Aaron Rodgers abruptly ended his postgame press conference after being asked about Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and his future with the organization.

Rodgers said explicitly, “I’ve talked extensively about how I feel about Mike [Tomlin]… and I just did in that f—ing answer” before leaving the press conference.

The four-time MVP is no stranger to showing his emotions on or off the field, especially after a frustrating 30-6 wildcard loss at home versus the Houston Texans, in what could potentially be his last game ever.

The Steelers’ offense had no answers for the suffocating Texans defense, which sacked Rodgers four times and forced two turnovers, both returned for touchdowns.

With Tomlin stepping down as head coach, a new voice will be the leader of the Pittsburgh Steelers for the first time in 19 years. This is a major shakeup around the league as Tomlin never posted a losing record in his career. Although Tomlin has won a Super Bowl, the last time he and the Steelers won a playoff game was all the way back in January 2017, when they beat the Alex Smith-led Kansas City Chiefs 19-13 in the AFC divisional round. This marks just the fourth time the Steelers will be looking for a new head coach since 1969.

However, Rodgers and Tomlin saw success in their one season together. The pair went 10-7 and won the AFC North, while Rodgers had a much-improved year coming off what was a disappointing two-year stint with the New York Jets. The 42-year-old quarterback posted 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and just 7 interceptions in his 21st season under center.

Another offseason decision looms large for Rodgers, as he decides whether to end a storied career or continue playing. If he were to continue playing, Rodgers would be on the open market, and a return to Pittsburgh is certainly up in the air with Tomlin out of the picture.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a franchise known for their consistency. However, the 2026 season will bring a rapid shake-up in leadership at the head coaching position.

Mike Tomlin announced on Jan. 13 that he would step down as the Steelers’ head coach after 19 seasons. Tomlin never finished below .500 in his tenure. His shining achievement was his Super Bowl XLIII win. 

Tomlin was a wide receiver at William & Mary from 1990 to 1994. After his graduation, he was given a chance to be a wide receivers coach for the Virginia Military Institute Kaydets. They are a Division 1 FCS team. 

Tomlin got his shot in the NFL in 2001, serving as the Buccaneers’ defensive backs coach. He worked for one year as the Vikings’ defensive coordinator before being hired by the Steelers as head coach.

The Steelers reached the Super Bowl twice in Tomlin’s first four seasons. They won Super Bowl XLIII and lost Super Bowl XLV to the Packers. In the 2016 playoffs, they lost to the Patriots in the conference championship game. This would be the last playoff win of Tomlin’s Steelers tenure.

The Steelers may look to Tomlin’s coaching tree for a replacement. Bruce Arians, the Super Bowl-winning coach of the Buccaneers, is his most notable trainee. Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith brings head coaching experience, having coached the Falcons from 2021 to 2023. 

Any team that has an opening at head coach is likely to contact Tomlin. The Ravens would give him a chance to join a team that can contend for the Super Bowl. Meanwhile, the Giants have a good young core that Tomlin can help develop. It’s important to note that no Super Bowl-winning coach has ever won the game with another team. Some legendary coaches like Andy Reid and Bill Parcells have made it with multiple teams, but never won with more than one.  

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers spent time on the sideline after he suffered a fracture in his left, non-throwing wrist during Sunday’s 34-12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Team officials believe Rodgers has a slight wrist injury and sent him for additional tests on Monday to determine how long he will be out.

Rodgers was injured late in the second quarter when he was tackled while he threw the ball away on a red zone play. He landed hard on his left hand and wrist. He remained in for one more snap before Chris Boswell kicked a 25-yard field goal, then did not return after halftime.

The Steelers initially listed the 41-year-old with a hand injury and ruled him questionable to return, but head coach Mike Tomlin later clarified that the issue was with Rodgers’ wrist. Tomlin said he spoke with Rodgers after the game, but that their conversation focused on the importance of the victory rather than the injury.

Before exiting, Rodgers completed 9 of 15 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown to running back Kenneth Gainwell, which helped Pittsburgh build a comfortable lead.

