Steelers to Sign Nick Herbig to Four-Year Extension
Jason Shetler
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Pittsburgh Steelers are in agreement with edge rusher Nick Herbig, on four-year extension for $100 million. The deal includes $42 million in guaranteed money.
The Steelers found a diamond in the rough during the 2023 NFL Draft, as they selected Herbig in the fourth round out of Wisconsin.
Herbig had a terrific rookie campaign in ‘23, recording three sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
In 2024, Herbig put up 5.5 sacks, along with four forced fumbles, and pair of fumble recoveries.
Last season was an even higher level of production from Herbig, registering career-high seven sacks, three forced fumbles, one recovered fumble, and his first career interception. He played a bigger role in the second half of the year, when TJ Watt missed time with a punctured lung.
Herbig was set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2026 season. The new deal for Herbig pours even more cash into the Steelers’ defense, particularly at outside linebacker, with Watt signed through 2028 at a $41 million AAV, and Alex Highsmith, who is making a $17 million AAV and is signed through 2027.
Entering his age 24 season, Herbig is emerging as one of the best young edge rushers in the league, and it’s a deal that benefits the Steelers right now, as well as Herbig for the long haul.
Pirates Find Themselves In Interesting Situation with Brandon Lowe
Jason Shetler
p/c: Charles LeClaire
Last offseason, the Pittsburgh Pirates made one of their biggest trades in a long time; acquiring All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe, as part of a three-team deal with the Tampa Bay Rays and Houston Astros.
In my opinion, the acquisition of Lowe is the Pirates’ most impactful position player addition since the Russell Martin signing prior to the 2013 season.
Lowe made quite the statement for his new team to open 2026, as he delivered a pair of home runs against the New York Mets at Citi Field. He became the first Pirates second baseman to hit multiple homers on Opening Day.
The Pirates enter the month of June averaging 5.0 runs per game, which is a vast improvement going into June of last year (3.2). Lowe has been a major reason why the Bucs have a Top 5 offense right now. His 14 home runs lead all MLB second basemen, while his .875 OPS is also tops at the position.
There’s been plenty of discussion around the Pirates, in regards to a possible contract extension with Lowe. Set to become a free agent after the season, Lowe is making $11.5 million in 2026. Pirates general manager Ben Cherington should at least have a sit down with Lowe and his agent about an extension.
Although Lowe will be 32 next season, he’s been one of the most productive hitting second basemen in baseball, and may look to cash in on one more big payday in free agency. If the Pirates are unable to extend Lowe, where do they go from there?
The trade deadline will certainly dictate what Pittsburgh decides to do with Lowe. If they’re looking to compete, then he won’t go anywhere. But should they fall out of contention and sell, then he’ll be their biggest trade candidate.
Two years ago, the Pirates were 54-52 heading into the trade deadline. The team chose to keep Aroldis Chapman rather than sell high at the deadline, because they were still in the mix for a wildcard spot. However, an August collapse resulted in them falling out of contention. Chapman left for free agency, and the Pirates lost him for nothing.
It’ll be interesting what the Pirates will do with Lowe. Do they push the chips forward on playing for a postseason spot, or enter the deadline as fringe contenders, and try to move Lowe for a significant return, even though he’ll only be a rental for a contender?
What Would It Take for Penguins to Acquire Jason Robertson?
p/c: Robert Edwards In terms of young, rising superstars in hockey, Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson is certainly in the elite category.
This season, Robertson put up spectacular numbers again, as he registered 45 goals. It’s his third career 40-goal campaign.
Only seven seasons into his NHL career, Robertson is already closing in on 500 points with 490.
In October of 2022, the Stars inked Robertson to a four-year extension for $31 million ($7.75M AAV).
As Robertson prepares to become a restricted free agent this summer, he’ll get a substantial raise from his $7.75M AAV - most projecting $10-12M.
Dallas heads into the offseason with a tight budget, leading to plenty of speculation of a Robertson trade.
Obviously, there will be several teams inquiring on Robertson. Would the Pittsburgh Penguins be among them?
The Penguins were one of the biggest surprise stories in the NHL this season - a team that compiled 98 points under first-year head coach Dan Muse, who is a finalist for the Jack Adams Award.
Pittsburgh enters the offseason in a great spot with their cap space. Even with the re-signing of Evgeni Malkin this week, the cap is roughly $35 million. If Kyle Dubas chose to place his foot on the gas, in pursuit of Robertson, what would a potential trade proposal look like?
