saint Frances Academy in Baltimore, Carrington had been regarded as a four-star recruit, according to 247Sports.
It’s not often that a team incorporates a freshmen backcourt duo, but Capel made it work, with Carrington and Jaland Lowe. Unfortunately, the Panthers missed the tournament, and were considered one of the bigger snubs.
Carrington averaged 13.8 points per game, along with 5.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists. He would be named to the ACC All-Rookie team.
Projected as a first round selection by most basketball publications, for the 2024 NBA Draft, Carrington was taken by the Portland Trail Blazers 14th overall. However, he was traded to the Washington Wizards that night.
Carrington flashed his skills during the Summer League, as he averaged 15.8 points.
On a rebuilding Wizards team, Carrington has gotten a good amount of court minutes. Thru 54 games to this point, he’s averaging 9.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. Carrington looks to be making adjustments to his offensive game, putting up 16.0 PPG over last five games, including a career-high 23 points against the Atlanta Hawks.
During NBA All-Star Weekend, Carrington has participated in the Rising Stars tournament.
Despite just being a 19-year-old rookie, the way Carrington has been able to adapt his overall skill set at the highest level is extremely, impressive. With Carrington only beginning to scratch the surface, there certainly is the upside of a potential All-Star guard.
Could Steelers Make Isaac Seumalo a Cap Casualty This Offseason?
p/c: Sebastian Foltz - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
On Friday evening, the Pittsburgh Steelers released outside linebacker Preston Smith - a move expected by many.
Prior to the release of Smith, the Steelers were projected to have $40 million, in available cap space, and now that figure is somewhere over $50 million.
It’s unclear how much fat Steelers GM Omar Khan will ultimately trim off the roster this offseason. Perhaps one name, who could find himself as a possible candidate, is veteran offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo.
Pittsburgh had brought in Seumalo, before the 2023 season, on a three-year contract for $24 million. Assistant general manager Andy Weidl seemed to have played a role, in the signing of Seumalo, as Weidl had been with the Philadelphia Eagles’ organization, while Seumalo was there.
The 31-year-old left guard missed the first four weeks of the season, recovering from a pectoral injury that he sustained during a preseason practice.
For the 2024 season, Seumalo was a serviceable, LG. According to Pro Football Focus, he rated out slightly above average, as both a pass blocker and run blocker.
Seumalo will enter next season in the final year of his current deal. It comes with a cap hit of around $10.1 million, which could make him an interesting case, as a cap casualty.
As the Steelers will have themselves a very favorable, salary cap situation this offseason, that figure might be enough, for the organization to tolerate. Also, the offensive line that includes Broderick Jones, Zach Frazier, Troy Fautanu, and Mason McCormick, are all on rookie contracts. Keeping around a veteran, like Seumalo, who is a steady, guard, when healthy, would seem to make logical sense.
Steelers Release Preston Smith
p/c: Todd Rosenberg
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ first player transaction of the offseason was made on Friday, as veteran outside linebacker Preston Smith has been released, the team announced.
General manager Omar Khan acquired Smith from the Green Bay Packers at the trade deadline, in which was considered a surprising move. Pittsburgh sent Green Bay a 2025 seventh round draft pick.
Smith dressed in eight games for the Steelers. He recorded only 13 combined tackles, along with a pair of sacks and a fumble recovery.
The release of Smith becomes a significant cost savings for Pittsburgh, as the 32-year-old OLB has a cap hit of $13.4 million next season and $14.1 million for 2026.
Given that the Steelers have TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig, Omar Khan could look to either sign a fourth OLB, to a cheaper deal, or address one late in the draft.
Could Daniel Jones Be an Ideal Quarterback Option for Steelers?
p/c: Brooke Sutton
Last offseason, the New York Giants made perhaps the most calculated mistake in franchise history - parting ways with Saquon Barkley. The result was Barkley rushing for 2,000 yards and leading the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl title.
Rather than signing Barkley to an extension, the Giants decided to lock up quarterback Daniel Jones to a four-year, $160 million dollar deal, in March of 2023.
