The Pittsburgh Steelers, sitting 5-2 and tied for the AFC North lead heading into Week 8, are reportedly targeting Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker before the Nov. 10 trade deadline. Baker, a playmaking defensive back with 44 tackles, 3.5 sacks and an interception in seven games, could bolster Pittsburgh’s defense despite his sizable contract. The Athletic lists the Steelers, Bears and Lions as potential suitors, noting the Cardinals would incur only $3.06 million in dead money if he’s moved. Steelers coach Mike McCarthy may explore a high‑impact trade to add firepower to a unit that’s struggled to win convincingly.
Brazeau has also been assigned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for a conditioning stint.
Gerry Dulac criticizes the Steelers’ handling of inside linebacker Patrick Queen, arguing the team should re‑sign him despite his inconsistent performances since joining from Baltimore. Dulac points out that the Steelers drafted Payton Wilson in 2024 expecting a strong LB duo, yet Queen has never fully met the high expectations placed on the veteran free‑agent signing.
Head coach Mike Tomlin defends the Steelers’ decision to trade cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys, insisting the franchise “did not fumble the bag.” Tomlin explains that stalled contract talks and a deteriorating relationship made the move inevitable, and that the trade secures value for Pittsburgh despite early-season controversy. The article details the month‑long dispute, the terms of the trade, and Tomlin’s confidence that the team remains focused on its playoff push.
Beat writer outlines the Steelers' 2027 quarterback roadmap as Aaron Rodgers, now 42 and set to retire after his surprisingly solid 2026 season, prepares for his final year at 43. The piece details the franchise’s looming QB void, evaluates potential successors—ranging from a high‑draft pick to trade targets—and examines how Pittsburgh plans to transition without Rodgers’ veteran presence. Key timelines, roster moves, and the impact on the team's offensive strategy are highlighted, giving fans a clear picture of the upcoming overhaul.
Mitch Keller’s 2026 season ends early as the Pirates place him on the 60‑day IL with a Grade 3 teres‑major strain, sidelining his 5.29 ERA, career‑low 93.3 mph fastball and a $38 M, two‑year deal. He’s slated to return to throwing by month’s end and should rejoin a rotation featuring Paul Skenes, Braxton Ashcraft, Jared Jones and Bubba Chandler. Meanwhile, rookie outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez, after a hamstring strain, is healthy and heading to the Dominican Winter League to test his leg. Valdez posted a powerful rookie line – .232/.345/.510 with 17 homers and a 91.9 mph exit velocity – but struck out in 37.5% of his plate appearances, the second‑worst zone‑contact rate among qualifying hitters. The Bucs must decide whether to keep him in the outfield mix.
Heading into Week 8, the Steelers rank 22nd in points per game (21.9) and dead last in rushing touchdowns (one).
Hall of Famer Kurt Warner doubts the Pittsburgh Steelers’ playoff odds despite their 5‑2 start, warning on The Rich Eisen Show that the team lacks consistent scoring. Warner points to low red‑zone efficiency – only one of four against the Saints – and a reliance on occasional big plays from running back Jaylen Warren. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers echoed the concerns, citing poor offensive execution, penalties and fatigue after a short travel window. With the Steelers needing more explosive touchdowns to stay competitive, Warner predicts they won’t go very far.
First‑year head coach Mike McCarthy emphasizes the Steelers’ new identity as a physical, run‑heavy offense, and veteran quarterback A.Q. Shipley backs that vision by naming Zach Frazier the NFL’s “best center right now.” Shipley praises Frazier’s snap accuracy and line leadership, crediting him with anchoring a line that’s helped Pittsburgh string together three straight wins early in the 2026 season. The article details how Frazier’s play is driving the team’s control of the line of scrimmage.
The Steelers focus on shoring up their run defense before Sunday’s rematch with the Cleveland Browns. On Wednesday, interior linemen Keeanu Benton, Yahya Black and Gabriel Rubio ran individual drills, aiming to improve the unit’s 3.8 yards‑per‑carry allowed so far. Cleveland’s rising back Quinshon Judkins arrives looking to exploit the Steelers’ vulnerability. The practice preview highlights the young defensive line’s preparation ahead of the pivotal showdown.
The Steelers pull off a gritty 16-10 win over the Saints in Paris, keeping their strong record in one‑score games alive at 4-1 under new head coach Mike McCarthy. McCarthy praises the team’s poise in close situations, noting the travel stress and limited offensive production—ranked 20th in scoring—due to injuries at receiver. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham highlights the secondary’s challenges, with key starters out and a low‑blitz rate that’s still yielding effective pressure. The win boosts confidence on the road while the offense must improve to sustain long‑term success.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line has vaulted to No. 3 in Pro Football Focus rankings after a rocky start, highlighted by Zach Frazier’s fifth consecutive 70‑plus grade and a possible first‑team All‑Pro nod. Interior duo Frazier and left guard Mason McCormick anchor a unit with only right guard Brock Hoffman falling below a 65 pass‑blocking grade. The line helped the Steelers post 148 rushing yards (4.9 yd/carry) in a 16‑10 win over the New Orleans Saints in Paris, with Jaylen Warren rushing 101 yards and Rico Dowdle adding 41. Coach James Campen earns high praise from Mike McCarthy, while former center A.Q. Shipley calls Frazier the league’s best center on The Pat McAfee Show.
Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken says Dillon Gabriel’s return from IR doesn’t automatically move him up the depth chart. Gabriel, back after a back injury that landed him on IR on Aug. 30, rejoined practice on Oct. 6 and was activated to the 53-man roster on Oct. 26, but Monken remains undecided about shifting backup roles. He confirms Shedeur Sanders stays as the secondary quarterback behind starter Deshaun Watson, while rookie Taylen Green also remains in the mix. With four QBs already on the roster, Monken hints he could even add another. The upcoming Week 8 game vs. the Steelers will reveal how Cleveland utilizes its quarterback options.
