Pittsburgh Steelers News

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Michael Pittman Jr. • WR • Steelers

Michael Pittman Jr. Undervalued in an Environment Fit for His Skill Set

When veteran wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the opening days of the new league year, his dynasty value took a slight hit. With recent reporting that 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers is close to returning to the team, Pittman could now be viewed as an underrated dynasty trade target at RotoBaller's WR53. The Steelers lost running back Kenneth Gainwell in free agency, while tight end Jonnu Smith remains unsigned, leaving the team without two of its leading receivers from 2025 and vacating a total of 135 targets between them. Coming into Pittsburgh with an average depth of target below 8.5 yards in three of his last four seasons, Pittman should become an immediate favorite of Rodgers, as the latter's game has become largely defined by his unwillingness to hold onto the ball. His 2.56-second average time to throw in 2025 was longer only than Tua Tagovailoa among qualified starters, and with Pittman one of the most likely benefactors of those short developing routes, he could volume his way well past his current value in 2026, becoming a useful WR3/flex piece for contending managers.

19 hours ago

Jaylen Warren • RB • Steelers

Jaylen Warren a Safe Dynasty Depth Piece with Insurance Upside

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has finished as the RB25 or better in two of the past three seasons, and his well-rounded game has allowed him to thrive in whatever running back room he's a part of. While sharing the backfield with Najee Harris, Warren excelled in a pass-catching role, finishing with the fifth-most running back receptions in the league in 2023. With Kenneth Gainwell sopping up more than 80 targets in 2025, Warren churned out a career-high 958 yards on the ground en route to an RB16 finish. In free agent acquisition Rico Dowdle, the Steelers have added another back capable of working in both the run and pass game, but unlikely to dominate in either, at least not to the extent of Warren's previous teammates. Warren and Dowdle could see something close to a true 50/50 split in 2026, making the former well worth his current dynasty cost of RotoBaller's RB30, even if his ceiling is capped in a timeshare. However, should injuries force him into a larger role, Warren has proven upside, finishing as the RB15 or better in five of his nine 2025 games with at least a 50% snap share, and never below RB26.

Yesterday

Rico Dowdle • RB • Steelers

Rico Dowdle's Dynasty Ceiling Limited By Backfield Committee in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle began the 2025 season as the RB2 for the Carolina Panthers behind Chuba Hubbard. However, an early-season injury to Hubbard opened the door for Dowdle, and he finished the year with 1,373 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns on 275 touches across 17 games for Carolina. The Steelers rewarded Dowdle with a two-year, $12.25 million contract in free agency, and he now forms a two-headed backfield monster in Pittsburgh with veteran back Jaylen Warren. Warren's presence in Pittsburgh likely caps Dowdle's production ceiling, particularly in the passing game. Still, Dowdle should be the team's primary early-down and goal-line rusher, a role he's proven he can excel in in recent years. In dynasty formats, Dowdle profiles as a solid flex option with some upside heading into 2026.

2 days ago

Pat Freiermuth • TE • Steelers

Pat Freiermuth a Bounce-Back Candidate in New System

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth had a frustrating 2025 season, catching just 41 passes for 486 yards and four touchdowns en route to ranking as the overall TE25 in PPR leagues. There's some uncertainty about his future outlook, but the good news is that the Steelers have a new coaching staff in place, and they didn't bring in anyone to compete with Freiermuth. He's clearly the top option on the depth chart, ahead of players like Darnell Washington and rookie Riley Nowakowski. The bad news, on the other hand, is that in Mike McCarthy's last season as a head coach (2024), Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson was the TE25. In the Cowboys' first year without McCarthy, he soared to TE5. So while we're encouraged that the Steelers' coaching staff change -- plus the anticipated return of dependable passer Aaron Rodgers -- could be good for Freiermuth, we also acknowledge that McCarthy doesn't have the greatest short-term track record with the position. The 27-year-old should bounce back this year, but the exact magnitude of his progression is unknown. We're not ready to bank on him being a TE1 in fantasy football.

