Penguins’ Goaltending Depth Could Create Expendable Move This Offseason
p/c: Gene J. Puskar
For a third consecutive year, the Pittsburgh Penguins have missed the playoffs. Finishing with a record of 34-36-12, it’s their first losing season since Sidney Crosby’s rookie campaign in 2005-06.
Perhaps the biggest issue for the Penguins this season was the goaltending.
Pittsburgh ended the regular season with a team goals against average of 3.50, which tied the Buffalo Sabres, for the worst mark in the Eastern Conference.
Tristan Jarry, who was demoted to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on two occasions this season, registered a 3.12 GAA, along with an .892 save percentage, in 36 games with Pittsburgh.
After solid, work last season, Alex Nedeljkovic experienced regression, posting an identical, 3.12 GAA and a save percentage of .894, in 38 games played.
Rookie Joel Blomqvist got a taste of NHL action. The Finnish born netminder dealt with growing pains, however, recording a GAA of 3.81.
It’s worth prefacing that while the Penguins’ goaltenders struggled collectively, the defense in front of them was lackluster for much of the season.
Pittsburgh’s goaltending depth heading into the offseason will consist of Tristan Jarry, Alex Nedeljkovic, Joel Blomqvist, Filip Larsson, and Sergei Murashov.
Jarry has three years remaining on his current extension that has an average annual value of $5.375 million. Nedeljkovic will have one year remaining on his deal, with a $2.5 million AAV. Much like Nedeljkovic, both Blomqvist and Larsson have one year left on their contracts, while Murashov won’t become a free agent until after the 2026-27 season.
Penguins president of hockey operations, Kyle Dubas, will seemingly look to deal Jarry this offseason. Certainly no easy task, especially when Erik Karlsson’s contract is challenging in its own right. If Dubas is unable to find trade suitors, for Jarry’s services, then it’s likely Nedeljkovic would be the other alternative, given that his contract is much easier to move.
The event of either Jarry or Nedeljkovic being traded could result in a competition between Blomqvist and Larsson during training camp and the preseason.
Although Murashov was outstanding for Wilkes-Barre, he hasn’t put in a full season at the AHL level, so there’s no need to rush the 21-year-old’s development.
The Penguins’ goaltending situation will be one of many questions the team will have to face, in a very crucial offseason.
Steelers Reportedly Set to Host Shedeur Sanders
p/c: Ron Chenoy
It came out on Tuesday from Noah Strackbein of Sports Illustrated that the Pittsburgh Steelers are hosting University of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders for a Top 30 Pre-Draft visit this week.
Sanders is of course the son of Colorado head coach and Hall of Famer, Deion Sanders.
Last season, Sanders threw for 4,134 yards, along with a 37-10 TD/INT ratio, and a 74% completion percentage, which led the nation. He was also named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.
Interestingly enough, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan didn’t meet Sanders at Colorado’s Pro Day.
Pittsburgh owns the 21st overall pick in the upcoming draft. The talk all offseason for the Steelers is at the quarterback position. As they continue to keep tabs on Aaron Rodgers, Sanders could be their contingency plan, if the organization doesn’t want to wait around for Rodgers.
It’s curious how far Sanders would fall in the draft. Perhaps Sanders is the one name the Steelers would potentially trade up for, in order to land the quarterback they truly desire.
David Bednar Optioned to Indianapolis
p/c: Gene J. Puskar
According to MLB Insider Robert Murray, the Pittsburgh Pirates are optioning David Bednar to AAA Indianapolis.
Bednar becomes the corresponding move on the 26-man roster for Thomas Harrington, who was called by the Pirates on Tuesday morning.
Acquired from the San Diego Padres, as part of the Joe Musgrove trade prior to the 2021 season, Bednar enjoyed a pair of All-Star campaigns in 2022 and 2023.
The 2024 season was a disaster for Bednar, as he posted a 5.77 ERA, along with a 4.80 FIP, while being removed from the closer role late in the year.
After struggling in spring training, Bednar’s problems persisted in the opening series against the Miami Marlins, where he was responsible for two walk off losses.
Bednar has two minor league options left. At this point, it’s best to let Bednar try and regain his old form and confidence, in a more controlled setting.
Pirates Acquire Alexander Canario from Mets
p/c: Sam Navarro
The Pittsburgh Pirates are acquiring outfielder Alexander Canario from the New York Mets for cash considerations, this according to MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo.
Canario signed with the San Francisco Giants in 2016 out of Monte Cristi, in the Dominican Republic.
At the 2021 trade deadline, the Giants dealt Canario to the Chicago Cubs, as part of the Kris Bryant deal.
Entering last year, Canario was rated the 12th best prospect, in a deep, Cubs’ outfield system by MLB Pipeline.
Canario had 28 plate appearances with the Cubs last season, posting a slash line of .280/.357/.440.
In February, the Cubs traded Canario to the Mets for cash. He was designated for assignment by the Mets on March 27th.