Jones made 10 starts for the Giants this past season, throwing for 2,078 yards, along with an 8-7 TD/INT ratio, and a passer rating of 79.4.
Heading into Week 12, Jones was benched in favor of Tommy DeVito. This prompted Jones to shockingly ask for his release, on November 22nd, which was granted.
Outside of the DeShaun Watson debacle in Cleveland, the Giants’ decision to extend Jones is one of the most questionable quarterback moves in recent memory.
A week after getting released, Jones was signed to the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad, where he eventually was on the roster, as the backup to Sam Darnold.
Jones will enter free agency for the first time this offseason. Spotrac projects the 27-year-old to receive a one-year deal worth $13.3 million.
A team like the Las Vegas Raiders will have the quarterback position at the top of their offseason wish list. Signing Jones would appear to be a perfect fit, unless the Raiders, who own the sixth overall pick in this year’s draft, choose to trade up with the Giants at 3, to select either Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders - depending on who the Tennessee Titans take #1 overall.
Another team that will be on the QB search is the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are set to hit the open market. Wilson has been campaigning, for a return to Pittsburgh, although the organization hasn’t given any sort of indication, while Fields, on the other hand, feels like a very good possibility of being brought back.
There was a report that came out Thursday morning of the Steelers inquiring on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, but that rumor was quickly shot down.
Given that Jones would have to settle for a “prove it” contract this offseason, it would be surprising, if Steelers GM Omar Khan didn’t at least kick the tires.
Jones’ best NFL season came in 2022, posting a 92.5 passer rating. For one-year, the projected Spotrac figure doesn’t seem outrageous, especially when the expectation level with Jones will be nowhere near what it was in New York (technically, East Rutherford, NJ). If Jones were to perform close to his 2022 production, it would turn into a terrific, bargain signing. But if he struggles, then the Steelers could be in a spot to draft higher for a QB next year.
Steelers Retaining Main Coaches Personifies “The Standard”
Following another first round playoff exit at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens last month, the Pittsburgh Steelers have now gone nine consecutive years without a playoff victory.
Despite Pittsburgh losing its final five games, including the playoff loss, the main coaches on Mike Tomlin’s staff are being kept on board, even though Tomlin said in his season ending press conference that changes were expected to be made.
It was recently that Steelers owner and team president, Art Rooney II, was interviewed by WTAE sports reporter, Ashley Liotus. Specifically, Rooney was asked about what it would take for the team to make significant changes to the coaching staff, with Rooney never really providing a straight answer.
On January 31st, inside linebackers coach Aaron Curry left the Steelers, to become the new linebackers coach of the New York Jets.
Last week, it was reported that Pittsburgh was bringing back Gerald Alexander as their defensive backs coach. Alexander had served as the Las Vegas Raiders’ safeties coach.
Arthur Smith, Pat Meyer, and Teryl Austin are all staying in organization, which has drawn mostly negative reaction from Steelers’ fans.
Smith joined Tomlin’s staff last offseason as the offensive coordinator. When Justin Fields was at quarterback, the strategy was to use Fields more like a game manager. As for Russell Wilson, the play calling was definitely more pass-oriented.
There were rumblings that Wilson and Smith weren’t getting on the same page, and according to a report from the Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac, it allegedly stemmed from Wilson not having the freedom to change plays at the line.
Meyer just finished up his third season as Steelers offensive line coach. Although Zach Frazier is coming off a strong, rookie season, in 2024, there’s been mostly shortcomings on the O-line, most notably with the development of Dan Moore Jr, and the handling of former first rounder Broderick Jones.
Austin has been Pittsburgh’s defensive coordinator since 2022. Among fans, it’s probably the most criticized decision, in regards to coaches being kept on staff, given both the inconsistent nature of the defense, as well as how much money is invented into it.
Of course the biggest criticism is Tomlin remaining the Steelers head coach. The frustration level continues to reach high, especially when a team like the Philadelphia Eagles have won two Super Bowls in seven years; each with a different HC (Doug Pederson and Nick Sirianni).
The definition of insanity is trying the same things over and over again and expecting a different result, and as its become evident that Mike Tomlin and Art Rooney II are just satisfied with being “good enough”. Perhaps the definition of insanity saying should be renamed “The Standard”.