Backup Mason Rudolph took over to start the second half after Rodgers pointed to him in the locker room and told him he was going in. Rudolph responded with an efficient performance, going 12 of 16 for 127 yards and a fourth-quarter touchdown to Gainwell as the Steelers closed out the win.

The victory lifted Pittsburgh to 6-4 and kept the Steelers on top of the AFC North, but their playoff push may now hinge on how quickly their veteran quarterback can safely play through the injury.

Players from the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns criticized poor playing conditions and discussed “outrage” to the NFL Players Association, according to an ESPN report.

After the Steelers’ 23-9 victory on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium, players from both teams reported “dry” field conditions and were also seen kicking patches of grass during the game.

“The NFLPA has conveyed its concern to the NFL and will work to ensure that players are not put in that position going forward,” the source told ESPN on Wednesday.

Brian McCarthy, an NFL spokesperson, said earlier this week the league is in contact with the union and club, and will be taking “steps to replace the grass surface.”

During the fourth quarter, Steelers kicker Chris Boswell missed his 54-yard field goal because he slipped on the grass. Special teams captain Miles Killebrew also suffered a “significant” knee injury as he went down without contact.

“The conditions at Acrisure Stadium underscore why players have pushed for high-quality grass fields, and why the NFLPA continues to push for improved, shared maintenance practices of grass fields across the league,” the source said.

On Monday, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin understood the playing conditions were “poor,” but didn’t express concern for the long term as he acknowledged the turf would be replaced. The surface at the stadium was scheduled to be re-sodded following the game.

Pittsburgh’s next home game will be against the Green Bay Packers on Oct. 26 on Sunday Night Football.

“Players deserve to have the safest and highest-quality places of work,” the source said. “The NFLPA is advocating to establish better leaguewide standards and pushing the NFL for more surface-specific data in order to ensure that our members are playing on the best possible field surfaces, no matter if it’s grass or turf.”

Aaron Rodgers had a rough second game with the Pittsburgh Steelers in a 31-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. After a strong Week 1 game, Rodgers took a huge step back with the outcome of the Steelers’ first home game.

The Seahawks’ win evened their record at 1-1, tied with the Steelers 1-1 after their Week 1 win.

Rodgers was stuck behind the wall, which was the Seahawks’ defense on Sunday. He completed only 18 of 33 passes for 203 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.

The quarterback was sacked three times in the game, as the Steelers’ offense struggled to maintain momentum. While the Steelers sputtered, the Seahawks rose to the occasion.

Quarterback Sam Darnold threw for 295 yards and two touchdowns while running back Kenneth Walker III rushed for 105 yards, adding to the score. The Seahawks capitalized on the Steelers’ mistakes throughout the game.

Rodgers expressed frustration after a critical pass aimed at tight end Pat Freiermuth was intercepted by wide receiver Calvin Austin III, resulting in a turnover. The play happened with just four minutes left in the third quarter.

With the game tied 14-14 and Pittsburgh threatening from the 4-yard line, the team had a chance to take the lead in the fourth quarter. Instead, the ball bounced off Austin’s hands, and Seahawks’ running back Deion Kendrick corralled the deflection for a pick.

Rodgers explained after the game that Austin was in the wrong place and Freiermuth had a better chance of catching the play if Austin hadn’t gotten in his way.

“Cal’s the best kid ever, but he probably should have stayed in the flat there. He knows it,” Rodgers said in a post-game press conference. “He was kind of stealing it from Pat or catching it to put it away and score a touchdown. Cal’s the best kid, and it sucks because he’s such a great kid. But unfortunately, that whole sequence took points off the board.”

The interception turned into a momentum shift against the Steelers.

The overall offensive struggles and mounting pressure took a significant toll on the team. The Steelers only managed to get one field goal after the turnover, while Seattle outscored them 17-3 in the fourth quarter.

The Steelers will regroup in Week 3 for an away game against the New England Patriots while the Seahawks carry the momentum of their first-season win.

