Pirates to Call Up Konnor Griffin
Baseball’s top prospect is headed to Pittsburgh, as Jason Mackey of the Post-Gazette has reported that the Pirates are calling up Konnor Griffin from AAA Indianapolis, to make his Major League debut in Friday’s home opener at PNC Park.
After being selected by Pittsburgh ninth overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, Griffin hit in the ground running in his first professional season in 2025, as he slashed .333/.415/.527, while hitting 21 home runs and stealing 65 bases across three levels with Bradenton, Greensboro, and Altoona.
Entering spring training, the Pirates had an open competition at shortstop with Griffin, Jared Triolo, and Nick Gonzales. Griffin ended up being among the final cuts.
The Pirates assigned Griffin to Indianapolis. In five games, he collected seven hits and drew five walks, for a .571 on base percentage.
Griffin will be the first rookie shortstop to start a home opener for the Pirates since Jack Wilson in 2001.
Kyle Louis Had Pre-Draft Visit with Steelers
p/c: Sebastian Foltz - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
As NFL teams continue to conduct pre-draft visits, the Pittsburgh Steelers visited with Pittsburgh Panthers All-American linebacker, Kyle Louis on Thursday. Because Louis is a local draft prospect, it won’t count towards the Steelers’ Top 30 pre-draft visits.
Louis became a starter with the University of Pittsburgh in 2024 as a redshirt sophomore. The 6’1, 220 pound linebacker emerged as one of the best defensive players in the ACC; recording seven sacks, four interceptions, and 15.5 tackles for loss.
Last season, Louis was productive again, with 8.5 sacks, two interceptions, and a pair of fumble recoveries.
At the NFL Combine, it was an opportunity for Louis to boost his draft stock. He displayed impressive speed during the 40-yard dash, as he ran an official time of 4.53.
Louis is projected to be a Day 2 draft selection, where most scouts view him as hybrid type that can play linebacker and also transition into a secondary role.
Steelers Sign Darnell Savage to One-Year Deal
The Pittsburgh Steelers added to their secondary depth late Tuesday night by signing veteran safety Darnell Savage to a one-year contract, this according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The deal is a guaranteed $1.4875 million.
Savage was a former first round selection of the Green Bay Packers in the 2019 draft out of the University of Maryland.
The first five seasons of Savage’s NFL career was spent with the Packers, His best year came in 2020, where he put up career-highs in interceptions (4) and pass deflections (12).
Savage cashed in as a free agent in March of 2024, when he agreed to sign a three-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars worth $21.75 million.
After just one season in Jacksonville, Savage was released by the Jaguars on September 16th.
A week later on September 22nd, the Washington Commanders brought in Savage. He played eight games with the Commanders, before requesting his release on December 4th.
It was on December 6th that the Buffalo Bills claimed Savage off waivers. He appeared in two games.
Savage has experience at both safety spots, so he should be the backup free safety to presumably Jalen Ramsey and a reserve strong safety to DeShon Elliott.
Cameron Johnston Signs with Steelers
p/c: Adrian Kraus
A familiar name is returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers, as veteran punter Cameron Johnston is signing with the Black and Gold; the team announced on Tuesday.
Johnston had originally signed with the Steelers in March of 2024, on a three-year deal for $9 million. In Week 1 versus the Atlanta Falcons, Johnston sustained a season-ending, knee injury. This prompted Pittsburgh to sign Corliss Waitman.
Entering the 2025 preseason, Johnston and Waitman battled it out for the Steelers’ punting job, with the latter claiming the role. As a result, the Steelers released Johnston from his contract.
On September 9th, the Buffalo Bills signed Johnston. He punted in three games for the Bills, before landing on IR with an injury to his planting foot. Johnston would be released based on an injury settlement.
The New York Giants inked Johnston to the practice squad on December 10th. He appeared in one game for the Giants.
The Steelers’ decision to bring back Johnston would presumably mean the team is moving on from Waitman, who is a restricted free agent.