Browns head coach Todd Monken praises the Steelers’ emerging defense, noting they’ve allowed only three touchdowns in the last 15 quarters—a key factor in three straight wins under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. While still showing occasional lapses, the unit’s resilience signals a “really good” defensive upswing, according to Monken.
Former Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner doubts the Pittsburgh Steelers can translate their 5-2 start into a deep AFC run, citing offensive shortcomings. On The Rich Eisen Show, Warner argues the Steelers lack scoring firepower, especially a consistent rushing threat—they’ve recorded only one rushing TD so far. While the defense keeps them competitive, Warner warns the team must improve drive efficiency and point production to match AFC powerhouses and become a true Super Bowl contender.
Rookie Kevin Joby Jr. becomes the ninth Steelers rookie to see game action in 2026, joining eight fellow first‑year players who helped Pittsburgh beat the New Orleans Saints 16‑10 in Paris. The win lifts the Steelers to a 5‑2 record in Week 7. The report also highlights other newcomers like quarterback Drew Allar, offensive guard Gennings Dunker (now on IR), and running back Eli Heidenreich.
As the NFL trade deadline looms, ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler says there’s a 20% chance the Pittsburgh Steelers—sitting 5‑2 atop the AFC North—might move veteran linebacker Patrick Queen. The Dallas Cowboys have revived interest, recalling previous spring chatter and a recent history of trades with Pittsburgh, including Joey Porter Jr., George Pickens, and Broderick Jones. With both teams still in the playoff hunt—Dallas a game from the NFC wild‑card and the Steelers tied for first in their division—a Queen deal could be the next fireworks‑filled transaction between the franchises.
Coach Mike Tomlin says rookie wideout Germie Bernard will be a game‑changer in the Steelers’ Week 10 rematch with the Browns. After a narrow 27‑24 loss in Week 4, Pittsburgh hopes Bernard’s speed and route‑running can spark a comeback at Heinz Field on Oct. 28. Tomlin hints the young talent could flip crucial third‑down situations and give the Steelers the edge they missed in Cleveland.
After the Colts dismissed GM Chris Ballard, wide receiver Josh Downs—now on an expiring contract—requested a trade on Wednesday. The 25‑year‑old, who’s on pace for 746 yards this season and has logged three 700‑yard campaigns since being drafted in 2023, could land with any of four teams. The Atlanta Falcons need a secondary threat to complement Drake London, Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts; the Pittsburgh Steelers seek another deep weapon to bolster a play‑maker‑thin WR corps; the Kansas City Chiefs want a versatile down‑field target for Patrick Mahomes; and the Los Angeles Rams, dealing with Davante Adams’ injury and expiring contracts, could make Downs their No. 2 receiver. Each option offers a different fit for Downs as he eyes a new home.
The Buffalo Bills sit 27th in the NFL with only $4.5 million of cap space heading into the November 19 trade deadline, meaning major moves are unlikely. The article breaks down the few levers the Bills could pull: restructuring Dion Dawkins could free $10‑11 million but saddles the team with a $25 million dead‑cap hit in 2027, while reshaping Josh Palmer’s deal might reveal $5 million for future years at a modest $600 k short‑term gain. Trading Palmer appears impractical given his $6 million base salary. Potential low‑cost targets like Eagles LB Zack Baun or Steelers LB Cole Holcomb are discussed, but both teams face their own cap constraints. Overall, fans should temper expectations for big deadline acquisitions.
HBO Max’s new docuseries "Kordell Stewart: Slash & Burn" chronicles the Steelers quarterback’s rise, his groundbreaking dual‑threat play (48‑29 record, 110 TDs), and the false 1998 rumor of a lewd arrest that sparked racist and homophobic abuse from fans. The film reveals how a police officer’s fabricated claim ruined Stewart’s reputation, led to on‑field benchings and hostile locker‑room incidents—including a fan pouring beer on him and using the N‑word. Teammates like Jerome Bettis and opponents such as Warren Sapp recount the personal attacks Stewart endured, highlighting Pittsburgh’s lingering bias against Black quarterbacks. The documentary closes with Stewart revisiting Schenley Park, underscoring the lasting impact of the scandal.
In the latest Steelers Morning Rush podcast, Alan Saunders examines whether Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs, who has requested a trade, suits the Pittsburgh Steelers' receiving needs before the NFL trade deadline. Saunders evaluates Downs' size, speed, route-running and how he would complement Steelers GM Omar Khan's roster, comparing him to current targets and depth chart options. The discussion offers a clear analysis for fans weighing the potential addition ahead of the deadline.
Former NFL executive Greg Olson says the Steelers still have “some stuff saved up” to solve their red‑zone struggles, despite only 15 offensive touchdowns—tied for ninth fewest in the league—under Mike McCarthy. While Pittsburgh’s yardage remains respectable at 1,699 passing yards, the lack of scoring has become a glaring issue, prompting questions about adjustments before the season’s midpoint.
Former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner questions the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Super Bowl prospects, saying their offensive limitations could keep them from going “very far.” Despite a 5-2 start and a chance to overtake the AFC North lead by beating the Cleveland Browns this week, Warner doubts the unit’s ability to sustain success. The article examines his critiques, points to specific areas where the offense is struggling, and contrasts his view with the team’s current standing and playoff aspirations.
In today’s NHL rumors rundown, Dylan Larkin’s absence from Detroit Red Wings practice raised questions about his trade status, but the latest update points to something else. Meanwhile, the Edmonton…