Sports Illustrated insider Albert Breer suggests Washington Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil could become a trade target for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Sainristil, a 2024 second‑round pick who fell out of Washington’s rotation after a strong start, has a connection to Steelers assistant head coach/secondary coach Joe Whitt Jr., formerly the Commanders’ defensive coordinator. Pittsburgh scouted him at his 2024 Michigan pro day, with former Steeler Ike Taylor praising his talent. While the Commanders aren’t sellers yet, the Steelers, whose current starters are Jamel Dean and Asante Samuel Jr., may look to upgrade the slot corner. A potential deal could bolster a defense that’s currently soaring.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler says Steelers backup QB Mason Rudolph, who is on an expiring contract and has seen limited action this season (one pass in three games), could become a trade chip before the NFL deadline next Tuesday. While Pittsburgh isn’t expected to move many players, a surplus at quarterback and potential injury sweep across the league may spark interest in Rudolph. The Steelers already shuffled a veteran QB (Jacoby Brissett to the Ravens), and younger QBs Will Howard and rookie Drew Allar remain on the roster.
The Baltimore Ravens trade for former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett after injuries land Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley on IR. Brissett, who has thrown for 1,719 yards, 10 TDs and seven picks this season, is slated to start once the deal closes this weekend, although Joe Fagnano will still start against Jacksonville on Thursday. Jackson’s injury appears season‑ending, and Huntley is unlikely to return. The Ravens, 4‑4 and last in the AFC North, face the Steelers on Dec. 20 and Jan. 10 as Brissett brings a pocket‑passer style rather than a running threat.
The Philadelphia Eagles have named practice‑squad signee Joe Milton the starter for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants, benching Tanner McKee, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Mike Garafolo. Milton, a 2024 sixth‑round pick who threw a 22‑of‑29, 241‑yard, two‑TD performance for the Patriots in 2024, will likely start against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12 at Lincoln Financial Field. The move comes after Jalen Hurts was ruled out for the season with lung blood clots and the Eagles have dropped six straight, slipping to a 2‑6 start for the first time since 1999. Pittsburgh now faces a 11‑game losing streak in Philadelphia dating back to 1965.
Tom Brady praises Aaron Rodgers' evolution into a pocket passer while noting the Steelers’ dominant 6‑2 start and unchallenged hold on the AFC North. Pittsburgh leads the league in rushing EPA and ranks third in defensive success, allowing just 14.2 points per game over a four‑game win streak. Brady highlights Rodgers’ low turnover rate—six interceptions, five on Hail Marys—and his decision‑making, saying no team can stop the Steelers in the division. The Steelers next travel to face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 10.
The Steelers’ recent win over Cleveland highlighted a dramatic upgrade to their special‑teams coverage, a unit that had previously leaked big plays. With the departure of Ben Skowronek and Brandin Echols, Pittsburgh’s kick‑coverage struggled, but adjustments made before the game tightened the gap and limited the Browns’ return yards. The article breaks down the specific scheme changes, the impact on field position, and what the improvements mean for Pittsburgh’s playoff push.
Former Steelers free safety Ryan Clark says the franchise feels more "locked in" under head coach Mike McCarthy than it did with Mike Tomlin. Clark, who praised Tomlin during his playing days, notes a fresh locker‑room energy and sharper focus on details since McCarthy arrived. He points to the surge in the run game, led by Jaylen Warren, and a defensive turnaround—ranked No. 3 in scoring defense (18.0 ppg), No. 6 in total yards, and No. 1 in sacks (26) heading into Week 9. Clark’s comments come as Tomlin acknowledges the team’s nine‑year playoff drought and a need for change.
The Philadelphia Eagles have announced a third quarterback shift for this week, moving from Jalen Hurts to Tanner McKee and now to Joe Milton as the starter for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The change comes just days after the Steelers learned Hurts would be unavailable, leaving them uncertain about Philadelphia’s offense ahead of their matchup.