During his eight seasons in the NFL, Johnston has averaged 47.2 yards per punt.
Steelers Sign Jamel Dean
After addressing their offense with the addition of Michael Pittman, the Pittsburgh Steelers are adding a significant piece to the defense, as they are signing veteran cornerback Jamel Dean to a three-year contract worth $36.75 million. Both Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network first reported the deal.
A third round selection in 2019 out of Auburn, Dean has played seven NFL seasons; all with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was member of the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl championship team in 2020.
Last season, Dean played in 14 games with Tampa Bay, as he posted a career-high three interceptions, which included a pick six, and a solid, passer rating against of 63.1.
Jalen Ramsey was acquired from the Miami Dolphins last offseason, to be a primary outside corner for the Steelers, but struggles at the position led to him being moved to free safety midseason. Other options to play the outside were James Pierre, Brandin Echols, and Asante Samuel Jr, who Pittsburgh just re-signed to a one-year deal for $4 million.
The signing of Dean should pair very well on the outside with Joey Porter Jr - an extension candidate this offseason.
Breaking Down the Steelers Trade of Michael Pittman
Monday began the first day of the new league year in the NFL, and the Pittsburgh Steelers wasted no time addressing their biggest need of the offseason, as they have acquired veteran wide receiver Michael Pittman from the Indianapolis Colts. ESPN’s Adam Schefter first mentioned the deal, and that the two teams will be swapping late round picks, while NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported Pittman being signed to a three-year, $59 million dollar extension from the Steelers.
Pittman was a second round draft selection of the Colts out of USC in 2020.
The 28-year-old wideout spent the first six years of his career with Indianapolis. He recorded over 1,000 yards receiving twice in 2021 (1,082) and 2023 (1,152). This past season, Pittman had 784 yards receiving and a career-high seven touchdown receptions.
Assessment of the deal: Pittman was set to make $22 million in 2026, but the Colts made him expendable, this after re-signing Alec Pierce to a four-year deal for $116 million, which now makes him the highest-paid wide receiver in the league.
As for the Steelers, they needed to bring in a bonafide, WR2, to pair alongside DK Metcalf. Pittsburgh finished 2025 ranked 22nd in passing offense, so the addition of Pittman should help remedy that issue.
The Steelers are certainly in a favorable position, in regards to available cap space. Before this move, they had over $51 million to spend.
This situation with Pittman is very similar to what the Steelers did last offseason with Metcalf, when they acquired him from the Seattle Seahawks and then extended him shortly after.
Steelers general manager, Omar Khan, took advantage of a team looking to move a quality receiver for cap purposes, and add to a position that quite frankly had been ignored the past two seasons. For the beginning of new league year, it’s a great start for the Steelers offense.
Pitt Reportedly Ready to Move on from Jeff Capel
p/c: Grant Halverson
The writing on the wall could become even more visible for Jeff Capel, as Pete Nakos of On3 is reporting that Pitt’s top boosters have worked to collect enough money to buy out the Panthers men’s basketball head coach.
Capel is about to wrap up his eighth season at the University of Pittsburgh. It’s been another disappointing season for the 51-year-old Capel, as the Panthers finished the regular season with a record of 12-19, while going 5-13 in ACC play.
During Capel’s tenure at Pitt, his team has made the NCAA Tournament just once, when they went dancing in 2023.
Capel was signed to a three-year extension in July of 2024 by former Pitt Athletic Director, Heather Lyke.
Earlier this week, current Pitt AD, Allen Greene, fired women’s head basketball coach, Tory Verdi. Should Greene give Capel the pink slip, the school would be buying out the remaining four years of his deal.
Assessment of the Elmer Söderblom Trade
The Pittsburgh Penguins entered the 2026 NHL trade deadline as unexpected buyers.
