A Steelers Depot daily segment. A quick hit of some Pittsburgh Steelers-related stories that may not require a complete article, but nuggets worth mentioning and passing on to you guys.
Your Depot After Dark for Feb. 16.
BLEIER’S STORY
Plenty of great players have suited up for the Steelers. That includes multiple members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. However, one of the more underrated players in their history is running back Rocky Bleier. Bleier was selected by the Steelers in the 16th round of the 1968 draft. However, he had to leave them after that year because he was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War.
Appearing recently on the American Veterans Center’s YouTube channel, Bleier told his story of perseverance. It’s incredible to hear how Bleier returned to playing in the NFL after being injured in the war. He was a key part of their four Super Bowl victories in the 1970s. For Steelers fans who haven’t heard it, it’s a must-listen.
BROWNS HIRE DC
The Cleveland Browns had a rough 2025 season, and this offseason hasn’t been great for them so far, either. Jim Schwartz had been their defensive coordinator since 2023. He helped them have one of the league’s best defenses each year. However, he left them recently after they opted not to make him their next head coach.
Now, the Browns are hiring Mike Rutenberg to be their next defensive coordinator, as reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Twitter. Rutenberg got his first job in the NFL in 2003. This is his first shot at being an NFL defensive coordinator, though. He was the Atlanta Falcons’ defensive pass game coordinator last year, and he worked for the New York Jets and Jacksonville Jaguars before that.
The Browns are hiring Mike Rutenberg as defensive coordinator, per source.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 16, 2026
DOLPHINS’ PLAN FOR TUA TAGOVAILOA
The Steelers enter this offseason with a need at quarterback once again. While it seems like Aaron Rodgers could return, that’s not guaranteed. The Steelers might have to look elsewhere. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like they have many great options, although a new one might appear soon.
Insider Jordan Schultz stated on Twitter that the Dolphins want to trade quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. However, if they can’t make a deal, then they could cut him. The Steelers shouldn’t trade for Tagovailoa, but if he gets cut, he might be an option. Tagovailoa being the Steelers’ 2026 starting quarterback wouldn’t be ideal, but it might be a possibility.
The #Dolphins preference has been to find a trade partner for Tua Tagovailoa.
A cut is possible in the end. But that has been their preference.
My understanding is new regime doesn’t want it to drag too long. https://t.co/CC2KShHuvP
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 16, 2026
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