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Steelers | Calvin Austin in line for big role Fri Jun 13, 04:57 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Calvin Austin is the team's No. 2 receiver at this point, according to wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni.
Footballguys view: The Steelers passing game is not a good place to look for hidden gems, although if there's going to be one, it's likely Austin. He has the speed to take short targets delivered on time and accurately from Aaron Rodgers to the house, and he can benefit on his deep routes from safety attention on DK Metcalf. He's worth a late round pick in best ball leagues. |
Pittsburgh Steelers TE Darnell Washington was compared to Marcedes Lewis by QB Aaron Rodgers.
Footballguys view: Washington is a big body like Lewis, and he can take up a lot of space because of it. Entering his third pro season, Washington is set to work as the no.2 tight end for the Steelers behind Pat Freiermuth. |
Darnell Washington player page
Pittsburgh Steelers LB T.J. Watt is not attending the team's minicamp Tuesday, June 10.
Footballguys view: Watt is seeking a new contract as he enters the final year of an extension he signed in 2021, with a base salary of $21.05 million. Watt currently sits as the seventh-highest-paid edge rusher in average annual salary at $28.003 million. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, talks with Watt haven't progressed in Pittsburgh. But when it's struck, a new deal should come in well above that for one of the NFL's best pass rushers. Watt has finished with double-digit sacks in six of the past seven seasons -- with only the injury-shortened 2022 season as the outlier. |
T.J. Watt player page
When it became obvious that a divorce was looming between the Jets and quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Steelers became an obvious potential destination for 2025. And while that's where he ultimately landed, he reportedly wasn't Pittsburgh's Plan A. ESPN's Adam Schefter recently said the Steelers had two prior choices before settling on Rodgers.
Footballguys view: First, they targeted Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford during the week or so that his status in L.A. was unresolved. Then, Pittsburgh tried to keep quarterback Justin Fields. After Fields opted to sign with the Jets (on a two-year, $40 million deal), the team turned their attention to Rodgers, who will make his debut Tuesday at the Steelers' mandatory minicamp. Still, the Steelers originally hoped it would be someone else: Stafford or Fields. And, as Profootballtalk.com notes, if they hadn't lowballed Fields, they would have had him instead of Rodgers. |
Aaron Rodgers player page
Updating a previous report, free-agent QB Aaron Rodgers (Jets) is officially signing his one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers Saturday, June 7.
Footballguys view: The one-year, $13.65 million deal includes $10 million in guaranteed money and $5.85 million in playing time and team performance incentives. That brings the potential total value to $19.5 million. Rodgers and the Steelers were flirting with each other the entire offseason. Now, the deal is done and Rodgers will be there for mandatory minicamp. In Arthur Smith's run-heavy, play-action system Rodgers should be able to be a solid starter for the Steelers as they push for the postseason. |
Aaron Rodgers player page
Atlanta Falcons TE Kyle Pitts was reportedly the subject of a phone call between the Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers recently, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport.
Footballguys view: It sounds like teams are interested in acquiring Pitts, but only on the cheap, which the Falcons reportedly are not willing to do. Pitts value is still at rock bottom in both redraft and dynasty, and a trade to the Steelers wouldn't be good for his fantasy prospects. We'll see if any other former Arthur Smith players are the subject of trade speculation for the Steelers this summer as they try to bolster the passing game for new quarterback Aaron Rodgers. |
Kyle Pitts player page
Free-agent QB Aaron Rodgers (Jets) reportedly informed the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, June 5, that he intends to sign the contract with the team and attend minicamp next week, according to sources.
Footballguys view: Finally! According to reports, the contract terms have been in place for months. Rodgers is expected to play for around $20 million this year (he's said as much publicly). While no longer the elite gunslinger he used to be, Rodgers should be able to operate the Arthur Smith offense precisely and efficiently. |
Aaron Rodgers player page
Pittsburgh Steelers TE Donald Parham (Achilles) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list on Thursday, June 5.
Footballguys view: Bad news for the Steelers here. Parham is huge and has speed, but he's never played up to his potential. His season is done, and we'll see where Parham signs next year as he only had a one-year deal with the Steelers. |
Donald Parham Jr player page
Pittsburgh Steelers TE DJ Thomas-Jones and TE JJ Galbreath may have a better chance to make the 53-man roster with TE Donald Parham (Achilles) to miss significant time, in the opinion of PennLive.com's Nick Farabaugh.
