Happy Friday, and I hope yinz are doing well.
Once again the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in a waiting game with Aaron Rodgers. The veteran was originally expected to give the Steelers a decision in March, but that clearly hasn’t happened. Art Rooney II signaled this week that he expects a decision by the 2026 NFL Draft. Last year, things took awhile longer than that, so we’ll see if Rodgers is quicker this time around.
The NFL owners meetings took place this week, and there were a few notable takeaways from them. Aside from Aaron Rodgers talk, Mike McCarthy and Omar Khan had some positive things to say about the rest of the Steelers’ roster, notably Will Howard. Some notable rule changes passed, including alterations to kickoffs and onside kicks, as well as allowing league personnel to consult with on-field officials to correct clear and obvious mistakes and when considering player ejections.
The Steelers are continuing to meet with draft prospects, and in just a handful of weeks the NFL world will find itself in Pittsburgh. The Steelers currently have 12 draft picks, including five in the first three rounds.
As always, we’re here with you throughout the weekend for whatever news comes our way.
Have a safe and happy weekend.
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Peace and love, peace and love!
1 – Does Mike McCarthy’s lack of pro day visits concern you?
2 – Do you support the rule change allowing on-field officials to consult with league personnel when considering ejections? DK Metcalf in Detroit last year is an example of when that might be used.
3 – On a scale of 1 (very bad) to 10 (very good), how satisfied are you with the Steelers’ pre-draft roster?
4 – Which position group is the weakest on the Steelers’ roster?
5 – Will you be attending the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh?
Recap: Opening Day Weekend: Steelers Friday Night Five Questions
Q1: Which rule proposal that will be voted on at the NFL owners meetings would most improve the game/league?
Steelers Depot respondents were split between several different proposals. The NFL approved three rules that tinker with the kickoff, including allowing teams to attempt onside kicks anytime. And two that involve more remote officiating. But Ginko18 is not a fan of adding new rules, writing, “None. More rules and regulations are not helping the game. Let’s aim for clarity on current rules.”
Q2: Who should be the Steelers’ primary kickoff returner in 2026?
Travis Homer is the only player named as the primary kick returner. Several folks said we have to wait for the draft to find out. Wes writes, “Can’t answer this question without knowing which players are going to be back there competing for the job yet. Too early.”
Q3: Of the 12 2026 draft picks the Steelers currently possess, how many will they actually use?
The median response was the Steelers using 9 of their 12 picks in the 2026 draft. The remainder are used to either trade up or to accumulate additional 2027 picks. Ginko18: “10-11. Don’t be surprised that those R7s are used to get players that Steelers won’t pay as UDFAs.”
Q4: Which AFC North team has gained the most talent so far this offseason?
In a rare show of unanimity, everyone said the Steelers have gained the most talent so far this offseason among AFC North teams. ValyrianSteelerJedi captured the feeling with, “Steelers and it’s not even close.”
Q5: Conversely, which AFC North team has lost the most talent so far this offseason?
A couple of folks said Cleveland lost the most talent. But the clear majority said it was Baltimore. Ted Webb: “Ravens, yeah, they got Hendrickson, but lost 2 TEs and their center, plus a running back and fullback.”
Consensus vs. Correct Answers
Questions SD Consensus Correct Answers
Rule proposals improving the game? Trade Expansion/Onside Kick TBD
Steelers’ primary KR? Travis Homer TBD
How many draft picks will the Steelers use? Nine TBD
AFC North team that added most talent? Steelers Up to you!
AFC North team that lost the most talent? Ravens Up to you!
Players report for voluntary workouts on April 7. On April 20, voluntary minicamp begins, and it ends on April 22. The draft rolls around right after that.
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