During the final hour of the deadline, the Penguins acquired forward Elmer Söderblom from the Detroit Red Wings. In return, Detroit receives a 2026 third round draft pick. The pick was original property of the San Jose Sharks, which Pittsburgh obtained as part of the Erik Karlsson trade, in the summer of 2023.
Söderblom was a sixth round selection of the Red Wings in the 2019 draft.
The Swedish born Söderblom played parts of three seasons in Detroit, including this season, where he scored two goals in 39 games.
Söderblom is an enormous individual, standing 6’8, 252 pounds. Despite the huge size, he’s not a particularly physical forward, however, he does possess a very good shot.
Assessment of the trade: The Red Wings get back really good value, for a forward they probably felt wasn’t going to be anymore than a bottom six guy.
As for the Penguins, president of hockey operations, Kyle Dubas, mentioned earlier this week that the team was seeking out a reclamation type forward; similar to what Dubas did in December, when he traded for Egor Chinahkov from the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Söderblom has an AAV of $1.125 million next season, and will be a restricted free agent heading into 2027-28.
The hope for Pittsburgh is that Söderblom can provide quality, bottom six forward depth. Söderblom is only 24, so perhaps head coach Dan Muse and his staff can try to develop his overall game even further.
Jonnu Smith Released By Steelers
p/c: Michael Owens
ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that the Pittsburgh Steelers are releasing veteran tight end Jonnu Smith.
The Steelers acquired Smith last offseason, along with cornerback Jalen Ramsey, from the Miami Dolphins for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Smith got to reunite with Arthur Smith, who was his offensive coordinator with the Tennessee Titans and head coach with the Atlanta Falcons.
The 2025 season was a disaster for Smith in Pittsburgh. He played 17 games, but started only seven, and his 222 yards receiving was a career worst.
Releasing Smith saves the Steelers $7 million. Their current cap space is now $51,643,582.
Steelers to Release Calvin Anderson
The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to make their first transaction of the offseason, as they plan to release offensive tackle Calvin Anderson, this according to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic.
Anderson was signed by the Steelers in September of 2024, after being cut from the New England Patriots.
Pittsburgh re-signed Anderson last offseason to a two-year extension.
Anderson appeared in 13 games total with the Steelers; primarily as a swing tackle behind the likes of Dan Moore Jr, Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, and Dylan Cook.
On December 10th, the Steelers placed Anderson on injured reserve, with a season-ending knee injury.
Anderson had a cap hit of $2.4 million for 2026. By releasing him, Pittsburgh will save $2 million. Given that Anderson is a reserve OT, it makes sense to address tackle depth in the draft for cheaper.
Pirates Must Set Precedent with Konnor Griffin Extension
p/c: Harrison Barden
The Pittsburgh Pirates begin Grapefruit League play next Saturday, as they take on the Baltimore Orioles in Sarasota.
This offseason had the Pirates being more aggressive to improve the offense than usual, with the additions of Brandon Lowe, Ryan O’Hearn, and Marcell Ozuna.
One of the most interesting, and quite frankly, most watched developments this spring will surround Konnor Griffin, and whether he will make the Opening Day roster.
Griffin took the baseball world by storm last year, in his first professional season, as he combined to slash .333/.415/.527 with the Bradenton Marauders, Greensboro Grasshoppers, and Altoona Curve. The 2024 first rounder hit 21 home runs, while stealing a whopping, 65 bases, which were the most by a Pirates minor league player since Omar Moreno in 1974.
Although Griffin’s offensive profile has been heavily praised, and deservedly so, his glove work at shortstop is just as impressive - being named a 2025 Gold Glove recipient among MiLB shortstops.
Griffin is now the #1 prospect in all of minor league baseball from every major baseball publication. There’s been plenty of talk among Pirates fans and media about the team locking up Griffin early.
Last August, a pair of top prospects were given long-term extensions by their respective clubs. The Baltimore Orioles signed Samuel Basallo to an eight-year deal for $67 million, while the Boston Red Sox inked Roman Anthony for eight years worth $130 million. Griffin is just as talented as both Basallo and Anthony, so there’s no reason why Griffin would be any different.