The 24-year-old Canario displayed a good, power/speed combo in the minors. Given the Pirates’ dire need for offensive talent, it feels like an intriguing, flyer for them to take on.
JK Dobbins: Perfect Fit for Steelers?
Despite recording four straight 1,000 yard rushing seasons, the Pittsburgh Steelers chose to let Najee Harris leave via free agency. While the rushing yards look impressive on paper, Harris was near the bottom, in terms of average yards per carry at 3.9, since joining the league in 2021.
On March 13th, the Los Angeles Chargers signed Harris to a one-year year worth up to $9.25 million.
Pittsburgh made the unsurprising decision to re-sign Jaylen Warren this offseason. The former undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma State has been an underrated yet valuable piece to the Steelers’ offense.
So where do the Steelers go to address a replacement for Najee Harris? One such candidate currently on the free agent market is JK Dobbins.
Dobbins, a second round selection of the Baltimore Ravens in the 2020 draft, had shown real flashes of potential, but injuries seemed to prevent him from becoming a Pro Bowl caliber running back in Baltimore.
Last offseason, the Chargers took a flyer on Dobbins by inking him to a one-year contract for $1.6 million.
Dobbins stayed relatively healthy in 2024, as he played in 13 games; putting up a career best 905 yards, and tying a career-high with nine touchdowns, which he also did during his rookie season with the Ravens.
Pro Football Focus projects Dobbins to receive a two-year deal this offseason worth just $7 million. This type of deal is something the Steelers should be all over.
Although Dobbins isn’t nearly the durable back that Harris is, Dobbins is still a more effective runner; averaging 4.6 yards last season compared to Harris’ 4.0 mark.
If Dobbins is able to replicate last year’s production, then his expected cheap contract becomes an absolute bargain for both next season, as well as 2026.
Just like with Harris, the Steelers would no doubt find a way to keep Dobbins fresh in backfield; given they have a solid, RB2 option in Warren.
A possible Dobbins signing in Pittsburgh seems like the perfect low risk/high reward addition.
Examining the Pros & Cons of a TJ Watt Trade
p/c: Charles LeClaire
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker TJ Watt completed his eighth season as a member of the organization.
Despite what some would consider a down year - at least by his standards - Watt recorded 11.5 sacks, while finishing fourth for Defensive Player of the Year.
The Steelers all-time sack leader will be entering the final year of his current deal. He’s set to make a $21 million dollar base salary in 2025, along with a cap hit of $30.4 million.
On March 9th, the Cleveland Browns locked up Myles Garrett to a four-year extension worth $160 million - of which $123.5 million is guaranteed. Watt will no doubt view Garrett’s new deal as a barometer, to what he could receive.
There also has been speculation about the Steelers perhaps moving their defensive cornerstone this offseason.
So what would be the pros & cons, if a Watt trade were to materialize?
Pros: Given that Watt still plays the OLB position at an elite level, Pittsburgh should get back a solid, package. Even with just one year of control, a first round pick could be possible, especially if the team that acquires Watt feels they can sign him long-term.
The Steelers have plenty of cap space this offseason, as evidence by the signing of newly obtained WR DK Metcalf. Not re-signing Watt would really be a cost savings heading into next year.
Cons: On the flip side, trading away Watt would obviously create a massive hole on defense. As good as Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig are, neither are at the level of Watt. Although to be fair, how many can be?
Watt still presents a Top 3 edge rusher in the league - Top 5 at least, so his presence would be a massive loss, on the defensive side.
Outside of the 2022 season, Watt has been a relatively, healthy player during his NFL career. He’s found himself a finalist for DPOY in four of the last five years.
While Watt is 30, he hasn’t shown signs of slowing down, which could lead to the Steelers feeling comfortable about offering him another extension. It’s certainly understandable to think why they shouldn’t, given that Watt is on the other side of 30, however, he still remains one of the best at his position, and it would be quite difficult to replace his type of production. Keeping Watt in the fold would be the right move, in my opinion. As long as the Steelers can find ways to significantly improve the offense, then it won’t take a toll on Watt as much, or the defense in general.
Why Steelers Bringing Back Mason Rudolph Makes Plenty of Sense
After losing Justin Fields to the New York Jets earlier this week, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback situation has been the talk of the NFL.
The Steelers have yet to give any indication that they would re-sign Russell Wilson, while Aaron Rodgers reportedly wants to be paid big by either Pittsburgh or the New York Giants.
On Thursday, the Steelers added to their QB depth chart, with a familiar face, as Mason Rudolph came to terms on a two-year deal worth $8 million.
Rudolph played his first four seasons with the Black & Gold; primarily in a backup capacity.
For Rudolph, his best stretch came late in 2023, when he surpassed both Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky on the depth chart.
In the final four games of the ‘23 regular season, Rudolph posted a passer rating of 118.0, and helped guide the Steelers to a playoff berth.
Last offseason, the Tennessee Titans signed Rudolph on a one-year deal worth up to $3.62 million, to be the backup to Will Levis.