Link to storyPittsburgh Steelers RB Jaylen Warren said he is ready to take on a large role in the offense but does not expected his role to significantly increase since RBs Kaleb Johnson and Kenneth Gainwell are on the roster.
Footballguys view: Warren still projects as the lead running back, but sharing with Johnson and Gainwell is baked into Warren's RB27 Footballguys Projection. But even at that, Johnson's RB33 spot and lower average draft position makes him appealing. Both are reasonably priced depth options at the position. |
Pittsburgh Steelers TE Donald Parham Jr. (Achilles) suffered a torn Achilles during practice, according to sources Tuesday, June 3. He is expected to miss the entire 2025 season.
Footballguys view: After four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, Parham spent 2024 on the Broncos' practice squad and last played in 2023. With Parham set to miss the season, thhe Steelers have three other tight ends on the roster -- Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, and J.J. Galbreath. Parham's injury might explain the report that Pittsburgh and Miami have resumed discussing a possible trade that would send Jonnu Smith to the Steelers. |
Donald Parham Jr player page
Miami Dolphins TE Jonnu Smith was the subject of conversations with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but they're not expected to trade for him.
Footballguys view: Smith, who was not present for Miami's voluntary OTA practices last week, expressed interest in the team reworking the two-year deal he signed last offseason. But Drew Rosenhaus, Smith's agent, said Sunday night that his client's "first choice" is to remain with the Dolphins after he set a franchise record for receptions (88) and receiving yards (884) by a tight end last season. Smith led all Dolphins players in receptions and finished behind only Brock Bowers, Trey McBride, and George Kittle leaguewide in receiving yards by a tight end. Smith is going as TE7 in early best-ball drafts. |
Jonnu Smith player page
Free-agent WR Gabe Davis (Jaguars) is expected to visit the Pittsburgh Steelers Thursday, June 5.
Footballguys view: Davis spent last season with the Jaguars, appearing in 10 games. He caught 20 passes for 239 yards with a pair of touchdowns before suffering a torn meniscus and missing the rest of the year. The Jags released Davis last month. This will be Davis' third reported visit with a team since he became a free agent earlier this offseason. Davis has also visited with San Francisco and the New York Giants. |
Gabe Davis player page
Free-agent QB Aaron Rodgers (Jets) hasn't committed to the Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero said on The Rich Eisen Show. 'I have been told that he has not affirmatively told the Steelers that he's coming. Certainly, all indications -- if you just look at it logically -- are that he's coming, based on his comments about, 'Hey, there's a team that plays in Chicago I might play for; I'm not playing in New Orleans,'' Pelissero remarked. 'He took one visit [with the Steelers]. He's been throwing with DK Metcalf. He talks all the time with Mike Tomlin. I know he's talked with Arthur Smith. So, there are all these signs that he's coming, but he has not affirmatively said, 'Hey, June 9 -- book me a ticket, I'm coming in and I'm going to join this team.''
Footballguys view: Late last month, Steelers owner Art Rooney II said the team would wait "a little while longer." Pittsburgh's OTAs run through June 5. A three-day mandatory minicamp on June 10 follows that and ends the team's offseason sessions. So, Rooney and the Steelers can't wait much longer if they want to see Rodgers work with the team ahead of training camp. Rodgers being the team's quarterback this fall is still the most likely outcome. But the window for resolution is closing. Without Rodgers, the quarterbacks will be Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and rookie Will Howard. |
Aaron Rodgers player page
Pittsburgh Steelers OT Troy Fautanu (knee) has been able to do some things during offseason workouts but is expected to be a full participating when training camp begins.
Link to storyPittsburgh Steelers LB Cole Holcomb (knee) participated in offseason workouts this week.
Link to storyCole Holcomb player page
Pittsburgh Steelers DE Blake Mangelson was released Friday, May 30.
Link to storyTampa Bay Buccaneers WR Trey Palmer is reportedly a player that the Pittsburgh Steelers are interested in trading for, according to Zachary Smith of Steelers Now.
Footballguys view: The Steelers are interested in adding talent to the roster at the wide receiver position, especially after trading away George Pickens to the Cowboys. Earlier reports indicated the Steelers did check in on the availability of Chris Olave (Saints) as well. Palmer has speed to his game and would bring that to the field for the Steelers if added. |
Trey Palmer player page
Pittsburgh Steelers LB T.J. Watt did not participate in organized team activities on Tuesday, May 27.
