Big Time Extensions and Looming Positional Battles

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

Positional Outlook: Trenches, Best Games on the Schedule

On this episode of Steelers Central, we begin our positional outlook heading into OTAs with most position groups being set. We'll start with the two of the strongest units on both sides of the ball, the offensive and defensive lines. See why despite some reshuffling, the offensive line could be even better than last year, while the defensive line got deeper and added an impact versatile player. Then we'll get into how rookie minicamp went, some early takeaways, and discuss why Will Howard should start the season on the unlikely chance that Rodgers never shows up instead of Drew Allar. A new extension for arguably one of the team's MVPs the last couple of seasons, as Chris Boswell ties the highest paid value for a kicker, and why he deserves every penny of that deal. Lastly, with the schedule being released I'll give you my top five matchups of the season for the Steelers, and why one divisional classic tops that list. 0:00-21:57 Steelers Positional Outlook: Offensive Line 21:58-28:01 Steelers Positional Outlook: Defensive Line 28:02-34:02 Who to Start: Allar or Howard 34:03-37:25 Rookie Minicamp Takeaways 37:26-41:10 Boswell Extension 41:11-56:15 Top 5 Matchups

Draft Reaction and UFA Tender Thoughts

On this episode of Steelers Central, we break down the Steelers 2026 Draft Class. Hear my thoughts on the team's first round drama, where does this draft rank among Omar Khan's Draft Class, and did the team did get appropriate value overall, or did they reach for some of their selections. Next, I discuss what holes still remain on the team's roster including one defensive position that the team did a lot of pre draft work on, but chose to pass up with some contracts ending in the next two years. Also, a room that was depth-heavy last year will need some receiving juice this year. The Rodgers dilemma continues as the team placed a UFA Tender on the veteran QB giving the team some security and draft compensation on the rare scenario he leaves. Honestly I'd rather him leave and the Steelers try out the alternate options and secure a top draft pick. Lastly, as expected, Broderick Jones fifth-year option will not be picked up as a mix of poor play, and a neck injury factored into the Steelers drafting a first round tackle for the third time in four years sealing his fate. Why I think the team failed him, and this could similar to a Mekhi Becton situation from a couple years ago that got him a pay day. 0:00-33:00 Steelers 2026 Draft Breakdown 33:01-38:41 Steelers Remaining Holes 38:42-48:35 UFA Rodgers 48:36-56:11 Declining Jones' Fifth-Year Option