ESPN analyst Mina Kimes declares Steelers center Zach Frazier the "best run‑blocking center in football" and gives him her All‑Pro vote on NFL Live. Pro Football Focus backs the praise, ranking Frazier first among NFL centers in overall grade (80.8), second in run‑blocking (79.8) and fourth in pass‑blocking (76.3), the only lineman with 75+ in every category. Former QB Ben Roethlisberger likens him to Maurkice Pouncey, urging Pro Bowl and All‑Pro recognition. The piece also highlights running back Jaylen Warren’s record‑breaking 6.9 yards per touch and the Steelers’ top‑tier rushing attack.
Defensive end Maxx Crosby steps up for teammate DK Metcalf, calling him “still a really good player” despite mounting criticism over the former Seattle star's underwhelming output for the Steelers. Pittsburgh sacrificed a second‑round pick in the 2025 trade to make Metcalf their top receiving threat, but his production has lagged both last season and the current 2026 campaign. Crosby’s endorsement highlights the locker‑room support while fans and analysts question the value of the trade.
Brian Thomas Jr., the 2024 first‑round pick who burst onto the scene with 87 catches, 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie, has slipped to just 824 yards and four scores in 21 games this season. Now 24 and under contract through 2027, the Jaguars are willing to move him before the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 10. Sportsnaut lists six likely destinations: the Las Vegas Raiders, who need a reliable target for Kirk Cousins; the Washington Commanders, who could reunite Thomas with former LSU teammate QB Jayden Daniels; the Seattle Seahawks, seeking a spark beyond Jaxon Smith‑Njigba; the Pittsburgh Steelers, open to a high‑upside gamble; the Kansas City Chiefs, needing depth behind Patrick Mahomes; and the Los Angeles Rams. Each team’s specific receiver woes are detailed, making the trade saga a must‑read for NFL fans.
The Steelers have been the NFL's best defense over the past four weeks. They might have the fallen singer to blame for their ascension.
The trade deadline buzz centers on Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson, whose thumb injury and lack of a recent extension have sparked speculation about his future. ESPN analysts note his hefty 2027 cap hit and no‑trade clause, suggesting a possible trade if a new deal stalls, with the Cardinals’ benched Jacoby Brissett and even the Colts’ Daniel Jones emerging as potential targets. Cleveland, despite an 11‑pick haul and a 5‑3 record, is likely to focus on depth at tight end or the defensive line rather than a marquee move. Pittsburgh is actively scouting receiver upgrades to support Aaron Rodgers in his final season. Key player names include Jackson, Jacoby Brissett, Daniel Jones, Derrick Henry and Rashod Bateman.
After a four‑game winning streak and a decisive Week 9 victory over the Cleveland Browns, the Steelers sit atop the AFC North and enjoy a much‑needed bye. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey says the team is "confident" that Pittsburgh can contend for the Super Bowl, citing improved play across offense, defense, and special teams. The article outlines the key factors behind the surge, including a balanced attack and renewed locker‑room energy, and explores what the Steelers need to maintain momentum heading into the second half of the season.
All‑Pro defensive tackle Cam Heyward tells listeners on The Rich Eisen Show that former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is unlikely to return to the sidelines, saying the veteran is “way too comfortable” as an NBC analyst. Heyward praises Tomlin’s new role, noting his “electric” storytelling and enjoyment of the job, which Tomlin himself describes as “part‑time work, full‑time pay.” With Tomlin receiving rave reviews on Football Night in America and expressing that he’s having “the time of my life,” the former coach appears set to stay in the media booth for now.
Pittsburgh Steelers vice president Art Rooney Jr., the former scouting chief who helped build the 1970s four‑Super Bowl dynasty, is omitted from the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2027 ballot. A semifinalist for the contributor category in 2026, Rooney—who oversaw drafts that produced nine Hall of Famers and possibly an eleventh with L.C. Greenwood—has been a semifinalist for the past three classes. The Hall’s new voting rules cut semifinal spots and reduced Pittsburgh’s representation, leaving the 91‑year‑old without a chance this year despite praise from former GM Kevin Colbert. The article also notes other Steelers Hall of Fame inductees and upcoming eligibility for players like Ben Roethlisberger.