Footballguys view: OTAs are voluntary, but rumors suggest Watt could replicate his infamous 2021 "hold-in" when he skipped team practices in a move that ultimately earned him a $112 million deal. As USA Today noted, several analysts and insiders have predicted that Watt is looking to surpass Myles Garrett's historical four-year, $160 million extension with the Cleveland Browns -- with an emphasis on beating out his $123.5 million in guaranteed money. It's a situation to monitor. |
T.J. Watt player page
Undrafted free-agent WR Montana Lemonious-Craig (Arizona) signed an undisclosed contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday, May 27.
Link to storyAs the Pittsburgh Steelers wait for Aaron Rodgers to make a decision, they are also keeping an eye on Kirk Cousins' situation with the Atlanta Falcons. Appearing on the Saturday morning edition of SportsCenter, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that Cousins is "at least" on Pittsburgh's "radar" at the moment even though Rodgers remains the team's preferred choice.
Footballguys view: Assuming Rodgers isn't in the mix, Pittsburgh, with Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Skylar Thompson on the depth chart, would fit Cousins' criteria of allowing him to start. Fowler acknowledges the Steelers would have to offset some of Cousins' guaranteed money, but the Falcons can save $27.5 million against their 2025 cap if he's traded after June 1. The Steelers haven't indicated a hard deadline for Rodgers to show up, but having him on hand when they report to training camp makes sense. |
Kirk Cousins player page
On Tuesday, the Steelers will conduct the first of only six 2025 OTA practices. Barring a sudden and unexpected turn, quarterback Aaron Rodgers won't be there.
Footballguys view: While it's not impossible, chances are Rodgers won't be signed by tomorrow. The question is whether he will show up for any upcoming OTAs over the next two weeks. The Steelers have nine offseason practices before training camp. Without Rodgers, the quarterbacks will be Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and rookie Will Howard. While Rodgers being the Steelers QB this fall is still the most likely outcome, we'll be watching closely until we get resolution. |
Aaron Rodgers player page
Pittsburgh Steelers RB Jaylen Warren will likely not sign with the team once his rookie contract expires at the end of the 2025 season, in the opinion of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac.
Footballguys view: We'll see what Warren can do this season. He's going to be working in a RBBC with 2025 second-round pick Kaleb Johnson. While Johnson is a hammer as a runner (think Demarco Murray), Warren is an efficient player who can work as a runner and receiver out of the backfield. It's tough to get paid as a running back in this league, and Warren may not be as dynamic at the position as the team wants. |
Free-agent QB Aaron Rodgers (Jets) could sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the next week or two, in the opinion of ESPN's Adam Schefter.'My guess is, he's going to wind up going (to the Steelers). We've heard Art Rooney, the team owner, say he expects Aaron Rodgers to sign there - and they have a mandatory minicamp from June 10 to 12. I would think that Rodgers is on the table here in the next week or so,' Schefter said during a recent appearance on ESPN Milwaukee's 'Jen, Gabe, and Chewy' podcast.
Footballguys view: Steelers owner Art Rooney II said the team will wait "a little while longer" for Rodgers. Patience may be wearing thin in Pittsburgh, but Rodgers is their best option of what's out there. They only have Mason Rudolph and rookie Will Howard as starting options this year...until Rodgers signs...if he signs. |
Aaron Rodgers player page
Free-agent QB Aaron Rodgers (Jets) remains undecided about his playing future as of Thursday, May 22, but the Pittsburgh Steelers remain open to signing him, according to team president Art Rooney II, who repeated the team will wait 'a little while longer.'
Footballguys view: It seems like a matter of 'when' and not 'if' with the Steelers and Rodgers. The team is open to signing him, and the Steelers might be the best (and only?) remaining landing spot for the veteran. Rodgers throwing to DK Metcalf with the support of a strong rushing attack sounds like a recipe for success. We'll continue to wait for something most everyone thinks is going to happen. |
Aaron Rodgers player page
Pittsburgh Steelers first-round draft choice DT Derrick Harmon (Oregon) signed his four-year rookie contract on Thursday, May 22. Financial details of the deal were not immediately disclosed, but the pact includes a fifth-year team option.
Link to storyPittsburgh Steelers first-round draft choice DT Derrick Harmon signed a four-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers Wednesday, May 21, worth $17,973,604. The deal also includes a fifth-year option.
Link to storyFree-agent OG Nick Broeker (Texans) signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers Wednesday, May 21. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Link to storyPittsburgh Steelers OG Lecitus Smith was waived on Tuesday, May 20.