Even if Griffin doesn’t make the team out of spring training, and reports to AAA Indianapolis, he would still be called up at some point. As long as Griffin holds his own at the big league level as a rookie, then the Pirates need to sign him long-term by the end of the season, especially since Griffin isn’t a Scott Boras client.
If the Pirates are serious about building a better offense and making Griffin a franchise cornerstone for years to come, then they have to set a precedent, for what potentially could be superstar level talent at shortstop.
Steelers Round 1 Mock Draft Selection 1.0: Denzel Boston
p/c: Jordon Kelly
With two months away, the city of Pittsburgh will be hosting the NFL Draft for the first time ever.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to have the 21st overall pick in the draft.
For my first mock draft selection in Round 1, I have the Steelers taking Denzel Boston - a wide receiver out of the University of Washington.
Boston got his chance to stand out as a sophomore in 2024, as he recorded 834 receiving yards, along with nine touchdowns.
This past season, Boston was productive again for the Huskies; registering 881 yards and 11 touchdown receptions, which were tied for ninth most in the nation. He also ran back a 78-yard punt return TD against UC Davis.
It was announced by Boston on Christmas Eve that he would be declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Most early mock drafts have Boston projected mid-to-late first round.
Boston is a big target, at 6’4, 210 pounds. During his collegiate career, he was considered a major red zone threat, so it’s probably not a surprise that Boston’s best skill set is his ability to win jump balls and contested throws. Along with terrific, body control, Boston has good speed for his size. The one knock on Boston is not having that extra burst/acceleration, which may cause issues in trying to create separation from defenders.
Aside from DK Metcalf, the Steelers’ WR room certainly has more questions than answers. Boston’s upside potentially could help address some of those problems. Adam Henry, who was hired to Mike McCarthy’s staff as Pittsburgh’s new WR coach, has a lengthy track record. Henry played a role in the early development of Odell Beckham Jr, Jarvis Landry, and CeeDee Lamb, so perhaps pairing Henry with Boston would be intriguing.
The Steelers hardly dabble for a receiver in Round 1, as the last WR they took in the first round was Santonio Holmes 20 years ago. Do they buck the trend for a big target like Boston?
Penguins Must Survive Brutal Schedule Following Olympic Break
As we are now smack dab in the middle of the 2026 Winter Olympics, the Pittsburgh Penguins entered the break as one of the most surprising teams in hockey, with a record of 29-15-12; good for a .518 winning percentage.
October got off to a very promising start for the Penguins, as they were 8-2-2.
After going 4-5-3 in November, Pittsburgh went on an eight-game losing streak from early-to-mid-December. Fortunately, half of those losses resulted in picking up a point.
Since the Christmas break, the Penguins have righted the ship; recording points in 17 of their last 20 games (14-3-3).
While most of the Penguins players are resting easy, Sidney Crosby is captaining Team Canada, Erik Karlsson and Rickard Rakell are representing Team Sweden, and Arturs Silovs is playing for Team Latvia.
Coming out of the Olympic break, the Pens will finish February against the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers. The rest of the schedule for March and April won’t be a cakewalk by any stretch of the imagination.
Aside from playing the Metro Division leading Carolina Hurricanes three times, Pittsburgh will also square off against the other three division leaders:
Vegas Golden Knights twice - first place in the Pacific Division
Colorado Avalanche twice - first place in the Central Division
Tampa Bay Lightning - first place in the Atlantic Division
Remaining divisional games, besides Carolina, include the New Jersey Devils twice, Buffalo Sabres, Philadelphia Flyers, New York Islanders, and Washington Capitals twice.
Notable non-division contests will consist of the following:
Boston Bruins twice
Utah Mammoth on the road
Ottawa Senators on the road
Detroit Red Wings at home
Florida Panthers back-to-back
So how do the Penguins survive the roughest portion of the remaining schedule? The simple answer is by doing the things that have made them successful this season, such as getting consistent production from all four lines, an effective power play and penalty kill, a blue line knowing their assignments, and good goaltending.