Cleveland’s quarterback Deshaun Watson enters the NFL concussion protocol after a helmet‑to‑helmet hit by Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker in the first quarter of the Nov. 1 loss. Watson threw a season‑high 324 yards on 27‑of‑39 passes, was sacked six times and lost a fumble, then reported concussion symptoms on Monday. Backup Shedeur Sanders, the 2025 fifth‑round pick, saw limited action and is slated to start against the New Orleans Saints in Week 9 if Watson remains sidelined. The Browns, now 5‑3 and tied for second in the AFC North, face a tough stretch with a road game at the Saints Sunday.
After a strong 6-2 start, the Pittsburgh Steelers sit atop the AFC North but face a looming challenge from the Cincinnati Bengals, who head coach Nick Wright says he now 'takes more seriously' and sees greater upside than Pittsburgh. The Steelers have already beaten both the Bengals and Browns, while the Ravens' Lamar Jackson may miss the rest of the season, further tightening the division race. Wright’s comments hint at a potential shift in the rivalry as the Bengals look to capitalize on the Steelers’ momentum in the upcoming weeks.
Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady praises Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, noting his transition to a pocket passer and “total control” despite being 42. Brady highlights Rodgers’ six interceptions, five from Hail Marys, and his decision‑making. Through eight games, Rodgers is 175‑288 for 1,871 yards, 13 TDs, six picks, with an 86.2 rating, helping Pittsburgh sit 6‑2 atop the AFC North. While the run game thrives, the passing attack—especially the Rodgers‑Metcalf connection and red‑zone efficiency—needs work. Offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio cites RPOs and line checks as key to future success, positioning the Steelers as a potential dark‑horse playoff contender.
The Steelers rebound from an early‑season wobble with a dominant 27‑6 win over the Browns, thanks to a ferocious defensive line that posted eight sacks on Deshaun Watson and a run‑first offense led by undrafted star Jaylen Warren (704 rushing yards, 15.2 EPA, 2 TDs). Sitting 6‑2 after Week 9 and enjoying a bye, they top the AFC North ahead of the Bengals, whom they’ll face in Week 10 after the Bengals’ Spain trip. Pittsburgh’s defense ranks in the top ten across multiple metrics, while the run game—bolstered by Darnell Washington’s receiving—continues to thrive, positioning the Steelers as a serious playoff contender.
The Browns announced on November 4 that quarterback Deshaun Watson entered the NFL concussion protocol after a helmet‑to‑helmet hit in the Week 8 loss to the Steelers. Watson, who has already been sacked a league‑high 33 times this season, was cleared post‑game but began experiencing symptoms on Monday and will miss at least the upcoming matchup with the New Orleans Saints. Fans on X cheered the news, many eager to see backup Shedeur Sanders take the reins. Watson holds a 5‑3 record with seven touchdowns, but his future hinges on completing the five‑step protocol.
The article evaluates Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Jaylen Warren’s place among the NFL’s elite backs, comparing him to a ranked list that includes Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs and nine other top rushers. Steelers Depot’s writers discuss Warren’s 2026 stats—over 1,100 rushing yards, 11 touchdowns, and a 5.2 yards‑per‑carry average—highlighting his breakout performances and impact on the Steelers’ offense. The piece concludes by slotting Warren within the top five, arguing his blend of power and vision puts him alongside the league’s premier running backs.
In the latest Steelers Morning Rush podcast, Alan Saunders highlights the Steelers' 6-2 start to the 2026 season, crediting the young offensive line as the biggest payoff from GM Omar Khan’s recent investments. The episode breaks down how the revamped line is shaping game performance and boosting the team's early success.
Bill Cowher praises the Steelers after their dominant 31‑17 win over the Cleveland Browns, which lifts Pittsburgh to a 6‑2 record and the top spot in the AFC North ahead of their bye week. The Hall of Famer, a Super Bowl‑winning former coach, highlights the team's upward trajectory and the growing confidence around the franchise. Cowher’s latest comments offer insight into what he sees as the Steelers’ promising direction.
In Season 17, Episode 44 of The Terrible Podcast, Steelers Depot hosts Alex Kozora, Joe Clark, and the author dissect the Steelers' midseason woes. They open with a deep dive into DK Metcalf's struggles, expand the critique to the entire wide‑receiver corps, and then transition to the latest trade rumors and a fresh evaluation of head coach Mike McCarthy’s performance. The episode also previews upcoming games and highlights key statistical trends as the Steelers aim to rebound before the postseason deadline.