Link to storyPittsburgh Steelers CBs Beanie Bishop Jr. and Sebastian Castro are expected to battle for the starting slot cornerback role, according to head coach Mike Tomlin.
Footballguys view: The Steelers signed Castro as a priority free agent after the draft. He brings versatility to the field as he's a hybrid slot CB/safety. Bishop won the starting job at the beginning of the 2024 season but eventually lost playing time to CB Cameron Sutton, who is now a free agent. We'll see this battle shake out in training camp. |
New Orleans Saints WR Chris Olave appears unlikely to be traded this offseason, but the Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly have made their interest known to the Saints in recent days, according to a source. Per Nick Farabaugh of PennLive.com, the Saints do not seem interested in trading Olave.
Footballguys view: The Steelers are just checking in here. With their trade of George Pickens to the Cowboys earlier this month, they have DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson, and Calvin Austin as their top three wide receivers. The Saints have picked up the fifth-year option of Olave, and there might be a contract extension with him in the future. |
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Calvin Austin is a player that the Steelers are high on at receiver, according to SI.com's Albert Breer.
Footballguys view: Breer advised readers that the Steelers think more highly of Austin than people realize and that he's a name to watch with George Pickens traded to Dallas. After emerging in 2024 with 36 receptions for 548 yards and four touchdowns, Austin appears ready to take on a larger role. But according to BVM Sports, Austin's strength lies in making big plays, often in the middle of the field, whereas Pickens was known for outside routes. Some question whether Austin is suited for heavy volume as a leading receiver. But Roman Wilson, Austin's primary competition for targets behind DK Metcalf, has limited experience with only five offensive snaps. We'll be watching for more on this situation in coming weeks. |
Undrafted free-agent RB Max Hurleman (Notre Dame) signed an undisclosed contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday, May 12. The team also released RB Aaron Shampklin.
Link to storyJordan Schultz, from Fox Sports, reports the Pittsburgh Steelers have signed RB Trey Sermon to a one-year contract. The veteran back was trying out with the Steelers this weekend during rookie minicamp.
Footballguys view: The Steelers add more talent to an already crowded backfield. Last year for the Colts, Sermon started three games and finished the 2024 season with just 159 yards rushing on 56 carries with two touchdowns. The Steelers selected Kaleb Johnson (Iowa) in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and he's going to work in tandem with Jaylen Warren to hammer defenses. Behind those two, Cordarrelle Patterson and Kenneth Gainwell should get some looks. Sermon is a longshot to make the 53-man roster. |
Trey Sermon player page
Pittsburgh Steelers DT Derrick Harmon said that he is not dealing with any injury issues with his shoulder.
Link to storyPittsburgh Steelers fifth-round draft choice DT Yahya Black signed a four-year contract with the Steelers Friday, May 9. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Link to storyFree-agent C Keith Ismael (Cardinals), LS Taybor Pepper (49ers), CB Mikey Victor (Patriots) and OT Ilm Manning (Seahawks) are participating in the Pittsburgh Steelers' rookie minicamp this weekend on a tryout basis.
Link to storyFree-agent RB Trey Sermon (Colts) is participating in the Pittsburgh Steelers rookie minicamp this week on a tryout basis.
Link to storyTrey Sermon player page
Pittsburgh Steelers third-round draft choice RB Kaleb Johnson signed a four-year contract with the Steelers Friday, May 9. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Footballguys view: Johnson is exactly the type of runner that fits with the Steelers. He's got some Demarco Murray to his game, and Johnson can be an absolute hammer between the tackles. We'll see him work in concert with Jaylen Warren in 2025. |
Pittsburgh Steelers sixth-round draft choice QB Will Howard signed a four-year contract with the Steelers Friday, May 9. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Footballguys view: Howard is a scrappy quarterback who can make pocket throws when well protected. When things go off script, Howard needs to manage his game better. The Steelers have yet to sign Aaron Rodgers to be their starter, and Howard is just a developmental guy in 2025 (and perhaps 2026) anyway. |
Pittsburgh Steelers fourth-round draft choice LB Jack Sawyer signed a four-year contract with the Steelers Friday, May 9. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Link to storyPittsburgh Steelers seventh-round draft choice LB Carson Bruener and seventh-round draft choice CB Donte Kent signed four-year contracts with the Steelers Friday, May 9. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Link to storyAfter trading WR George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, the Pittsburgh Steelers now hold multiple third-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. In the opinion of ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Steelers could use one of those in a package to acquire a veteran receiver in a trade -- to that end, Fowler mentions San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk (knee), Chicago Bears WR DJ Moore, and Green Bay Packers WR Romeo Doubs as possible targets. In free agency, Fowler highlights Amari Cooper (Bills) and Keenan Allen (Bears) as potential fits.