While Aaron Rodgers proved he is still an elite quarterback in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ dramatic 34-32 win over the Jets, the run defense remains a glaring liability.

Rodgers completed 22 of 30 passes for 224 yards, starting off strong with a touchdown during the Steelers’ opening drive. He added three more touchdown passes and engineered two fourth-quarter drives that set up placekicker Chris Boswell’s 60-yard field goal in the final 1:03 of the game.

At 41, Rodgers became the first player to throw four touchdown passes in a game against a former team since Ryan Fitzpatrick in 2010. After an injury-shortened season, the victory gave Rodgers redemption against the New York Jets.

“There were probably people in the organization that didn’t think I could play anymore,” Rodgers said after the game. “So, it was nice to remind those people I still can.”

Rodgers’ gameplay accuracy and attitude on the field silenced any doubts about his health and age. Head coach Mike Tomlin credited Rodgers for his indifferent composure despite the MetLife Stadium crowd giving him a somewhat hostile welcome.

“He doesn’t care,” Tomlin said. “It was Week 1. It was a lot to be excited about. We got the victory, it’s on to the next one.”

Before the game, Rodgers was seen reunited with a former Jets equipment staffer, Karan Patel, with whom he would consistently play passes during his injury recovery in 2023. The moment was a testament to Rodgers’ complex tenure with the Jets.

The game also highlighted concerns with the offense, echoing previous analyst warnings. The offensive line allowed too much pressure and four sacks. The rushing game remains overall underdeveloped, posing a threat later in the season, even if Rodgers still excels in critical moments.

Rodgers’s almost seamless transition into the Pittsburgh system gives hope for the team’s season-long performance.

The Steelers will return home on Sept. 14 to face the Seattle Seahawks. The New York Jets will be looking to regroup as they face the Buffalo Bills in Week 2.

Longtime Pittsburgh Steelers defensive captain Cameron Heyward, amid a hold-in, strongly suggested he would be willing to miss regular-season games as he seeks to renegotiate a contract extension signed in 2024.

“There are definitely options out there that could reflect that,” he said in his first public comments since ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Heyward’s hold-in and contract request last week.

He added: “My goal is to be out here, and I don’t know what’s going to happen. I’ve had to be honest with myself to be ready for every option. And has it gone the way I wanted to go? No. If it did, I would be out there playing and practicing, but I’d like to put this in the rearview mirror and worry about ball and worry about [the] New York Jets [in] Week 1.”

Heyward, drafted No. 31 by the Steelers in 2011, said his formal request to renegotiate his contract dates back to February. He decided to begin holding in and not participating in camp practices late last week, partly because of the state of negotiations.

“Can’t say I’m not disappointed in where we’re at,” he said. “I think it’s pretty simple with how it could be handled. There’s been reporting about how it could be done, but I just wish I could just be out there not having to worry about this.”

The 36-year-old signed a two-year, $29 million extension with the Steelers in September 2024, putting him under contract through the 2026 season. According to OverTheCap.com, his contract is $14.5 million average annual value is ranked 23rd for interior defensive lineman.

“I’m looking to be valued,” Heyward said. “I know what I bring to this team and what I’m capable of on and off the field, so it’s hard for me, after the year I’ve had, to really justify playing at the number I’m playing at.”

“I understand. I signed a contract last year, but to be completely honest with you, when I signed that, I told him when I have an All-Pro year, expecting me to come back and you can look at the contract and see what it was. But I think everybody kind of giggled a little bit, but in my head, I used it as motivation to go out there and prove it.”

Veteran star quarterback Aaron Rodgers has offered some honest advice to a Steelers teammate ahead of the new NFL season.

At their recent training camp, the 41-year-old was asked about second-year receiver Roman Wilson, who struggled to make an impact during his rookie season. Wilson’s debut campaign was derailed by a hamstring injury in October, but Rodgers suggested that there’s something else holding the young star back.

