Happy Friday, and I hope yinz are doing well.
The NFL’s offseason has continued to roll along since our last edition of Friday Five. The Steelers hosted their rookie minicamp last weekend, one that wrapped up a day short as Mike McCarthy allowed his players to head home for Mother’s Day. During that camp, there were a few notable storylines.
For one, Drew Allar was the only quarterback present. Mike McCarthy took advantage of his chance to get some sole work with Allar, looking to revamp his mechanics and certainly work on his conditioning as the only quarterback in the building. Max Iheanachor and Gennings Dunker also saw their first spots on the line, the former at right tackle and the latter at left guard. Eli Heidenreich made a solid first impression, as well.
Then on Thursday, the NFL released it’s 2026 schedule. For the Steelers, it doesn’t seem to be quite as tough as the last few years. The Steelers will open the season at home against Atlanta. They face the defending AFC Champions, New England, in Week 2. In Week 7, they head to Paris to play New Orleans. From Weeks 10-14, they’ll play four primetime games. The Steelers close the season at home against Baltimore, once again.
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
Steelers Schedule Leak Tracker
Dulac Shares McCarthy’s Game-Week Changes
Joe Theismann Offers Reason Steelers May Have Drafted Allar
Dulac Talks Three Players Steelers Would Have Traded Up For
Gennings Dunker’s Fitness On Full Display
Peace and love, peace and love!
1 – Will Aaron Rodgers attend Monday’s OTAs?
2 – Do you prefer Max Iheanachor stay at right tackle, or move to left tackle?
3 – What position battle will be the most intriguing during OTAs?
4 – Which rookies (if any) do you expect to start come Week 1?
5 – Which matchup from the Steelers’ 2026 schedule are you most excited for?
Recap: 2026 Rookie Minicamp Weekend: Steelers Friday Night Five Questions
The Steelers’ picks are in!
Q1: Will any tryout players from rookie minicamp be signed to Pittsburgh’s 91-man offseason roster?
With three punters and four LBs attending, many thought one would be signed. But surprise, the Steelers signed C Greg Crimpen out of the rookie minicamp as of this writing. With the emphasis on QB development, it makes sense to have a snapper available for each QB — still time for the Steelers to sign another punter or LB. Of course, I said “At minimum a punter and a LB. Book it.” But Chris92021 was on the mark: “I think at least one will.”
Q2: How many of the Steelers’ 10 draft picks will make the 53-man roster?
The median response was 7-8 draft picks making the 53-man roster. The question is, who won’t make the roster?
Q3: Would you prefer TE Lake McRee (2026 UDFA) or recently signed TE Jaheim Bell to make the Steelers’ 53-man roster?
TE Lake McRee is a slight favorite over Jaheim Bell to make the roster. But Steven Small challenged the premise of the question: “What about JJ Galbreath? I don’t know enough about the other two. TE3 is definitely an issue.”
Q4: Do you expect the Steelers to sign any UFL players?
A 50/50 split on whether the Steelers sign any UFL players. Their season does not end until May 31, but maybe one will be signed before the mandatory camp.
Q5: Among Chris Boswell, Joey Porter Jr., Nick Herbig and Darnell Washington, who receives a contract extension first?
The consensus was that Chris Boswell should receive the first contract extension. Ted Webb; “Boswell is long overdue and a veteran of many years, so he should get his first!” Nice job. Rock3373 missed this. But I like his optimism: “That’s a good question. I think we want to extend them all. I think Washington will sign the first extension, followed by Boz and JPJ. Herbig might be very sticky.”
Consensus vs. Correct Answers
Questions SD Consensus Correct Answers
Steelers sign any tryout players? Yes Yes
How many picks make 53-man roster? 7-8 TBD
Will McRee or Bell make 53-man roster? Lake McRee TBD
Any UFL players signed? 50/50 TBD
First contract extension? Chris Boswell Chris Boswell
OTAs begin May 18, as the Aaron Rodgers watch continues.
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