The Stars would likely search for a package that includes a first round pick, a Top 6 forward with a track record, and a top prospect. So here’s what the Pens could offer for Robertson.
2026 first round pick
2026 second round pick (from Winnipeg)
Bryan Rust
Ben Kindel
A first round pick would clearly be a given. Rust is a proven Top 6 winger coming off seven straight seasons of 20+ goals. Kindel made an immediate impact in Pittsburgh; scoring 17 goals, which were the most by a Penguins rookie since Jordan Staal in 2006-07. In a way to sweeten the deal, they could an include a ‘26 second round pick that belonged to Winnipeg, and a better pick, because of the Jets finishing with less points.
While it may be an unlikely scenario, a Penguins top line of Robertson, Sidney Crosby, and Rickard Rakell would be one to really dream on.
A Wing and a Prayer Pirates Bullpen
The Pirates’ bullpen has been the source of much consternation among fans these first few weeks of the season and with good reason. However last weekend’s implosion against the Phillies caused even the most optimistic Pirates’ fan (I’m looking at you Chuck in Uniontown) to bang their head against the wall. After looking at the composition of the bullpen and its current residents, I began to ask myself are we getting exactly what we signed up for? Did GM Ben Cherrington construct this bullpen on a wing and a prayer?
For those of you who expressed doubt in the quality of the relievers during the offseason, the words of the late Dennis Green, the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings come to mind, “they are who we thought they were!”
There are 4 right handed relievers on the roster right now, 30 and over: Justin Lawrence, Isaac Mattson, Yohan Ramirez and Dennis Santana. This is Ramirez’ 2nd stop with the Pirates, and he’s been with 7 other MLB teams in his 7 seasons. Mattson spent time with the Angels and Orioles and Lawrence was claimed off waivers by the Pirates after being with the Rockies.
Dennis Santana’s MLB history is extensive, as the Pirates are his 7th team since getting the majors. He’s been DFA’d by the Dodgers, posted a 3-8 record with 5.21 ERA with the Rangers, traded to the Braves, claimed off waivers by the Twins, then the Mets and finally the Yankees. The Yankees DFA’s him after 23 appearances and a 6.26 ERA.
Of the left handers, Gregory Soto has 60 careers saves – but a 4.16 ERA. His best year was 2022, when he converted 30 of 33 save opportunities and posted a 3.28 ERA for a Detroit Tigers’ team which lost 96 games. His own record: 2-11. He went on to pitch for the Phillies, Orioles and Mets before coming to the Pirates. This is his track record.
The other two southpaws, Evan Sisk (age 29) and Mason Montgomery (age 25) provide some hope that once Carmen Mlodzinski gets back to being a reliever, they can provide support to the starting rotation which has performed well the first seven weeks of the season.
Is There Cause for Concern with Bubba Chandler?
p/c: Frank Bowen IV
During his tenure as Pittsburgh Pirates general manager, the one thing Ben Cherington has been able to hang his hat on is producing quality pitching talent.
Heading into last offseason, the starting pitching depth consisted of Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, Bubba Chandler, Hunter Barco, Johan Oviedo, and Mike Burrows, with the latter two being traded for bats; Oviedo to the Boston Red Sox to obtain Jhostynxon Garcia, and Burrows to the Houston Astros, as a three-way with the Tampa Bay Rays, for the Pirates to acquire Brandon Lowe and Jake Mangum.
Midway through last year, Bubba Chandler became the #2 prospect in baseball, with only Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony being ranked higher.
On August 22nd, the Pirates called up Chandler, who debuted that night tossing four scoreless innings of relief versus the Colorado Rockies at PNC Park. Chandler made some history, as he became the first Pirates pitcher to record a save in his Major League debut.
Through his first seven starts of 2026, there’s been some definite growing pains with Chandler. He currently has a 4.76 ERA, along with a 1.50 WHIP, in large part to issuing the most walks in the National League with 26 (6.9 BB/9).
Chandler has relied on the fastball pretty heavily at 54.4%. His most used secondary pitch is the changeup at 19.9%, followed by his slider and sweeper at 13.7% and 9.2% respectively.
The biggest thing that sticks out to Chandler’s start of the season is the lack of swing and miss with all of his pitches.