3 days ago

Aaron Rodgers • QB • Steelers

Aaron Rodgers Planning a Visit With Steelers

Free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers is planning to visit the Pittsburgh Steelers to further discuss his future with the team, as reported by NFL insider Ian Rapoport. While no deal is currently in place, there is speculation that the visit could be the next step toward getting him signed for the 2026 season. Rodgers threw for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns in his first season with Pittsburgh. Following a mutual parting of ways between the Steelers and long-time head coach Mike Tomlin, a return to the Steel City by the 42-year-old veteran would also mean a reunion between Rodgers and new head coach Mike McCarthy after the two spent 13 seasons together in Green Bay, including a Super Bowl-winning 2010 campaign. The Steelers added quarterback Drew Allar in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and should the team find itself in a situation where it is forced to move forward without Rodgers, the Penn State rookie would likely compete with seven-year veteran Mason Rudolph and 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard for the starting job.

3 days ago

Drew Allar • QB • Steelers

Drew Allar Wasn't Always Set Up to Succeed in College

Former Penn State quarterback Drew Allar likely would have been among the top QBs drafted in 2025 if he had skipped his senior season, according to Adam Rittenberg of ESPN. However, Allar chose to return to Penn State and had a slower-than-expected start before breaking his ankle in the middle of the season. The Pittsburgh Steelers took the 6-foot-5, 228-pounder with the No. 76 overall pick in this year's NFL draft. Big Ten coaches were lukewarm on Allar, but they noted that he "went through multiple systems and wasn't always set up to succeed." "Hopefully [Pittsburgh] will be a coaching staff that can maximize what he's good at," a Big Ten coach said. "I'm not really sure that was the case [at Penn State]." Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy will look to maximize Allar's skill set, but most likely after veteran Aaron Rodgers plays one more season in the Steel City. Allar threw for 49 touchdowns in his sophomore and junior seasons with the Nittany Lions before recording 1,100 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions in six games in his senior campaign before getting hurt. Fantasy managers in dynasty formats will need to be patient with the 22-year-old, but the long-term ceiling is high.

5 days ago

Darnell Washington • TE • Steelers

Darnell Washington Trending Down in a New-Look Offense?

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington finally seemed like he was getting closer to fantasy relevance in dynasty leagues last season. However, the chances of him getting on the fantasy radar are now declining based on the Steelers' offseason moves. For starters, the team parted ways with head coach Mike Tomlin and brought in Mike McCarthy, who has no connections to the existing roster and presumably won't have the same patience to wait for a Washington breakout. Additionally, McCarthy started to put his own stamp on the tight end room, selecting Riley Nowakowski in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. That's not elite draft capital by any means, but it's presumably enough to give Nowakowski the chance to earn the No. 2 role by the end of the season. That could be problematic for Washington, who is heading into a contract year and is already behind Pat Freiermuth on the depth chart. As of now, it seems unlikely that Washington will be able to replicate his 2025 finish, which included 31 catches, 364 yards, and one touchdown. Additionally, we wouldn't be shocked if he's on a different team in 2027. He finished last year as the TE39 in PPR leagues, and he has already fallen to TE53 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings.

5 days ago

Aaron Rodgers • QB • Steelers

Steelers Losing Patience With Aaron Rodgers?

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac writes that the Pittsburgh Steelers' "patience could be starting to wear thin" with free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers since he still has yet to commit to re-signing with the organization to be their starter in 2026. Although nothing is official, all reports have indicated that the 42-year-old future Hall of Famer is leaning toward re-signing with Pittsburgh for a 22nd year in the NFL. The Steelers have the right of first refusal and can match any offer sheet that Rodgers might receive from another team after they placed an unrestricted free-agent tender on him. Mason Rudolph and Will Howard were already on Pittsburgh's roster at the QB position before the team selected former Penn State signal-caller Drew Allar at No. 76 overall in this year's NFL draft. If Rodgers re-signs with the Steelers, as expected, he'll be the starter under center going into Week 1 this fall. The Steelers have upgraded their WR room this offseason, but Rodgers would continue to be a low-upside QB2 in superflex fantasy football leagues.