Breaking Down the Marcus Pettersson Trade
A significant trade involving the Pittsburgh Penguins and Vancouver Canucks was made late Friday night.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman is reporting that defenseman Marcus Pettersson and forward Drew O’Connor are being dealt to Vancouver, in exchange for a conditional first round draft pick, forward Danton Heinen, defenseman Vincent Desharnais, and forward Melvin Fernstrom.
The first round pick is what the Canucks received from the New York Rangers, as part of the JT Miller trade, on Friday. The stipulation of the pick, for Pittsburgh, is that if the Rangers finish bottom 13 in the league this season, it’s a 2026 first round pick. However, should the Rangers finish better than that, the Penguins’ first round pick will be this year.
Pettersson had been with the Penguins since the 2018-2019 season, and was undoubtedly their most physical and best defender on the blue line during that stretch.
O’Connor played parts of five seasons in Pittsburgh. The 26-year-old forward had his best showing last season, with a career-high 16 goals.
Heinen returns to the Penguins, after playing two seasons with them during the 2021-2022 and 2022-23 seasons.
Desharnais was with Vancouver, for parts of three seasons. The 6’7 defenseman displayed his physicality and awareness on the ice, as he registered 135 hits and 122 blocked shots last season.
Fernstrom became the Canucks third round selection, in the 2024 NHL Draft. A native of Balsta, Sweden, Fernstrom had been with Orebro HK of the Swedish Hockey League. He has eight points (3 G; 5 A) in 35 games.
Assessment: The Canucks strengthen their defensive corps, with the addition of Pettersson, and add to the forward depth, in the form of O’Connor. Canucks president of hockey operations, Jim Rutherford, had obtained Pettersson and O’Connor during his tenure as Penguins general manager.
From Pittsburgh’s side of the deal, it’s a solid, return for Kyle Dubas. Regardless of whether the first round pick is for this year or next year, it’s pretty remarkable, to acquire a first, for Pettersson and O’Connor; both of which are on expiring contracts. The Heinen and Desharnais pick ups are sort of just there, but an 18 year-old prospect, in Fernstrom, is a nice, addition, to the Penguins’ system.
What Is the Likelihood Najee Harris Returns to Pittsburgh?
p/c: Ron Chenoy
The Pittsburgh Steelers will have plenty of interesting decisions to make this offseason. Most of which will need to be addressed, on the offensive side of the ball. One of the most notable involves Najee Harris.
Despite coming off a 1,000 yard rushing season, in 2023, the Steelers made the surprising choice, to decline Harris’ fifth-year option last offseason.
2024 was more of the same, for the former first rounder, as he rushed for 1,043 yards - marking his fourth consecutive 1,000 yard campaign.
According to StatMuse, Harris has the fifth most rushing yards since joining the league in 2021, while also playing the most games of any running back, in that stretch.
Harris is set to be an unrestricted free agent, and will be one of the top backs, on the open market. So is there a chance that he chooses to sign elsewhere?
The Steelers re-signing Harris could depend on a couple of factors. Russell Wilson, who’s also a UFA, has a desire, to stay in Pittsburgh, and might want to sign long-term. Another factor would be the Steelers possibly going aggressive, on a big time wide receiver.
It’s no secret that the Steelers fancy themselves as a ball control offense. Harris has been productive, as well as extremely durable.
If Pittsburgh wants to realistically bring Harris back into the fold, then perhaps they move on from Wilson, as a money saver, and re-sign Justin Fields, to a much more inexpensive contract. Perhaps not breaking the bank on a receiver would create more funds, with the additional cap space the Steelers will have this offseason, to try and get Harris inked to a deal.
Bears Reportedly Denied Trade Opportunity for Mike Tomlin
It was reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, on Saturday morning, that the Chicago Bears recently called the Pittsburgh Steelers, to see if they could talk about making a trade, for Mike Tomlin, but that Pittsburgh rebuffed their inquiry. Schefter added that Tomlin’s contract has a no-trade clause.