If the Penguins continue that overall play post-Olympic break, and can be at least a slightly above .500 team rest of the way, then it’s likely good enough to get them into the playoffs for the first time since 2022.
Assessing the Marcell Ozuna Deal for Pirates
p/c: Dale Zanine-Imagn
The Pittsburgh Pirates are adding another significant bat to the 2026 lineup, as MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reports that the Bucs have agreed to sign veteran designated hitter Marcell Ozuna to a one-year deal worth $12 million, pending a physical.
*Update* Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporting Ozuna’s deal includes a mutual option in 2027 for $16 million.
For the Pirates, it’s been the most active offseason they have had in quite a long time, with the additions of Brandon Lowe, Jake Mangum, Ryan O’Hearn, and now Ozuna.
The 35-year-old Ozuna will enter ‘26 in his 14th MLB season. A three-time All Star, Ozuna spent the past six seasons with the Atlanta Braves.
Last season was considered a down year by Ozuna’s standards; slashing .232/.355/.400, along with a 114 wRC+, and 21 home runs in 592 plate appearances. He dealt with a hip injury for much of the year.
Assessment of the deal: The Ozuna signing no doubt closes the door on an Andrew McCutchen return. While McCutchen is obviously a beloved figure among Pirates fans, the reality is that Ozuna presents a better offensive profile.
Assuming Ozuna returns fully healthy this season, he could still be one of the more productive DHs in baseball.
The addition of Ozuna should result in Ryan O’Hearn being the Pirates left fielder on a regular basis, and for Jake Mangum to be a nice, fourth outfield option.
This offseason was Ben Cherington’s goal to vastly improve the offense, and at least on paper, he’s done an outstanding job - objectively speaking.
Aaron Rodgers’ Return to Steelers Reportedly Stronger
p/c: Matt Slocum
The Pittsburgh Steelers could very well have Aaron Rodgers as their starting quarterback in 2026. According to a report from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the future Hall of Fame QB has had multiple conversations with new Steelers head coach, Mike McCarthy, and that the “odds are increasing” of a return to Pittsburgh.
Rodgers signed with the Steelers last offseason on a one-year deal for $13.6 million, this after heavy endorsement from Mike Tomlin.
In 16 starts, Rodgers compiled 3,322 passing yards, along with a 24-7 TD/INT, and passer rating of 94.8, which was sixth best among AFC quarterbacks.
Unfortunately for Rodgers, he had his worst playoff performance, in a 30-6 drubbing to the Houston Texans, as he lost a fumble that resulted in a touchdown, and pick six.
Following the unexpected departure of Mike Tomlin, many perceived that a Rodgers return to the Steelers would be highly unlikely.
Now with the hiring of Mike McCarthy, it certainly changes that perception. Rodgers of course played under McCarthy in Green Bay from 2006-2018; winning a Super Bowl in the process.
Given the reported recent talks with Rodgers and McCarthy, there now appears to be more smoke to the proverbial fire.
Examining Ben Roethlisberger’s Case as First Ballot Hall of Famer In 2027
When it comes to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, there are a couple of players that have been on the outside looking in. One of them is LC Greenwood. On Thursday night, Greenwood was once again snubbed from induction into Canton. The other is Hines Ward, who continues to fall short of becoming a semi finalist.
The Steelers will have a pair of prominent names as first ballot Hall of Fame candidates in 2027 - Antonio Brown and Ben Roethlisberger. Although Brown was regarded as the best wide receiver in the decade of the 2010’s, his off the field antics and personal issues should likely keep him out on the first try. As for Roethlisberger, does he make it next year?
Roethlisberger played 18 seasons in the NFL - all coming with the Black & Gold. He finished his career seventh in passing yards (64,088), while placing ninth in touchdown passes (418).
