Happy Friday, and I hope yinz are doing well.
Quarterback watch continues. A calmer week for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second week of free agency and the new league year, though a steady one as the team continued adding to its roster. But the elephant in the room remains under center.
The Steelers are still without a clear starter as they wait on Aaron Rodgers to decide his future. The Minnesota Vikings reportedly won’t make a play for him – for now, anyway – leaving Pittsburgh and the New York Giants as his two remaining options. However, there was tangible progress with Rodgers coming into Pittsburgh to visit with Steelers’ brass Friday. It’s his first known visit and perhaps pushes him closer to signing, though nothing is official as of this writing Friday afternoon.
In the meantime, Pittsburgh took three swings to boost its defensive line depth. The team re-signed Isaiahh Loudermilk and added outside free agents Daniel Ekuale and Esezi Otomewo to presumably cheap contracts. None of these moves address the team’s starting void up front but will raise the floor of the defensive line room.
Pro Days were back in full swing this week. Pittsburgh turned out for Alabama’s Pro Day, dining with QB Jalen Milroe and teammates. They were also in full force at Michigan Pro Day earlier Friday.
It was Steelers Depot’s “small school week” profiling NFL Draft prospects below the FBS level to spotlight players who don’t receive much attention from national outlets. You can catch up on those scouting reports here.
As always, we’re here to bring you whatever news carries us through the weekend.
Top-Read Posts Of The Week
Steelers Made ‘Competitive’ Offer To Justin Fields
Najee Harris Reflects On Time In Pittsburgh
Alex Kozora’s Second Steelers’ Mock
Our Weekly Mock Draft Monday
Willie Colon Is Worried
Peace and love, peace and love!
1 – Predict the round the Steelers will draft a safety this year (or “not at all” if you don’t believe they will draft one).
2 – Will WR George Pickens remain a Steeler for the entire 2025 regular season?
3 – Which Day 2 QB is the Steelers most likely to draft: Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, Ohio State’s Will Howard, Louisville’s Tyler Shough, or Syracuse’s Kyle McCord?
4 – Yes or not, should Pittsburgh give up on pursuing Aaron Rodgers?
5 – Is it a “must” for Pittsburgh to draft a defensive lineman in the first round?
Recap of 2025 First Free Agency Weekend Friday Night Five Questions
Question 1: A few folks gave Pittsburgh an “A” for trading for DK Metcalf. But many expressed concerns that key positions have not been adequately strengthened. The average response of Steelers Depot respondents was a 2.20 on a 4-point grading scale. A solid “C.”
Question 2: Depot respondents strongly believe that T.J. Watt’s contract extension should not exceed Myles Garrett’s $40 million per year average. That vote was by a 16 to 3 margin. Respondents did favor it exceeding the contract for Maxx Crosby. That was a closer 11-8 margin.
Question 3: Respondents strongly believe defensive line is the Steelers’ position of greatest need other than quarterback. Running back a distant second. The vote was 18 to 2.
Question 4: Respondents are exhausted by the quarterback saga. They believe the 2025 starter is a bridge quarterback. And 16 of 20 voters would go with Mason Rudolph as the starter preferring to strengthen other positions to build a base for a 2026 draft pick.
Question 5: About half the respondents predicted a specific date when we will find out Aaron Rodgers’ decision. The median response was March 28 or 29. But the other half preferred that the Steelers either withdraw the offer, that Rodgers retires, or answered “whenever.” I hope this question is answered by the time you are reading this.
Here are the consensus answers of Steelers Depot respondents compared to the correct answers:
Questions Grade First Week Free Agency Should T.J. Top Garret & Crosby? Biggest Position need not QB Starting QB Week 1 When is Rodgers decision
SD Consensus C (2.20) No / Yes Defensive Line Mason Rudolph March 28-29
Correct Answers Your Call TBD Your Call TBD TBD
Although the Steelers’ season is over, there will be a lot to ponder, including which of the 17 unrestricted free agents will be re-signed, draft speculation, and other personnel moves. Hope you all continue responding to the Steelers Depot Friday Night Five Questions as we progress toward the 2025 season.
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