Rudolph got an opportunity to play in Nashville, as he appeared in eight games; five of which were starts. He had a 9-9 TD/INT ratio, along with an 80.1 passer rating.
Although Rudolph’s return has been met with mixed reviews among Steelers’ fans, it seems like a logical move.
Obviously, Rudolph knows the organization well, so it presents a comfort level, with both he and the Steelers.
Reports are that Pittsburgh is in still in search of a starting quarterback, which would make Rudolph the QB2.
But what if Rodgers and Wilson were to sign elsewhere? Would the Steelers make Rudolph the starter?
Some are of the feeling that the Steelers should treat 2025 as a bridge year. Now with Rudolph back in the mix, he would look to be the ideal transitional quarterback, to whoever Pittsburgh decides to draft either this year or next.
Assessing the Steelers Trade and Signing of DK Metcalf
p/c: Eamon Horwedel-Imagn
On Sunday evening, Omar Khan made his biggest transaction as Pittsburgh Steelers general manager, acquiring two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks. In return the Seahawks are receiving a 2025 second round draft pick.
The trade was then followed up Metcalf signing a new five-year contract for a reported $150 million, which in terms of average money, now makes it the largest deal in Steelers’ franchise history.
Metcalf spent the first six years of his NFL career in Seattle, where he turned into one of the premiere wideouts in the league. He recorded three 1,000-yard seasons, and almost did it a fourth time in 2024, as he put up 992 yards.
In regards to all-time Seahawks receivers, Metcalf is sixth in receiving yards (6,324), while being fourth in touchdown receptions (48).
Seattle is clearly looking to overhaul their offense, this after they released receiver Tyler Lockett, and traded quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders earlier this week.
Assessment: Metcalf had wanted out of Seattle, so a trade seemed to be inevitable. The Seahawks got themselves some pretty good draft capital; obtaining a second round pick for this year.
As for the Steelers, they hit the jackpot, on a Top 15 WR in the league, which creates a potentially dynamic, 1-2 combination, alongside George Pickens. They also have Calvin Austin III, who really took a nice, step forward in ‘24, as Pittsburgh’s slot guy.
After the way Omar Khan handled the wide receiving situation last year, he did a complete 180, to start off this offseason.
It’s natural to think that Russell Wilson could re-sign with the Steelers, given that he was teammates with Metcalf in Seattle.
While it remains unclear who will anchor the Steelers’ offense at quarterback, the addition of Metcalf may have put other AFC contenders, especially within the division, on watchful notice heading into next season.
Time for Penguins to Fully Capitalize on This Year’s NHL Draft
It was last year at this time that Pittsburgh Penguins president of hockey operations, Kyle Dubas, made his first significant move, in order to bring younger talent into the organization, as he traded Jake Guentzel to the Carolina Hurricanes. Aside from Michael Bunting, who is now a member of the Nashville Predators, Pittsburgh received forward prospects Vasily Ponomarev, Ville Koivunen, and Cruz Lucuis. They also got a 2024 second round draft pick, which was used on defenseman Harrison Brunicke.
Dubas has been adding more talent to the system - most notably with another 2024 second rounder Tanner Howe, as well as Rutger McGroarty - regarded as the Penguins top prospect.
During the season, Dubas made a shrewd trade by acquiring forward Phillip Tomasino from the Predators, in exchange for a 2027 fourth round pick. Tomasino currently has nine goals in 36 games since arriving to Pittsburgh.
A few other noteworthy draft picks were obtained by Dubas. In November, he dealt Lars Eller to the Washington Capitals for a 2025 fifth round pick and a third round pick in 2027. Moving both Marcus Pettersson and Drew O’Connor to the Vancouver Canucks, the main return was a conditional first round pick, which will either be this year or next, depending on where the New York Rangers finish at in the standings. At Friday’s trade deadline, Dubas sent Anthony Beauvillier to the Caps for a ‘25 second round pick.
Here is a preview of what this year’s NHL Draft will look like for Pittsburgh:
Round 1
Round 1 (conditional from NYR that VAN had for Pettersson/O’Connor)
Round 2 (Beauvillier trade)
Round 3
Round 3 (from MIN)
Round 3 (from OTT)
Round 4
Round 5
Round 5 (from CHI)
Round 5 (from NYR; Reilly Smith trade)
Round 6
Round 7
The Penguins will have at least 11 draft picks - the most for them in one particular draft since 2004.
Much speculation about the deadline is whether Rickard Rakell would be traded or not. As it turned out, the team’s leading goal scorer stayed put. However, it’s very possible that Dubas decides to move Rakell in the offseason, in search of that significant package containing top-tier prospects.
Currently, the Penguins have plenty of goaltending depth, so perhaps someone from that group is dealt for more draft pick capital.
While Dubas certainly won’t blow up the team and start from scratch, he’s looking to rebuild on the fly. This year’s draft is a great opportunity for Dubas to grossly stock up on quality, talent, and really kick the youth movement into high gear.
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”.