In terms of quarterbacks this century, Roethlisberger is one of only five to win at least two Super Bowls; joining Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, Peyton Manning, and Eli Manning.
In Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl 43 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, Roethlisberger executed perhaps the greatest touchdown pass in Super Bowl history, with a perfectly thrown ball to Santonio Holmes.
The one knock voters may have on Roethlisberger is that he was never a first-team All-Pro. However, his career numbers I feel are enough to overshadow that fact.
Despite winning four Super Bowls, another legendary Steelers QB, Terry Bradshaw, had roughly 36,000 less passing yards than Roethlisberger. Now sure, Bradshaw played in an era where quarterbacks didn’t put up huge passing numbers, but it still highlights how impressive Roethlisberger’s career marks are.
Aside from the stellar stats, Roethlisberger had the intangible reputation of being the toughest quarterback to take down in his era, or any other era.
Compiling all the accolades and facts, Ben Roethlisberger should receive the call to Canton as a first ballot Hall of Fame QB.
Pirates Reportedly a Suitor for Framber Valdez
The Pittsburgh Pirates have their eye on a free agent - and it’s the most unlikeliest of targets. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Pirates are an aggressive suitor for left-hander Framber Valdez.
Valdez entered this offseason as the top free agent lefty starter on the open market.
A two-time All-Star, Valdez has spent his entire career with the Houston Astros. Over the last five seasons, he’s posted a 3.20 ERA. In 2022, Valdez finished fifth in AL Cy Young voting.
Since debuting for the Astros in 2018, Valdez has been one of the strongest, ground ball pitchers in the game; registering a 61.5% GB rate.
It’s been an unusually aggressive offseason for the Pirates, which has included making a legitimate offer to Kyle Schwarber, trading for Brandon Lowe, signing Ryan O’Hearn, and just missing out on signing Eugenio Suarez.
New Pirates pitching coach, Bill Murphy, was instrumental in developing Valdez in Houston, so there is a connection.
It may seem like a pipe dream, but adding Valdez to the Pirates staff would easily give them one of the best rotations in baseball.
Should Penguins Extend Stuart Skinner?
As we’re about to turn the calendar into February, the Pittsburgh Penguins have been one of the hottest teams in the NHL; posting a .750 winning percentage over their last 16 games played.For Penguins president of hockey operations, Kyle Dubas, it’s been a flurry of solid moves - from the signings of Justin Brazeau, Anthony Mantha, and Parker Wotherspoon - to his most recent trade of Egor Chinakhov.
Despite giving out the Tristan Jarry extension, which was a heavily criticized decision, Dubas somehow managed to sell high on Jarry by trading him, along with forward Sam Poulin, to the Edmonton Oilers on December 12th in exchange for goalie Stuart Skinner, defenseman Brett Kulak, and a second round draft pick for 2029.
While Kulak has provided a shot in the arm, on Pittsburgh’s blue line, Skinner is a big reason why the Penguins have been such a red hot team post-Christmas break. As a matter of fact, since December 30th, Skinner is registering a .934 save percentage and a 1.63 goals against average in a span of eight starts.
There’s no doubt Skinner has arguably been the best in-between the pipes since the beginning of the new year. He’s quickly turned into a fan favorite, with Pens fans yelling out “Stuuuuu” anytime he makes a big, no rebound save.
Given the Penguins becoming legitimate playoff contenders, talks have now circulated regarding the 27-year-old netminder being a possible extension candidate.
Skinner, who is making $2.6 million this season, is set to become an unrestricted free agent. With the Olympic break just around the corner, it could be a perfect opportunity for Dubas to meet with Skinner about a new contract.
The Penguins are in a very favorable position cap space-wise, so they would be able to extend Skinner on a short-term deal; preferably two years - without having to break the bank.