The Bears are in search of a new voice on the sideline, after firing Matt Eberflus, and replacing him with Thomas Brown, on the interim.
Tomlin just wrapped up his 18th season, as Steelers head coach, finishing with a record of 10-7.
Despite Tomlin’s non-losing season streak being intact, Pittsburgh was once again bounced out of the opening round; extending their playoff win drought.
Ironically, the Bears interviewed Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith this week, for their head coaching position. They also spoke with Pittsburgh native and recently fired Mike McCarthy.
Weighing the Pros & Cons of a George Pickens Trade
p/c: Tommy Gilligan
In the current landscape of Pittsburgh sports, Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has become a hot button topic.
The former University of Georgia product has displayed incredible, athleticism, during his three seasons with the Black & Gold.
Coming off a 1,140 yard receiving season, in 2023, Pickens recorded exactly 900 receiving yards this season, despite playing in 14 games.
But perhaps Pickens’ worst enemy at times can be Pickens himself - whether it’s giving nonchalant answers to the media, or in-game behavior.
While 900 yards seems impressive for Pickens, the caveat is that he struggled mightily, in the Steelers’ last four regular season games, averaging just 43 yards receiving.
Pickens has already been floated in trade discussions, for this offseason. But would it make sense? Here are the pros and cons:
Pros - When healthy, Pickens is a dynamic, deep ball threat, who can stretch the field, and when going right, can look like one of the best wideouts, within the AFC.
Cons - As well-documented, Pickens no doubt has shown his immaturity, on certain occasions. For the Steelers, it’s something that may be hurting the locker room morale. If Pickens is available in trade talks, that could hurt Omar Khan’s leverage, as teams known what a distraction Pickens potentially is.
Aside from Pickens’ personality, he’s also in the final year of his rookie contract, so given the lack of team control, for his services, you could probably rule out a first round pick, as part of a deal. Realistically, however, a second and third round pick, for this year’s draft, might get it done.
The idea of trading Pickens would depend on who the Steelers could sign in free agency. Most have speculated Cincinnati Bengals WR Tee Higgins as a potential target.
Even if Pittsburgh were to land Higgins, would they still want to move Pickens? Yes, there’s the headache that comes with the 23-year-old, but he’s a quality, wideout, on a very affordable salary. Also, Omar Khan doesn’t want to have a repeat of last offseason, when he dealt Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, and had no real contingency plan, to replace Johnson. What the Steelers decide to do with Pickens will be one of many layers for this team to address.
Steelers Reportedly Interested In Bringing Back Justin Fields
p/c: John Locher
The Pittsburgh Steelers are interested in giving a new contract to quarterback Justin Fields, this according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.
Fields was acquired via trade from the Chicago Bears last offseason, in exchange for a 2025 conditional sixth round pick.
The Steelers entered training camp and preseason having a quarterback competition between Fields and Russell Wilson, with the latter being named the winner.
However, a calf injury to Wilson allowed Fields to open the season as the starter.
Fields started the first six games for Pittsburgh and played well, recording 10 touchdowns (five passing; five rushing), while throwing just one interception. Overall, he had a 93.3 passer rating. When Wilson returned, Fields was used primarily in designed run packages.
It’s probably not a surprise that the Steelers want to have Fields on the roster, in some capacity next season, given the upside he provided at the position.
A Fields return to Pittsburgh could depend on how other teams on the open market view him. If there’s a team intrigued enough to make Fields a guaranteed starter, and for decent money, then I would expect the former first round selection to sign elsewhere.
Why Steelers Should Move on from Russell Wilson
p/c: Tommy Gilligan
Another year - another Pittsburgh Steelers first round playoff exit.
Many questions will need to be answered this offseason, following a five-game losing streak, which included an inept, postseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens, 28-14. Perhaps the biggest question surrounds the future of Russell Wilson.
After the Denver Broncos decided to release Wilson last offseason, the former nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback chose Pittsburgh as his next destination by signing a one-year deal, for the veteran minimum of $1.2 million.
Entering training camp, Wilson’s tenure with the Steelers got off to an inauspicious start, as he dealt with a calf injury. Whether the injury kept nagging Wilson, or the team being extra cautious, Justin Fields found himself as the starter during the first several weeks of the season.
