What will Mike McCarthy have to say at the league meeting?
Steelers HC Mike McCarthy is expected to address the media today for the first time since his initial press blitz. Following his introductory press conference, he did a series of interviews, but has been officially out of the limelight since. In fact, he hasn’t been very active on the Steelers’ Pro Day circuit at all, continuing a pattern from Dallas.
Now rolling into April soon and the draft fast approaching, we have gone through much since the Mike McCarthy hire. He has put together his staff, signed free agents, retained others, and let others go. The big matzo ball still hanging out there, of course, is QB Aaron Rodgers and whether he’ll be a Steeler.
That, I’m sure, is going to take up a lot of McCarthy’s time, as he was even asked about it during a memorial service recently. To be fair, the son of the deceased, who is a journalist, asked the question. But the points is, it just goes to show how all-consuming the Aaron Rodgers question is. Because without him, they have Mason Rudolph and Will Howard at quarterback.
One does hope the local media manages to find more to say than that. Personally, I would like Mike McCarthy on record explaining why he is not active on the scouting circuit. While Mike Tomlin’s treks aren’t necessarily the norm, McCarthy is among the least active head coaches in this process. But I suppose that’s what they hired an assistant general manager for.
The Steelers did not re-sign Kenneth Gainwell, their reigning MVP, but brought in a Mike McCarthy replacement in Rico Dowdle. They did not sign a free-agent wide receiver but traded for Michael Pittman Jr. Letting James Pierre go, they sought bigger fish at cornerback in Jamel Dean. The Steelers also added Jaquan Brisker at safety, but where does McCarthy envision Jalen Ramsey playing?
And what is the status of the numerous key players the Steelers have this year entering expiring contracts? The biggest names are Joey Porter Jr. and Chris Boswell. Normally, the Steelers work on most of their extensions just before and during training camp. They did lock up Cam Heyward early this year. Is Mike McCarthy worried about these players skipping OTAs without a new deal?
The Steelers exited the playoffs in the first round yet again, a pattern going back to 2017.With seven consecutive postseason losses, and no wins in nearly a decade, they are facing another long, long offseason. No doubt we will see many changes, but none will top Mike Tomlin resigning.
The NFL has crowned its latest champion, but for us and the Steelers, we have been in offseason mode. That’s what happens when the team you coverloses by the middle of January all the time, but you’ve been around, so you know that already. Enjoy the ride, even the turbulence, because it’s the only way we know how to travel anymore.
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