Schedule Release and OTA Takeaways

Most Productive Steelers Free Agent Addition

On this episode of Steelers Central, I discuss what free agent I think will be the most impactful to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Will it be Jamel Dean in the CB room, Rico Dowdle to the RB room, or Michael Pittman to the WR room? Take a listen to find out! Next, the Steelers have one of the best defensive line rooms in the NFL, but yet their run defense has struggled to live up to the talent on paper, see why I think that will not be the case this year in part because of the addition to Sebastian Joseph Day. Lastly, with two 2023 draft picks signed and secured under long term deals, people are wondering when the Steelers will sign their star corners with deep Pittsburgh ties who had a top 10 season this past year. I'll tell you why you should not start to worry yet with around a month until training camp. 0:00-13:00 Steelers Most Impactful Free Agent 13:01-24:47 Will the Run Defense Improve? 24:48-34:50 Joey Porter Jr. Contract Situation

2027 Questions Looming

On this episode of Steelers Central, we talk a lot of looming questions that will be coming during the end of the 2026 season. We'll start with the decision about which edge rusher the team will be keeping next year between TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith after Nick Herbig's contract. Why I think Alex Highsmith will be the odd man out and a hot commodity at this year's trade deadline. Next is the Brendan Sorsby debate, and what the cost would be to get a QB with his current situation in the supplemental draft. It would be interesting to see what or if the Steelers would give up to get him, and why their current QB situation may hold them off another year. Listen to my complete thought on this whole situation in the second segment. This leads us to the 2027 NFL Draft where the Steelers will have multiple positions to fill. With a stacked QB class, and no Aaron Rodgers returning, that should be priority one with the amount of names on that list and that talent that could go in this year's draft. Their situation will also be much better allowing for a QB to grow and develop instead of having to be great right away. See what could be their other positions of needs though. Next, the team added to huge pieces to a WR room that looks to be much better, versatile, and on the field more often in 2026. Listen why I think a DK Metcalf resurgence is due, Michael Pittman becomes Aaron Rodgers favorite target, Germie Bernard provides instant impact out of the slot, and even an expanded role for Roman Wilson. Also the team needs another veteran WR to round out the room in case of injury. Lastly, the CB room is the deepest it has been in years, and see why I think this will translate to more than just on the field production: it will establish an identity. The Steelers are now big, long, and physical on the outside with Asante Samuel Jr. giving them a curveball, and Daylen Everette providing some youth and raw talent that could lead him to contribute earlier than most people think. Hear my one issue with this room in the last segment that people are overlooking from last year even with Jalen Ramsey expecting to have a more refined role this year. 0:00-13:00 2027 EDGE Room Questions 13:01-24:40 Brendan Sorsby Situation 24:41-40:20 Taking Another Stab at QB 40:21-55:05 Positional Outlook: WR 55:06-65:30 Positional Outlook: CB

Big Time Extensions and Looming Positional Battles

On this episode of Steelers Central, we discuss the extensions given to Nick Herbig and Darnell Washington set them up nicely with key pieces of their future now locked up. Also I'll explain why the team has a decision looming at OLB in 2027, and why Darnell Washington's contract will be the new norm for players of his skillset. Then it's time to discuss the looming positional battles that will shape training camp including QB2, RG, RT, and slot WR, also here why the TE3 position could be an area to watch the Steelers signing a former GB Packer, and why one Steelers 3rd round pick could be an essential part of their secondary moving forward after opening some eyes. More Positional Outlooks as we discuss the TE room, and why there will be more production from Friermuth and Washington with a more modern approach, and could Riley Nowakowski make a name for himself fitting into Connor Heyward's role. At the OLB position things will yet again be pretty cut and dry with Watt, Highsmith, Herbig, and Sawyer. This will yet against be one of the more dynamic and consistent edge rushing trios in the NFL, and why Patrick Graham's approach will make things more balanced and fresh. I'll give you my one area of concern with this group going forward though, and why that could make it hard to keep these guys fresh. 0:00-19:45 Positional Battles Looming 19:46-29:03 Big Time Extensions 29:04-36:56 Positional Outlook: TE 36:57-44:29 Positional Outlook: OLB

Extension Talks, Biggest Holes that Remain

On this episode of Steelers Central, it's time to talk about some extension-worthy players ahead of the new year from Omar Khan's draft class, see which contracts I think are most likely to get done, and which are least likely. Also, hear my thoughts on why Keeanu Benton's contract negotiation might be the most interesting. Next, I'll give my take on the biggest remaining questions on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Hint: It is not the QB Position. Lastly, we continue our positional breakdowns by analyzing both the RB and safety positions. Hear why I think the Steelers will have a tough time deciding who to keep outside of Warren and Dowdle, and why one injury to the safety room could lead to some problems with the team running split safeties. 0:00-18:32 Steelers Extension Decisions 18:33-29:00 Steelers Biggest Questionmarks 29:01-38:24 Positional Outlook: RB 38:25-47:15 Positional Outlook: Safeties

Schedule Release and OTA Takeaways

On this episode of Steelers Central, we break down the 2026 Steelers Schedule, which stretches of the season the team needs to capitalize on, and which they may struggle in. We'll also predict the Steelers record and why their .500 record may be in jeopardy, but may benefit from a weak AFC and NFC South. Next, with OTAs starting, there were some things of note already to start the process. The QB2 battle, rookies being tested early on, offensive line shuffling, and new defensive safety placement on the backend. The team's positional outlook continues with the QBs on both sides of the ball. I'll explain the importance of the Rudolph and Howard QB 2 battle, and why there should be more concern in the ILB room despite a solid depth chart. 0:00-30:00 2026 Steelers Schedule Predictions 30:01-45:27 OTA Takeaways 45:28-54:30 Steelers Positional Outlook: QB 54:31-61:38 Steelers Positional Outlook: ILB