Wilson made his Steelers debut in Week 7 against the New York Jets, where he went 16-29, for 264 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Thru his first seven games, Wilson put up an excellent, passer rating of 104.2. However, he struggled in his final four regular season games, which became a microcosm of the Steelers’ losing streak, registering an 82.8 passer rating.
Despite losing to the Ravens, on Wildcard Weekend, Wilson performed well, going 20-29, for 270 yards and two touchdowns.
The entire season numbers for Wilson was 2,482 passing yards, along with a 16-5 TD/INT reception.
As Wilson enters next season at age 36, the type of contract he’ll receive in free agency is really anyone’s guess. Most have speculated a two-year deal, but with a ballpark amount being an uncertainty.
One would have to imagine that Wilson would sign for a good amount, even short-term. But is it something the Steelers should explore?
Quite honestly, the Steelers need to go younger at the quarterback position based on where they’re at currently. Whether it’s Fields, another free agent QB, or someone in the draft. Investing more money into Wilson doesn’t make much sense for the Steelers, especially when they’re nowhere near a Super Bowl contending team, and I don’t expect it, if Wilson is around a couple more years.
Whatever amount Pittsburgh could spend on Wilson would be better served spent on the offensive line, and/or a quality, wide receiver this offseason.
Examining Eli Holstein’s First Season as Pitt Quarterback
p/c: Matt Freed
Pittsburgh Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi was looking to revamp the offense, for the 2024 season.
In December of 2023, Narduzzi hired Western Carolina offensive coordinator, Kade Bell, who ran a dynamic, high-powered offense.
Pitt football made its most notable addition from the transfer portal in January, as they brought in former Alabama quarterback Eli Holstein. Before arriving to Tuscaloosa, Holstein was considered a four-star recruit.As a redshirt freshman, Holstein earned the starting QB job over Nate Yarnell.
The 19-year-old Holstein made his Panthers debut, in the season opener versus Kent State. He went 31-41, for 333 yards, along with three touchdowns.
In the second week of the season, Holstein led an incredible comeback, as Pitt defeated Cincinnati, 28-27, with Holstein going 20-35, 302 yards passing, and three touchdowns.
The third game is where Holstein was properly introduced to the Backyard Brawl. Against West Virginia, he compiled 301 yards through the air, along with three touchdowns, while leading yet another dramatic, fourth quarter rally, to defeat the Mountaineers, 38-34.
It was October 5th that Holstein had his strongest performance versus North Carolina, as he threw for a season best 381 yards, while finding the end zone four times, including one on the ground. He helped give Pitt their first win in Chapel Hill since joining the ACC in 2013.
The Panthers would suffer their first loss of the season to SMU. For Holstein, he played okay, as he went 29-48, for 248 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception.
In Pitt’s loss to Virginia that following week, Holstein would have his worst showing. He only threw for 121 yards, while completing only 43.5% of his passes.
During the Panthers’ 37-9 loss to Louisville, Holstein suffered an ankle injury. As it turned out, the injury kept him out the remainder of the season, including the bowl game.
On Friday, Holstein announced via Twitter/X that he will be returning to the University of Pittsburgh next season.
Assessment: The first half of the 2024 season saw Holstein emerge as one of the best freshmen quarterbacks in the nation. He was named ACC Rookie of the Week, on four different occasions. Holstein also guided the program to their first 7-0 start since 1982.
The second half of the year was a bit of a struggle for Holstein, particularly in the SMU and Virginia games. The ankle injury he sustained at Louisville was an unfortunate end to his season.
Given the circumstance of being a freshman quarterback at a new school, Holstein had a very good season all told. If I had to give out a grade, for Holstein’s overall 2024, a B would be more than fair.
Top 5 Pittsburgh Sports Moments of 2024
As we get ready to put a bow, on 2024, I’ve decided to put together a Top 5 list of the most memorable Pittsburgh sports moments from this year. Honorable mention that just missed was Pitt football’s dramatic, 38-34 victory over West Virginia. Here now are the Top 5 going from 5 to 1.