Whiff rate
Changeup 29.3%
Slider 25.0%
Sweeper 25.0%
Fastball 22.7%
It’s still early May, so there’s obviously time for Chandler and first-year pitching coach Bill Murphy to get things right. Given how erratic the control numbers have been for the 23-year-old righty, there’s some cause for concern, but perhaps a mechanical adjustment can be made, to have Chandler throwing more strikes. The Pirates clearly aren’t asking for Chandler to be a pinpoint control artist, but improved command will certainly begin to increase the swing and miss of his overall repertoire.
Even with the early struggles of Chandler, the Pirates’ rotation has the fourth lowest ERA in MLB at 3.97. Realistically speaking, it’s not asking much for Chandler to be a mid-three’s ERA starter (3.40-3.70), in his first full season. Again, there has been growing pains for Chandler early on, but the stuff is too good for him just to be a replacement level pitcher.
Stuart Skinner Not Expected Back with Penguins
Veteran goaltender Stuart Skinner isn’t expected to return to the Pittsburgh Penguins next season, this according to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period.
Skinner was acquired by the Penguins on December 12th from the Edmonton Oilers, as the main return of the Tristan Jarry trade.
In 27 games with Pittsburgh, Skinner was 12-9-5, while recording a 2.99 goals against average.
After starting the first three games in net, for the first round of the playoffs, Skinner was replaced by Arturs Silovs. The decision from head coach Dan Muse came as a surprise, as Skinner hadn’t been that bad in goal, but Silovs did give the Penguins a better showing, especially in Game 6.
Skinner enters the offseason as an unrestricted free agent. Given that the Pens are likely to have Silovs back in the fold, and top goalie prospect Sergei Murashov waiting in the wings, it’s not surprising that the team will look to move on from Skinner.
The 27-year-old netminder is expected to be one of the top goaltenders, in a watered down free agent market for goalies.
Nick Gonzales Looks to Have Found New Home at Third Base
Six years ago, the Pittsburgh Pirates selected Nick Gonzales as the seventh overall pick in the MLB Draft. The former New Mexico State standout became the first draft selection by Ben Cherington as Pirates general manager.
Gonzales arrived to Pittsburgh during the 2023 season. He didn’t do much offensively; slashing .209/.268/.348 in 128 plate appearances.
The 2024 season was better for Gonzales. He hit .270, while posting a .709 OPS, which is about the league average OPS.
Gonzales entered 2025 as the Pirates second baseman. On Opening Day in Miami, he suffered a freak injury, when he fractured his left ankle, after leaving the batter’s box on a home run. The injury sidelined him for two months, before returning to the team on June 3rd.
Offensively, Gonzales couldn’t seem to get it going, with a slash line of .260/.299/.362, for a wRC+ of 82. The injury also seemed to have affected his defense at second base, as he registered -11 Defensive Runs Saved - the worst mark at the position last year.
This past offseason, the Pirates’ goal was to substantially improve the offense. One of those moves was acquiring Tampa Bay Rays All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe.
The addition of Lowe obviously wasn’t good news for Gonzales, but Ben Cherington included him as a candidate to be the club’s Opening Day shortstop, along with Jared Triolo and Konnor Griffin.
Because Griffin was optioned to AAA, it allowed Gonzales to be at shortstop and Triolo at third base.
On the day of Griffin’s call up to the bigs, for the Pirates home opener, Triolo sustained a right patellar tendon injury, while running the bases.
The Triolo injury has given Gonzales a chance to be an everyday starter again, this time at third base. Gonzales was recently on a 10-game hitting streak, the longest of his big league career, and is batting .444 over his last 14 games. Among qualified National League hitters, his .328 average is currently fifth highest; ninth best in all of MLB. Gonzales has also been tremendous so far with runners in scoring position, hitting .429 in those situations.
With the exception of two games in 2024 with Pittsburgh, and 19 in the minors, third base is still a relatively new position for Gonzales. To this point, he’s been holding his own at the hot corner, committing only one error in 39 chances.
The Pirates’ offense has averaged 5.14 runs per game, which is tied for sixth best in baseball. A rejuvenated Gonzales has helped add a boost, and provide more stability in the lineup. While it certainly took Gonzales some time to excel in the bigs, the former first rounder looks to finally be doing so.
One Burning Question for the Pittsburgh Penguins Offseason
The 2025-26 season for the Pittsburgh Penguins was widely expected to be a transitional period.