Footballguys view: DK Metcalf is the clear-cut no.1 receiver for the Steelers, and we'll see how things shake out behind him. Guys like Robert Woods, Calvin Austin, and Roman Wilson will compete to create a pecking order. We'll see if the Steelers take a longer look at any of the available veterans...and oh yeah - if/when they sign QB Aaron Rodgers. |
Keenan Allen player page
Amari Cooper player page
DJ Moore player page
Brandon Aiyuk player page
Free-agent QB Aaron Rodgers (Jets) has been in communication with the Pittsburgh Steelers during the offseason and, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor, it is 'unlikely that Rodgers wasn't privy' to the team's decision to trade WR George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys.
Footballguys view: It's a bit odd if a player not signed was involved or aware ahead of time when it comes to a receiver. The Steelers remain in contact with Rodgers and hope he signs with the team. Until that happens, the Steelers will trot out Mason Rudolph as their top quarterback in offseason workouts. |
Aaron Rodgers player page
New York Jets WR Allen Lazard could be a possible trade option for the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to a source.
Footballguys view: Why Lazard? It's because Aaron Rodgers completely trusts him. And Lazard, for whatever reason, performs much better with Rodgers than he does without him. Of course, all this hinges on Rodgers signing with the Steelers at some point. If that happens, it's worth noting that Lazard recently slashed his 2025 salary from $11 million to $2.5 million, with $1.75 million guaranteed. That would be a bargain for the Steelers, who suddenly have a hole on the depth chart behind DK Metcalf after trading George Pickens to the Cowboys earlier today. |
Pittsburgh Steelers WR George Pickens reportedly 'flirted' with the idea of requesting a trade but has seemingly had a change of heart about remaining with the team, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.'Trade talks or any sort of buzz around that has cooled. There was a little bit of smoke out of the draft, but I was told that Pickens, in the end, wants to be in Pittsburgh. Sort of flirted with a trade request, but in the end, loves (head coach) Mike Tomlin, wants to be a part of things,' Fowler said.
Footballguys view: As USA Today suggested, it's startling that Pickens was close to requesting a trade out of Pittsburgh, but there were issues. In his first three years in the league, he had to develop chemistry from scratch with Mitchell Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph, Justin Fields, and Russell Wilson -- all to have zero direction at QB heading into 2025. If the news about Pickens' love for Tomlin and the Steelers is to be believed, an extension -- instead of the previously speculated trade -- could be in the works. |
Free-agent WR Robert Woods (Texans) officially signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, May 1. Financial terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.
Link to storyRobert Woods player page
Pittsburgh Steelers LB Thomas Rush was released Wednesday, April 30.
Link to storyFree-agent QB Aaron Rodgers (Jets) remains unsigned, but the Pittsburgh Steelers 'are confident' that he 'will be a member of the Steelers,' according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport.
Footballguys view: While this report is a further indication of their confidence, we already got that message directly from the man who matters most in Pittsburgh. In a radio interview last Friday, Steelers owner Art Rooney II said that Rodgers "wants to come here" and could let the club know his intentions soon. "We're still kind of getting the same signals that we've been getting recently," Rooney said to Steelers Nation Radio. "He does want to come here, so I do think we may get word soon." The Steelers passed on Shedeur Sanders twice in the first three rounds despite being linked to him before drafting Ohio State's Will Howard in Round 6. Rooney suggested Friday that drafting a Day 3 QB was possible, but he said it would be a developmental pick if the Steelers went in that direction. So, "Rodgers Watch" continues. Stay tuned. |
Aaron Rodgers player page
Free-agent WR Robert Woods (Texans) agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers Monday, April 28, worth $2 million, according to a source.
Footballguys view: Woods spent the last two seasons with the Texans and caught 60 passes for 629 yards and a touchdown in 29 regular season games. He also had four catches for 39 yards in the playoffs. DK Metcalf and George Pickens are at the top of the receiver depth chart in Pittsburgh. Calvin Austin, Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller, and Ben Skowronek are also on hand. As Profootballtalk.com noted, we still don't know who their quarterback will be. Still, word from Steelers owner Art Rooney II over the weekend suggested Aaron Rodgers will be making his decision about joining the Steelers sooner rather than later. |
Robert Woods player page