5. Paul Skenes’ MLB debut: 10 months after being selected as the #1 overall pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates, in the 2023 MLB Draft, Paul Skenes made his very much anticipated big league debut against the Chicago Cubs, on May 11th.
PNC Park, as well as the entire baseball world. was an absolute buzz, in regards to the 21-year-old rookie phenom. He pitched four innings, allowing three runs, and striking out seven.
While it may not have been the best debut from a statistical standpoint, it was the magnitude of Skenes’ debut in general that made it special.
4. Andrew McCutchen clubs 300th homer: In September of 2023, Andrew McCutchen was sitting on 299 career home runs, before suffering a partial tear of his Achilles tendon.
The Pirates re-signed McCutchen last offseason, to a one-year deal for $5 million, which would give Cutch the opportunity, to get 300 homers, in a Pirates uniform.
On April 14th at Citizens Bank Park, in Philadelphia, the former NL MVP homered off Phillies reliever, Ricardo Pinto, for his 300th.
McCutchen is currently the 12th active MLB player to reach 300 home runs.
3. Paul Skenes shines in Midsummer Classic: Despite not being called up to the Majors until the middle part of May, Paul Skenes’ dominance was getting more hard to ignore. Fans agreed, as they voted him to the All-Star Game, in Arlington, Texas.
Arizona Diamondbacks manager, Torey Lovullo, revealed on The Dan Patrick Show that Skenes would be the starter, for the National League. It marked the first time ever a Pirates rookie started an All-Star Game.
Skenes took the Globe Life Field mound, to open the bottom of the first. He got leadoff man Steven Kwan to pop out, followed by a groundout from Gunnar Henderson. After issuing a walk to Juan Soto - a cross up with William Contreras that should’ve been a strikeout - Skenes faced Aaron Judge and promptly retired him on a weak grounder. It was a proper showcase, for the eventual NL Rookie of the Year.
2. Evgeni Malkin reaches 500: While Sidney Crosby eclipsed the 500 goal milestone, on February 15th, 2022, Evgeni Malkin didn’t want his greatness to be overshadowed.
Taking on the Buffalo Sabres at PPG Paints Arena, on October 16th, the Penguins were victorious, 6-5, in overtime. During the third period, Malkin placed himself, in Penguins’ lore by scoring his 500th goal. Crosby picked up the assist, on the Malkin tally. It was poetic irony, as Malkin recorded the assist, when Crosby got to 500.
Malkin became just the second Russian born player, to score 500 NHL goals; joining Alex Ovechkin.
1. 600 for Sidney: As mentioned previously, Sidney Crosby reached 500 goals, in February of 2022. The future Hall of Famer, as always, had his sights set higher.
On November 23rd, the Penguins squared off with the Utah Hockey Club, for the very first time, and lost by a score of 6-1. However, the PPG Paints Arena crowd got to witness their Captain add to his growing legacy, as Crosby scored via a 5-on-3 power play, for the 600th goal of his illustrious, hockey career.
The 600 goals made Crosby only the 21st NHL player all-time to reach the milestone.
Desmond Reid Returning to Pitt In 2025
p/c: Sebastian Foltz - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Pittsburgh Panthers running back Desmond Reid announced on his Instagram that he will be returning to the school, for his senior year next season.
Reid transferred to Pitt from Western Carolina, before this year. The move reunited him with Kade Bell, who was his offensive coordinator at Western Carolina.
During Pitt’s season opener versus Kent State, Reid made an impact, in his Panthers’ debut, rushing for 145 yards and a touchdown. He also ran back a 78-yard punt return for a score.
Reid followed that up in the second week against Cincinnati, where he rushed for 148 yards and had 106 yards receiving - becoming the first RB in school history, to have both at least 100 rushing yards and 100 receiving yards in the same game.
In 10 games with Pitt, Reid averaged 5.3 yards on the ground (797 yards on 151 carries). As far as overall yards from scrimmage, he compiled 1,361 yards, along with eight touchdowns.
It came out on Monday that Reid had been named to the AP All-America Team, as a second team all-purpose player.