6 days ago

DK Metcalf • WR • Steelers

DK Metcalf Won't be Charged for Incident With Lions Fan

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf will not face charges for an incident with a Detroit Lions fan at Ford Field on Dec. 21, according to Christian Romo of the Detroit Free Press. At the end of last season, the NFL suspended Metcalf for two games for his actions. However, the Steelers didn't void any of Metcalf's guarantees, and no further discipline is expected from the league in 2026. The Lions fan later filed a lawsuit seeking damages from Metcalf, but the Wayne County court determined that the fan didn't appear injured and didn't seek medical attention at the game. It's good news for Metcalf's fantasy value going into the 2026 campaign, although his stock could be on the decline in a new offense led by head coach Mike McCarthy. Not only do the Steelers not officially know if future Hall of Fame QB Aaron Rodgers is coming back for another season, but the team added Michael Pittman Jr. via trade and rookies Germie Bernard and Kaden Wetjen in the draft. The 28-year-old Metcalf could be dealing with subpar QB play in 2026 and more competition for targets in the passing game.

May 1

Broderick Jones • OT • Steelers

Steelers Decline the Fifth-Year Option for Broderick Jones

The Pittsburgh Steelers declined the fifth-year option for left tackle Broderick Jones (neck) on Thursday, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. The option would have paid Jones $19.1 million in 2027. Jones only played in 11 games in 2025 in his third year in the league and is coming off neck surgery. The 24-year-old has started 38 of the 45 games he's appeared in over his three years in the NFL, and he was playing well before his neck injury last year, so if Jones can bounce back with another healthy and productive year in 2025, the Steelers could look to extend him beyond next season. However, it's still unclear if Jones, the 14th overall pick in 2023 out of Georgia, will be ready for training camp this summer and the start of the 2026 regular season in early September.

May 1

Aaron Rodgers • QB • Steelers

Steelers Place Right-of-First-Refusal Tender on Aaron Rodgers

The Pittsburgh Steelers placed the rare right-of-first-refusal tender on free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers on Tuesday, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. It means that Rodgers can accept a 10% raise from last year's salary, which would pay him around $15 million in 2026, and the Steelers also will have the right to match any offer sheet he would sign with another team. Rodgers would only be able to sign with the Steelers once training camp begins, as another condition of the tender. The 42-year-old future Hall of Famer has not informed Pittsburgh of his decision on whether he wants to continue his career and re-sign with the team, but all signs continue to point to a reunion with new head coach Mike McCarthy. The Steelers drafted QB Drew Allar in the third round last week, but if Rodgers returns, he will be the team's starter under center for a second straight season. Pittsburgh has added some reinforcements at receiver behind DK Metcalf, including former Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr., but Rodgers should still be viewed as more of a low-upside, low-end QB2 in superflex leagues in 2026 if he's back for another season.

Apr 28

Aaron Rodgers • QB • Steelers

Former Steelers Coach Thinks Aaron Rodgers Will Return to Pittsburgh

Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, who will join NBC's Football Night in America in 2026, said that at the end of the day, he thinks free-agent veteran Aaron Rodgers will be the team's quarterback this season. Both Tomlin and new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy seem confident in Rodgers' abilities, even though he'll turn 43 this December. Pittsburgh had Will Howard and Mason Rudolph in the QB room before selecting rookie Drew Allar in the third round of last week's NFL draft. Even with Allar in the mix now, Rodgers would likely be the Steelers' starter under center to begin the 2026 regular season if he ultimately re-signs in Pittsburgh. The Steelers wouldn't mind having Allar be mentored by one of the game's best at the position. Rodgers, a four-time MVP and 10-time Pro Bowler, was the QB19 in fantasy in 2025, throwing 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions with 3,322 passing yards in 16 games. The Steelers have added some talent at WR, most notably Michael Pittman Jr., but Rodgers will still be considered more of a low-end QB2 in fantasy football if he returns to the Steel City for one more season.