Before the season, Vegas odds had the Penguins with a projected over/under point total of 76.5, which was the lowest of any team in the Eastern Conference.
As it turned out, however, Pittsburgh was one of the biggest surprise stories in the league, finishing with 98 points, and clinching a playoff spot for the first time since 2022.
Unfortunately, the fun ride ended in the opening round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, with the Penguins losing to the Philadelphia Flyers in six games. A lackluster power play was the biggest culprit, for the series loss; going just 3-for-15 on the man advantage.
It was announced on Friday that Dan Muse was named a finalist for the Jack Adams Award. The 43-year-old Muse became the youngest rookie head coach to guide the Pens to the playoffs.
Penguins president of hockey operations and general manager, Kyle Dubas, is a strong candidate for NHL Executive of the Year, and in my opinion, should be the favorite.
Dubas made a plethora of solid moves for this season, including a two-year deal for Parker Wotherspoon, signing Anthony Mantha on the cheap, drafting Ben Kindel, trading for Arturs Silovs, Egor Chinahkov and Elmer Söderblom, and perhaps his most shrewd move - acquiring Stuart Skinner from the Edmonton Oilers, while getting out of the Tristan Jarry contract.
As the Penguins get ready to prepare for the offseason, there is one burning question to ask. What will be their level of aggressiveness?
Despite a favorable cap last offseason, Dubas chose to make conservative moves, which certainly made sense, since Pittsburgh wasn’t suppose to compete. But given the unexpected playoff run, it could lead to a more active offseason, with plenty of cap space.
Because Silovs was in net, for the remainder of the playoffs, and how high they are on Sergei Murashov, it’s very likely the organization decides to let Skinner walk in free agency.
Of course the biggest item is in regards to Evgeni Malkin. The future Hall of Famer enters the offseason as an unrestricted free agent. While Malkin has expressed his desire to stay in Pittsburgh, he’s also been transparent about the opportunity to play elsewhere, if he’s not re-signed.
As it pertains to trades, will Dubas look to move some draft capital to add key veteran pieces, or does that involve players like Bryan Rust or Rickard Rakell being on the trade block, to obtain prospects and/or draft picks?
My gut feeling is that the Penguins choose to be semi-aggressive this offseason, but will that consist of mostly buying or selling?
Patriots Reportedly Eyeing Tomlin as Potential Replacement for Vrabel
According to a report from The Daily Mail, the New England Patriots are eyeing former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin as their top coaching candidate, if Mike Vrabel were to resign.
Vrabel, who recently led New England to the Super Bowl, has been the talk of the football world this month, with stories of him having a rumored affair with former NFL insider, Dianna Russini.
Amidst the allegations, Russini recently resigned as NFL insider for The Athletic.
Despite attending the first two days of the draft, Vrabel did not attend Day 3 due to personal reasons, and wanted to seek counseling.
After 19 seasons coaching the Steelers, Tomlin has now joined NBC, where he will serve as a studio analyst for Football Night In America.
Because Tomlin stepped down from the organization, the Steelers still own his contractual rights.
Whether Vrabel ultimately decides to resign is anyone’s guess. Patriots owner Robert Kraft would no doubt want a “sexy” name as a backup plan to Vrabel, and Tomlin would certainly fit that category.
Should anything actually come to fruition, it’s very much conceivable that the Steelers would at least ask for a 2027 first round pick, in exchange for Tomlin’s services.
Assessing the Steelers Selection of Max Iheanachor
p/c: Chris Jones
The City of Pittsburgh was front and center for th 2026 NFL Draft. With the 21st overall pick, Pittsburgh selected Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor - the first draft choice in the Mike McCarthy Era of Steelers football.
The selection of Iheanachor marks the third time in four years that the Steelers have gone offensive tackle, with Broderick Jones being taken in 2023 and Troy Fautanu in 2024.
At 6’5, 321 pounds, Iheanachor is a native of Nigeria, who grew up playing soccer, but never football.
After playing at East Los Angeles College, Iheanachor transferred to Arizona State, where he became a starter in 2024. During the 2025 season, he was named second-team All-Big 12.
Iheanachor ran a 40 time of 4.91 at the NFL Combine. Entering the draft, most scouts rated him as either the sixth or seventh best offensive tackle.
Assessment of the pick: While there is potential to be had with Iheanachor, he’s considered a project, who may not be a starter right away.
Iheanachor played primarily right tackle in college, although he’s shown the versatility to play on either side.