However, there is the flip side - What if Skinner wants to wait it out until he hits the open market after the season? If that’s the case, then Dubas should make Skinner available at the trade deadline. Strong playoff contenders could look to upgrade themselves at goaltender. In terms of a possible bidding war, there might be a team willing to offer a 2026 third round pick, for a rental goalie in Skinner. At that point, the Penguins would really have to consider such a return.
Sergei Murashov, viewed by most as the Penguins’ goaltender of the future, appeared in five games with Pittsburgh earlier in the season, and held his own; recording a GAA of 2.56. If they do trade Skinner, then Murashov would be recalled and thrusted into a playoff push.
Can Bryan Reynolds Return to All-Star Level Form In 2026?
Although the Pittsburgh Pirates offense really struggled in 2025, Bryan Reynolds is the one hitter you can still rely on to put up quality production. Unfortunately, even the switch-hitting outfielder couldn’t get it going offensively, as he posted career worsts in slugging (.402), OPS (.720), and bWAR (1.4).Reynolds still hit fastballs well in 2025; hitting .297 and slugging .460. However, he struggled handling breaking balls, with a .189 average and a .383 slugging percentage. Against offspeed pitches, Reynolds batted just .219, while slugging .286.
In terms of underlying metrics, Reynolds’ xSLG was .477. He registered a 46.0% hard-hit rate, which was better than the MLB average at 37.0%, so the slugging should have been higher based on the quality of hard contact.
As discouraging as the offensive numbers were for Reynolds last year, he’s a season removed from an All-Star campaign, where he was a four-win player offensively.
Reynolds enters 2026 in his age 31 season - a point in which players typically begin to exit their prime. Can he bounce back into All-Star level form?
Last season might have been a case of Reynolds pressing too much at the plate, especially with a very lackluster offense. Now with the additions of Brandon Lowe and Ryan O’Hearn, as well as Spencer Horwitz having a strong, second half, it should provide Reynolds much more protection in the lineup.
Combined with still showing quality of contact at the plate, and being in a better lineup on paper, there’s little reason to think that Reynolds couldn’t return to his 2024 form. Even a three-win Reynolds on offense this year would be a big boost for the Pirates lineup.
Will Howard as Steelers Starting Quarterback In 2026: Is It Realistic?
As the Pittsburgh Steelers enter the offseason, the quarterbacks currently on their depth chart are Mason Rudolph and Will Howard.
Rudolph appeared in five games this season, including one start, where he posted an 84.6 passer rating.
Howard was a sixth round draft choice by the Steelers in 2025. The former Ohio State standout had looked impressive in camp, before suffering a fractured bone in his pinky finger. Howard was activated off IR in mid-November, but did not appear in a game.
Following a disastrous showing in the AFC Wildcard Game, Aaron Rodgers isn’t likely to return to Pittsburgh, especially with Mike Tomlin’s surprising decision to step down from the team. There’s a good possibility that Rodgers elects to retire.
On Saturday, the Steelers hired Rodgers’ former head coach, Mike McCarthy - a move that has prompted many strong opinions.
When asked about Howard, McCarthy said he’s intrigued by the upside of the 24-year-old.
Given McCarthy’s lengthy track record of developing quarterbacks, one would think that Howard would benefit from the coaching change.
Steelers owner and team president, Art Rooney II, doesn’t expect the team to rebuild, and quite frankly, isn’t a fan of the term. So would the Steelers give an opportunity to a quarterback that was a Day 3 draft pick a year ago?
There’s been plenty of speculation of the Steelers going with a quarterback in the first round of this year’s draft, which will be held in Pittsburgh. Does Rooney envision the team going with an inexperienced option to open the 2026 season? Even Mason Rudolph as a stopgap starter wouldn’t really solve anything.
Malik Willis is one of the more notable quarterbacks in free agency. Willis is projected to receive a nice payday in a less than ideal free agent QB class - most suggesting a 2-3 year deal.
If the goal is to “win now” next season, then it’s likely the Steelers go out and sign someone like Willis. In turn, it would leave Howard competing for a backup spot at best going into training camp.