Happy Friday, and I hope yinz are doing well.
While it feels like it went pretty fast, we are now through the Steelers’ offseason program. Three weeks of OTAs, one week of minicamp, and a ton of storylines later, the Steelers are now into their break before training camp. They’ll all meet again in late July in Latrobe where things really ramp up.
For now, there are some takeaways from offseason practices to consider. First, the Steelers gave us a glimpse at their quarterback battle with Will Howard in the QB2 role – for now. He’ll get most of the backup reps to start training camp as it seems clear the Steelers want to give him every chance to earn that role. What that means for Mason Rudolph, we’ll have to see.
Elsewhere around the roster, Roman Wilson and Germie Bernard are battling for the WR3 role. In the secondary, Darnell Savage will be fighting a couple of youngsters to make the 53-man roster. The Steelers have a lot more depth this year, which also means plenty of position battles. They all should be interesting to watch come training camp.
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 – Should the Steelers plan to build a new stadium outside of Pittsburgh or renovate Acrisure Stadium instead?
2 – On a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high), what’s your confidence in the Steelers’ ILB room?
3 – Through his first two years, has Patrick Queen been more of an asset or a liability?
4 – Will the Steelers’ offense score more points than their defense allows this season?
5 – Will the Steelers’ offense fulfill Mike McCarthy’s wish of 55 touches per game this season?
Recap: Mandatory Minicamp Weekend: Steelers Friday Night Five Questions
They’re grinding.
Q1: How long will the Steelers’ OLB trio of Nick Herbig, T.J. Watt, and Alex Highsmith stay intact?
The Steelers will enjoy their OLB trio of T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig for no more than two seasons, according to Steelers Depot respondents. Most believe they will break up after the 2026 season. Shaun Horrigan wrote, “With Herbig’s new contract not beginning until 2027…maybe this year only.” But John Stewart, among the minority, sees two more seasons: “Watt is untradeable. Herbig just got paid. Highsmith will get a sweetener.”
Q2: Will Joey Porter Jr. sign a contract extension before training camp?
Respondents believe Joey Porter will sign a contract before training camp by an 8-4 margin. Ted Webb explains, “Yes, the way Omar has been getting it done, I honestly think it gets done.”
Q3: Does the Myles Garrett trade change your view of where the Steelers will finish in the AFC North?
SoCal now Central PA Steeler was among the majority who hold the same view of the Steelers’ prospects regardless of the Garrett trade: “No, it might mean a sweep against the Browns but not affect the Steelers winning the division again.” Most respondents whose views changed are convinced the Steelers will sweep the series with Cleveland.
Q4: Which player is most likely to be a surprise cut and miss out on the 53-man roster?
Kaleb Johnson, with three votes, is the player most likely to be cut and miss the 53-man roster. Malik Harrison and Will Howard both got two mentions. Others include Darnell Savage, Dean Lowry, and Mason Rudolph. Wes writes, “Kaleb Johnson. (Not so much of a shocker, but I can’t really think of anyone else.)
Q5: Between Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington who makes a bigger impact in 2026?
Darnell Washington will have a bigger impact than Pat Freiermuth in 2026. Most expect Freiermuth to receive more targets. But Washington is poised to catch his share of passes and continue to figure prominently in the offense as a blocker. WeWantDaTruth: “Washington – while not the receiving threat that Muth is, his blocking is invaluable.”
Consensus vs. Correct Answers
Questions SD Consensus Correct Answers
OLB room staying intact? 2026 only TBD
Joey Porter Jr. extension before camp? Yes TBD
Garrett trade impacts Steelers? No TBD
Surprise cut? Kaleb Johnson TBD
Freiermuth or Washington bigger impact? Darnell Washington TBD
Players will report for training camp in Latrobe on July 28.
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