Broderick Jones is currently dealing with a significant neck issue, and depending how high the Steelers are on Dylan Cook, perhaps Iheanachor could transition over to left tackle, when training camp begins. If he stays at right tackle, then there could be the possibility of Troy Fautanu moving to guard. Isaac Seumalo signed a three year, $31.5 million dollar contract with the Arizona Cardinals earlier this offseason, so it might lead to Fautanu becoming the Steelers new left guard.
The Iheanachor pick is a reach, in my opinion, as he was projected to go at the conclusion of the first round/early second round. However, I’m willing to reserve judgement for right now.
Was the Marcell Ozuna Signing a Mistake By Pirates?
p/c: Jonathan Dyer
It’s no secret that the Pittsburgh Pirates were aggressive in their pursuit of vastly improving the offense during the offseason.
The first two notable moves transpired in December, with the trade of Brandon Lowe and the signing of Ryan O’Hearn. The latter was the first time the Pirates had signed a free agent to a multi-year deal in nine years.
On February 9th, the Bucs added their last noteworthy bat, as they inked veteran designated hitter Marcell Ozuna to a one-year deal for $12 million.
Last season saw Ozuna’s production take a dip with the Atlanta Braves; slashing .232/.355/.400, along with 21 home runs and a 1.7 oWAR. He was hampered by a hip injury. Those numbers were a far cry from what Ozuna did the prior two seasons, when he combined for a wRC+ of 147, and placed fourth in the National League MVP voting in 2024.
It’s been a real struggle for Ozuna to begin the 2026 season. Through 35 plate appearances, he’s recorded only 2 singles, for an .065 batting average. Ozuna hasn’t been barreling up balls much, with a 30.4% hard-hit percentage. Perhaps the one silver lining for Ozuna is a very unsustainable BABIP of .087, which would suggest that the hitting is likely to balance out.
Obviously, the sample size is small for Ozuna. The Pirates were clearly banking on Ozuna to be an upgrade at DH rather than go through the Andrew McCutchen nostalgia tour again.
Pittsburgh was the only team in the offseason that had any reported interest in Ozuna, which would seem to raise a red flag. Coming off a significant hip injury, as well as entering his age 35 season, it’s certainly understandable. Not to mention Ozuna’s well-documented character issue.
As we approach the middle part of April, I’m not prepared to say the Ozuna signing was a mistake. However, if the offensive struggles continue to persist a month from now, then it’s time to have a real conversation about Ozuna’s status on the team.
Assessment of the Konnor Griffin Extension
On Wednesday morning, April 8, 2026, it happened. It really happened. The Pirates signed their rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin to an extension of 9 years and $140 million dollars. A franchise setting contract. They may shatter their reputation.
Pirates have been justifiably criticized for many years for not spending money in the free agent market to field a competitive team. They’ve criticized for renting players and in some years failing to add pieces. They’ve been criticized for making poor draft choices with their No. 1 picks.
Well, Bucco fans. The Pirates have signed Konnor Griffin and they’ve spent money. This is surely not a rental or a lease. The highly touted No. 1 draft pick from 2024, is here. Not in Altoona or Indy. He’s here in Pittsburgh and he’s under contract with the Pirates for 9 years.
Is there risk? Of course. But there was risk when LeBron James, Sidney Crosby and Bryce Harper – just to name 3 other highly anticipated athletes who entered their respective leagues at ages before they could legally consume alcohol.
Griffin sped through the minor leagues in a very short period of time. Broadcaster Bob Walk marveled at Griffin’s hitting during Tuesday night’s game saying, “He’s 19. If you think about it, he should still be using an aluminum bat.” Walk is not given to hyperbole and made the statement with utmost admiration.
Now in the major leagues, Griffin is going to have to make adjustments and also deal with the grind of a 162 game season. However, Griffin appears to have another skill that should help with that adjustment.
Paul Skenes of all people – the 23 year old man with the poise and confidence of a 43 year old – has described Griffin as being the most mature guy he’s met for his age. And what Skenes thinks matters. Obviously, Pirates’ fans are dying for the Pirates to sign Skenes to a long term deal. In listening to Pirates’ Insider Jason Mackey this morning on 93.7 the Fan, Mackey said that Skenes wants to win and wants to see a commitment to winning.
Signing Konnor Griffin to a long term deal is a step in the right direction.
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.