According to 93.7 The Fan, he said: “I gotta get [Roman] out of his head a little bit. I think he’s such a good kid. He cares so much, whether it’s my approval or if he’s doing it right. He’s just gotta trust himself because he’s so damn talented.

“The more you play free and not think out there, the better he’s gonna play. The more he can just trust what he’s got, and then just go out there and react, the better he can play.”

Rodgers’ comments can only be viewed as constructive criticism of his teammate and it appears that the two have already established a connection on the field. In Tuesday’s session, the two connected for an impressive touchdown as Wilson dived to make a stunning catch.

Speaking to The Athletic afterwards, Wilson said: “Just trying to be open at all times. I want him to want to use me. I want to be that guy.”

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin will be hoping that Rodgers is able to rediscover his best form with the franchise after they suffered an injury in the quarterback department. On Tuesday, it emerged that Will Howard, who was selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, has suffered a fracture in his hand after banging it during practice.

While the young quarterback is awaiting further tests, it is not expected that Howard will be required to undergo surgery. However, he is still expected to be ruled out for at least three weeks with the 2025 season on the horizon.

After spending 2024 at Ohio State following four years at Kansas State, Howard is entering his rookie year with the Steelers under the mentorship of Rodgers. The four-time MVP, who signed a one-year, $13.65 million deal with Pittsburgh this offseason, is expected to suit up as Tomlin’s starter under center.

Aaron Rodgers agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team announced last week, as it ends months of uncertainty around his future and uniting the four-time MVP with a franchise that desperately needs quarterback help.

The news comes more than 80 days after the start of free agency and 70 days after Rodgers visited the Steelers, which makes this signing long overdue. Rodgers joined the Steelers at this week’s mandatory minicamp.

The deal with the Steelers sets up a Week 1 showdown between Rodgers and his former team, the New York Jets, who will host the Steelers in the season opener.

After the Steelers let both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields leave in free agency, Rodgers has been linked with them for some time. Rodgers visited the team’s practice facility on March 21 and remained in contact with the organization while weighing his options about his future.

The Steelers did not use a high draft pick on a quarterback in the NFL Draft and were set to enter their mandatory offseason program with Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson and sixth-round rookie Will Howard rounding out their quarterback room.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin loomed large throughout the process and was a drawing card for Rodgers. Tomlin was happy to work within Rodgers’ timeline this offseason.

“I wasn’t stringing anyone along. I wasn’t holding anyone hostage,” Rodgers told The Pat McAfee Show in an appearance on April 17. “I was honest from the jump about where I was at mentally and some of the constraints I have in my life right now that warrant my attention. … I’m open to anything and attached to nothing. Retirement may still be a possibility, but right now, my focus has been—and will continue to be—on my personal life. And that’s what I’ve told the coaches. There’s still conversations that are being had. It’s all been very honest lines of communication.”

The Steelers’ contract is pending a physical.

T.J. Watt is not attending the Pittsburgh Steelers’ mandatory minicamp this week amid his pursuit of a new contract, sources tell ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Watt also skipped the voluntary OTAs earlier this offseason as he attempted to negotiate a new deal with him entering the final year of his current contract with the Steelers.

If Watt misses all three days of minicamp, he would be subject to nearly $105,000 in fines. The Steelers open their minicamp Tuesday, when four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers is expected to practice with his new teammates for the first time.

Watt last signed a four-year, $112 million deal in 2021 that averaged $28 million per year. The 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett, reset the pass-rusher market three months ago, however, with a record deal three months ago that averages $40 million annually and includes $123.5 million guaranteed money, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

Watt hasn’t spoken publicly since the end of the 2024 season, but he seemingly expressed frustration with the negotiations in April when he posted a picture to his Instagram story of himself flashing a peace sign in a Steelers jersey.

The Steelers have remained steadfast in their optimism that a deal will get done with Watt. General manager Omar Khan told reporters in March that he was “very hopeful that T.J. will finish his career as a Steeler.

