Happy Friday, and I hope yinz are doing well.
The scouting combine is now in the books, and there certainly was some change in regards to draft stocks. Several players, like Dillon Thieneman, Brenen Thompson and Germie Bernard all boosted their draft stocks with some impressive testing. On the flip side, Cashius Howell, Malachi Fields and Lee Hunter are a few players who may see their stock slide after some poor testing numbers.
With the combine over with, the offseason focus turns to free agency. The tampering period begins Monday, and teams can officially sign players when the new league year begins Wednesday.
It should be a busy week. The Steelers have plenty of holes to fill, and some they’ll need to secure before the draft rolls around. With plenty of cap space, the Steelers have the flexibility to make some big moves if they see fit. We’ll see if they do.
As always, we’re here with you throughout the weekend for whatever news comes our way.
Have a safe and happy weekend.
Top-Read Posts Of The Week
Paglia’s Mock Draft
Ben Roethlisberger’s Post-Aaron Rodgers Plan
Steelers Planning To Move Watt Around Again
Kozora’s Free Agency Wishlist
Pryor Talks Roman Wilson’s Role
Peace and love, peace and love!
1 – With Smith/Anderson released, which current Steeler is most likely to be let go next ahead of free agency?
2 – Under the new coaching staff, which current Steeler will see the most improvement in 2026?
3 – If the Steelers lose Isaac Seumalo, who should they bring in to replace him at left guard?
4 – Which upcoming free agent do the Steelers need to retain the most?
5 – Between now and the NFL Draft, how many outside free agents do you predict the Steelers will bring in?
Recap: 2026 Combine Weekend: Steelers Friday Night Five Questions
Let’s go, people!
Q1: Name one player you’d most want to see receive a franchise/transition tag from Pittsburgh.
Steelers Depot respondents all said the Steelers would not tag anyone. Just too expensive. Kenneth Gainwell, a running back, would earn $14 million, and Isaac Seumalo $26 million if tagged. Predictably, the Steelers did not use the franchise or transition tags. The last time they used it was consecutive years on Le’Veon Bell back in 2017 and 2018. Brian Tollini summed it up, “Not even a slight want for any of them at that kind of money.”
Q2: Would you rather the Steelers trade up or trade down during the draft?
The consensus was for the Steelers to trade up to acquire a blue-chip player. But others want the Steelers to trade back to build up draft capital in 2027. Ginko18 sees multiple moves: “Both. Maneuver so that we get 5 starters from our first 5 picks. Like to trade up in R4 for a player who unexpectedly falls.”
Q3: Which non-QB free agent do you most want the Steelers to retain?
Kenneth Gainwell is easily the player we want the Steelers to retain. James Pierre, Isaac Seumalo and Calvin Austin all mentioned.
Q4: If it’s not Aaron Rodgers, who should start at QB in Week 1?
We are ready for the Will Howard era to commence. Wes is cautious: “All depends on who looks better in training camp and who plays better in the preseason. Without knowing these things, it’s pretty hard to answer a question like this. I’ll take a wild guess and say, Rudolph.”
Q5: Which position group will have the most improvement with the new coaching staff?
We see the offensive line as the position group that will improve the most with the new coaching staff. The wide receiver and defensive back groups were both mentioned as improving, too.
Consensus vs. Correct Answers
Questions SD Consensus Correct Answers
Will Steelers franchise tag anyone? Nobody Nobody
Steelers trade up or down? Up TBD
Non-QB FA to retain? Kenneth Gainwell TBD
Starting QB if no Rodgers? Will Howard TBD
Position most improved in 2026? Offensive Line TBD
Free agency kicks off next week. There should be some Steelers moves to re-sign and/or acquire new free agents for the 2026 roster.
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