“We expect him back at some point,” defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said Tuesday. “We don’t get caught up (in that) … He’s going to be in shape (whenever he arrives).”

Watt has 108 career sacks, which is 5.5 more than Garrett and the sixth-most among active NFL players. The four-time All-Pro was the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 and has spent his entire eight-year career with the Steelers.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are not expected to trade for the Miami Dolphins’ tight end Jonnu Smith after engaging in trade talks with the Dolphins.

The 29-year-old star tight end expressed interest to the Dolphins in reworking the two-year deal he signed last offseason, which would pay him $4.8 million in 2025, sources tell ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Smith wasn’t present for the Dolphins’ voluntary OTA practices last week.

Smith’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said Sunday night that his client’s “first choice” is to remain with the Dolphins.

“Here’s what I will say on behalf of my client: Jonnu would definitely like to stay in Miami. That’s his first choice,” Rosenhaus said in his weekly appearance on WSVN-TV. “This is where he lives in the offseason. He had a record-breaking season last year. It was the best season ever for a Miami Dolphins tight end. … He broke the team record for receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns for a tight end and was the team’s single Pro Bowl player. He’s an incredibly valuable part of this team. … He went to college at FIU. His dream team is the Dolphins.

Smith finished the 2024 season with 88 receptions, 884 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, which led to his first career Pro Bowl selection. He led all Dolphins players in receptions in his first year with the team and finished behind only Las Vegas Raiders’ Brock Bowers, Arizona Cardinals’ Trey McBride and San Francisco 49ers’ George Kittle league-wide in receiving yards by a tight end.

The Steelers’ interest in the Pro Bowl tight end is rooted in Smith’s longstanding relationship with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Smith was Smith’s tight end coach and offensive coordinator with the Tennessee Titans. Smith later traded for his former player while he was head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

The Steelers are in search of receiving help after trading star wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys this offseason. It looks like the Steelers will look to free agent wide receiver Gabe Davis as they look to host the free agent this week.

The Pittsburgh Steelers had two rostered quarterbacks before the 2025 NFL Draft: Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson, both former backups. And instead of prioritizing the position, like many expected, the Steelers waited until Day 3 to draft their guy. Ohio State’s championship-winning quarterback, Will Howard, is headed to Pittsburgh.

Howard, who grew up near Philadelphia, hoped to be drafted by the Steelers as he waited for a call, at one point saying, “Please pick me, Pittsburgh. Please pick me, please!”

His family is “all Eagles fans, but now they’re going to be some damn Steelers fans,” Howard told Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin over the phone.

Howard’s enthusiasm and work ethic have immediately impressed Pittsburgh’s coaching staff. He reportedly reached out to Steelers quarterbacks coach Tom Arth for plays just a day after being drafted, eager to get a head start on, he hopes, becoming Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback.

“[Arth] wrote [Will] back and said, ‘Hey, we were going to give you the weekend off, but this is why we drafted you, because it’s the kind of worker you are,’” said Howard’s mother.

While the possibility of the Steelers landing Aaron Rodgers or Kirk Cousins isn’t out the window, a quarterback room of Rudolph, Thompson and Howard could be wide open for the rookie to seize a larger role. And if Howard is who Pittsburgh hopes he is, the team may have finally found a long-term option at quarterback.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have traded George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. The Steelers will also send the Cowboys a 2027 sixth-round pick.

Rumors surrounding a Dallas Cowboys trade were rampant after owner and general manager Jerry Jones hinted at a “substantive trade” that could occur before or after the NFL draft.

It appears the trade he was hinting at is here.

Dallas has been searching for a second wide receiver option to complement star CeeDee Lamb. Before the Pickens trade, their other starting receivers were Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin and Jonathan Mingo.

Pickens is entering the final year of his contract. Steelers GM Omar Khan had previously expressed his desire to retain Pickens.

The Cowboys do not plan to extend Pickens and will let him play out the final year of his contract, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.

Earlier in the offseason, the Steelers made a trade for DK Metcalf, creating a one-two combo with Pickens. With Pickens gone, the offense in Pittsburgh will take a step back.

Pickens finished 2024 with 59 catches for 900 yards in 14 games. In 2023, Pickens went over 1,000 receiving yards.

The Cowboys have their best wide receiver duo since 2021, when Amari Cooper was paired up with Lamb.

The Pittsburgh Steelers rolled through 2024 with Justin Fields and Russell Wilson as their quarterbacks, posting an impressive season before losing their last four games and, in a seemingly perennial move, getting washed out of the playoffs in the first round. By all accounts, the team wanted to keep Fields, despite relieving him of the starting position for Wilson. But the New York Jets got there first – and now the Steelers are working on contingencies.

That’s where quarterback Mason Rudolph comes in. He returns to Pittsburgh, his draft team, on a two-year deal after a single season away with the Tennessee Titans. Rudolph was largely a career backup for the Steelers, sitting behind Ben Roethlisberger and later Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett, but proved an important asset with injuries and poor starter play.

The Steelers will be hoping for Rudolph to reprise his role as backup, but the free agent quarterback pool continues to shrink. Wilson is visiting the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns, and is a sought-after commodity in a thin market – not to mention that Pittsburgh reportedly sees him as “Plan B.” Meanwhile, the Steelers are competing with the Giants and potentially the Vikings to land Aaron Rodgers following his unfortunate stint with the Jets.

As the Las Vegas Raiders demonstrated earlier this offseason, quarterback fortunes can change in a moment. There aren’t many to go around, and if Pittsburgh doesn’t make a concerted push for Rodgers or Wilson, it’s likely that Rudolph will be their day one starter.

Rudolph, entering his seventh season in the NFL, went 8-4-1 as a starter in Pittsburgh. The 2024 season saw him step in for Will Levis in Tennessee, posting nine touchdowns and nine interceptions and going 1-4, along with a 63.7% completion percentage.

There doesn’t appear to be an absolute right or wrong option for the Steelers at this point in the offseason. Being forced to start Rudolph, however, probably wouldn’t elicit much fan enthusiasm.

It’s another Pittsburgh Steelers offseason, which means it’s another offseason of contemplating how to escape the league’s mushy middle without blowing up the whole project.

This year, that means making some quarterback decisions. After moving on from Kenny Pickett last year, the Steelers signed Russell Wilson, who was injured at the time, and traded for Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears.

>READ MORE: HOW RUSSELL WILSON ENDED UP WITH STARTING JOB

Look, the Steelers made the playoffs with a sparkling 10-3 run to begin the season, riding the performances of Fields (4-2) and Wilson (6-1). But Pittsburgh – and Wilson – would go on to drop their last four games and enter the playoffs as the seventh seed, being wiped out of the first round easily by the Baltimore Ravens. Wilson threw for under 150 yards twice in that four-game losing streak and maintained a QBR between 30 and 40.

While general manager Omar Khan said at the NFL Combine that all options remained on the table, the organization is reportedly leaning towards Fields. He’s ten years younger, for one. His stats aren’t significantly better than Wilson’s, but he’s presumably an easier bet – more mobile, more upside and without the unfortunate track record that Wilson brought from Denver.

Fields passed for 1,106 yards in six games this year, including five touchdowns and one interception. He also rushed for 289 yards and five more touchdowns, demonstrating his mobility as a prominent asset.

If they don’t opt for Fields, an option in the trade market is the Seahawks’ Geno Smith, who has one year left on his deal and has proven upside. More likely, though, is the Steelers re-signing Fields this offseason as a stopgap and working to fill the quarterback need through the Draft. One particularly interesting name for Pittsburgh is Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss, whose athleticism fits him well into the Steelers system. Pittsburgh is reportedly interested, but their Draft will depend on the needs they’re able to fill right now.

Former Steelers quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger and Duck Hodges agreed with the choice of Fields on Roethlisberger’s Footbahlin podcast.

“Whether you want to bring someone else in, let’s see what he can do in a second year of an offense,” Roethlisberger said. “There’s some familiarity. He’s had a new system every year. He may be more comfortable. Obviously, we’re not taking into account contracts and all that kind of stuff. I’d like to see what Fields could do in another year.”

Dallas Cowboys defensive back Jourdan Lewis took exception to an unsportsmanlike play by Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens at the end of their Sunday Night Football matchup and mocked him on the way back to the locker room.

“Pittsburgh need a receiver,” he said. “George Pickens weak!”

When the clock reached triple zeros at the end of the game, Lewis taunted Pickens with the football, which Pickens reacted to and dragged him to the ground with Lewis’ facemask. The defensive back then charged at the wide receiver before the referee intervened and ended the scuffle between them.

Pickens seemed to make that out-of-character move from frustration, as he only had three catches for 26 yards and no touchdowns on seven targets. His disappointing night came on the backs of one of the best games of his career, where he went for 113 yards but then crashed back down to Earth against the Steelers. After the game, Pittsburgh’s head coach, Mike Tomlin, detailed his team’s usage of Pickens.

“We just wanted to minimize his reps in an effort to get more productivity. We’re just trying to rep manage in terms of the totality of the big picture. He wasn’t less of a focal point in terms of our intentions of what we wanted to do offensively.”

Dallas took the lead with 20 seconds left in the fourth quarter, handing the Steelers their second straight loss since beginning the season 3-0. Tomlin now faces a quarterback controversy as Russell Wilson practiced in full for the first time in 2024 on Wednesday as the former Super Bowl champion nurses back from a calf injury. For now, it seems that Justin Fields will remain the starter, but given he only threw for 131 yards against the Cowboys, it could be a short leash for the former Georgia Bulldog.

The Steelers drafted Pickens with the 52nd pick in the second round of the 2022 draft, and he broke out for 1,140 yards in 2023.

Last season, the Pittsburgh Steelers rode a promising 7-4 start heading into week 13’s game against the Arizona Cardinals. Things turned south when Pittsburgh lost to Arizona, which then turned into dropping games to the Patriots and Colts, respectively. It took a three-game win streak for a wild-card berth—the Steelers were trounced by the Buffalo Bills, 31-17.

Former Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith is now the Steelers’ new offensive coordinator. He was hired as he had a top-ten rushing offense with Atlanta while developing Bijan Robinson into a good running back and solidifying Kyle Pitts and Jonnu Smith into a lethal tight-end duo.

General Manager Omar Khan centered the offseason around “weeding out the problem guys.” Khan traded Kenny Pickett and Diontae Johnson because they were involved in drama affecting team chemistry. Mitchell Trubisky was released, and Kyle Allen joined the squad via free agency to take Trubisky’s place. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields were brought in to add experience to a revamped quarterback room, while former Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen signed with Pittsburgh to strengthen the defense.

Pittsburgh chose Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu 20th overall, in addition to West Virginia’s Zach Frazier, to provide insurance to the offensive line. Michigan wideout Roman Wilson provides quality run blocking.

Notable matches include the Colts Week 4, Cowboys the following week, a Week 7 primetime meeting with Aaron Rodger’s Jets, week 15’s trip to Philly for the Battle of Pennsylvania, a Christmas Day game against defending Super Bowl 58 champions Kansas City Chiefs and two annual matchups with their division rivals.

Wilson is QB1 this season, and coach Mike Tomlin expects his team to be competitive. That task is daunting, as the Steelers play in one of the toughest divisions in the NFL. All in all, Pittsburgh has a defense that can keep them in games—the likes of TJ Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cameron Heyward, and Alex Highsmith are defensive x-factors that are pivotal for leadership. 

George Pickens needs to improve his route running to give Wilson a reliable receiver to throw to and take the load off Najee Harris.

PITTSBURGH STEALERS SCHEDULE & TICKET DEALS

Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 8, at Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. (Fox)
Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 15, at Denver Broncos, 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 22, vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Week 4: Sunday, Sept. 29, at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 6, vs. Dallas Cowboys, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 13, at Las Vegas Raiders, 4:05 p.m. (CBS)
Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 20, vs. New York Jets, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
Week 8: Monday, Oct. 28, vs. New York Giants, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN)
Week 9: Bye Week
Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 10, at Washington Commanders, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 17, vs. Baltimore Ravens, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Week 12: Thursday, Nov. 21, at Cleveland Browns, 8:15 p.m. (CBS)
Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 1, at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 8, vs. Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 15, at Philadelphia Eagles, 4:25 p.m. (Fox)
Week 16: Saturday, Dec. 21, at Baltimore Ravens, 4:30 p.m. (Fox)
Week 17: Wednesday, Dec. 25, vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 1 p.m. (Netflix)
Week 18: Date/Time TBD, vs. Cincinnati Bengals (TBD)

The Steelers’ first depth chart was revealed last week and has Russell Wilson at the QB1 spot over Justin Fields. Despite the veteran being considered the starter, coach Mike Tomlin said that Fields “took advantage of the opportunity for additional snaps” since Wilson was limited last week with a calf injury.

“We’ve got two really capable guys,” Tomlin told CBS Sports. “We’re going to create an environment where they get an opportunity to compete and see what they’re capable of.”

However, Wilson didn’t play in Friday’s preseason match against the Texans, enabling Fields to gain ground for the starting gig. Other names not playing Friday are T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Patrick Queen. The former Bronco didn’t play in the preseason in his first year in Denver and accepted Tomlin’s decision to sit out but said that he’ll be ready if called upon.

Coach Tomlin still sees a competition between the veteran and former Chicago Bear for QB1. “Very much is a competition,” Tomlin remarked. “What happens in a stadium is weighted heavier than what happens in practice.” Wilson stepped it up a notch during Tuesday’s practice as he partook in four reps in the “seven shots” drill while completing a pass to George Pickens in an 11-on-11 period.

“I’m just trying to take advantage of each and every rep I get,” Fields said. “I know that if [Wilson] wasn’t hurt, then I wouldn’t be in this position. So it’s just opportunities for me.” Fields’ performance this preseason could make or break the duel, but it’ll be tough to tell until Wilson has fully rejoined practice.

Pittsburgh has been linked in trade talks with the 49ers for star wideout Brandon Aiyuk, though Tomlin didn’t offer insight on adding additional players to the receiving core.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an active off-season. The team signed former Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos quarterback Russel Wilson. Veterans Allen Robinson Jr. and Patrick Peterson were released and controversial wideout Dionte Johnson was traded. There seems to be a shift in the direction the front office wants to take the franchise and that continued last week when 2023 starting quarterback Kenny Pickett was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Pittsburgh would trade Pickett and a 2024 fourth-round draft pick to Philadelphia for a 2024 third-round pick and two 2025 seventh-round picks. Pickett had been the main man under center for the Steelers for much of the last two seasons, recording a 14-10 record in his career with the team. 

However, he lost the starting job last season to backup Mason Rudolph, who led the team on a late-season run to make the AFC Playoffs. Pickett only posted 2,070 yards, six touchdown passes and four interceptions before having injury issues and losing his starting gig to Rudolph. 

However, there seems to be more to the story than the Steelers moving on from a subpar quarterback. The Athletic reporter Mark Kaboly said that the team was trying to cleanse the locker room of players who were unhappy or ruffled feathers in the organization. Pickett voluntarily did not suit up as a backup in Week 17 after he was demoted to No. 3 on the depth chart and was reportedly disgruntled over the signing of Wilson. This kind of attitude is something the Steelers seemed to want to move on from, and the trade signaled that possible conclusion.

Pickett’s negative behavior stemming from the signing of Wilson also contributed to more drama and uneasiness within the organization, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette‘s Gerry Dulac, factoring into his trade.

There seems to be more to the story about Pickett than his on-the-field performance. Ultimately, he will now suit up for the Eagles, the team he grew up rooting for.