Apr 27

Eli Heidenreich • RB • Steelers

Navy's Eli Heidenreich to the Steelers at No. 230 Overall

The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected Navy running back prospect Eli Heidenreich with the 230th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. A three-year contributor in college, Heidenreich posted elite numbers in the passing game. Last season, he had 499 rushing yards, 51 catches, 941 receiving yards, and nine total touchdowns. He also set a new all-time program record with six touchdown receptions in a single season. The pass-catching numbers are very impressive, and he should continue to have a role on passing downs at the next level. There's a decent chance that he'll be able to carve out some third-down snaps in the Steelers' backfield behind Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle.

Apr 25

Riley Nowakowski • TE • Steelers

Steelers Select Riley Nowakowski at No. 169 Overall

The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected Indiana tight end prospect Riley Nowakowski with the 169th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Nowakowski caught 32 passes for 387 yards and two receiving touchdowns in the Hoosiers' national championship-winning offense last year. He also got involved as a fullback, scoring two rushing touchdowns. We could see him take on a similar hybrid fullback/tight end role in Pittsburgh, serving as the team's replacement for Connor Heyward, who signed with the Raiders this offseason. Assuming that's the case, Nowakowski doesn't have a clear path to fantasy relevance. He can be avoided in most fantasy football drafts.

Apr 25

Kaden Wetjen • WR • Steelers

Steelers Select Receiver/Returner Kaden Wetjen 121st Overall

The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected Iowa return specialist/wide receiver Kaden Wetjen with the 121st overall pick in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. He's technically listed as a wide receiver, but we expect to see Wetjen operate solely on special teams. While he had just 23 catches and 197 yards across three seasons at school, he exploded for 1,538 kick return yards, 954 punt return yards, and six return touchdowns. He led the Big 10 in yards per kick return each of the last two seasons, as well as punt return yards in 2025. Meanwhile, he led the entire FBS in kick return yards in 2024 and punt return yards, yards per punt return, and punt return touchdowns in 2025. The Steelers love Iowa prospects and consistently pursue talented returners in the draft or free agency, so this is a perfect fit. He should be their primary returner in Week 1.

Apr 25

Drew Allar • QB • Steelers

Drew Allar Selected 76th Overall by Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a move at the quarterback position, selecting Penn State signal-caller Drew Allar with the 76th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Allar played just six games for the Nittany Lions in 2025 due to a fractured ankle, which ended his season in mid-October. Across 45 career collegiate contests, Allar completed 63.2% of his pass attempts and threw 61 touchdowns with just 13 interceptions. He also showed some ability to make plays with his legs during his junior season in 2024, rushing for 302 yards and six touchdowns on 96 attempts. The Steelers quarterback room is currently unsettled as the team waits for Aaron Rodgers to decide whether he will play in 2026. If Rodgers returns, Allar will likely play a reserve role as a rookie. Should Rodgers decide to retire, Allar could be competing with veteran quarterback Mason Rudolph for the starting role in Pittsburgh.

Apr 24

Germie Bernard • WR • Steelers

Steelers Trade Up, Select Germie Bernard With 47th Overall Pick

The Pittsburgh Steelers have traded up to pick 47 to select University of Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard. Per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the Steelers are trading picks 53, 135, and 237 to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for picks 47 and 249. Across 14 games with the Crimson Tide in 2025, Bernard hauled in 64 receptions for 862 yards and seven touchdowns. He also rushed for 101 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries, so he could bring some dual-threat appeal for fantasy managers in 2026 and beyond. The Steelers have wide receivers DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. firmly atop their depth chart at the position. However, Bernard could be in a position to earn the team's WR3 role right away. If veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers does eventually return to Pittsburgh, Bernard's run-after-catch ability could lead to him seeing plenty of short-area targets.

Apr 24

Max Iheanachor • OT • Steelers

Steelers Select Offensive Tackle Max Iheanachor With 21st Pick

The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected offensive tackle Max Iheanachor out of Arizona State with the 21st selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. Iheanachor has spent his entire three-year college career with Arizona State. In his first season (2023), the Nigerian native appeared in only six games before carving out a full-time role over his final two seasons. The 6-foot-6 lineman is credited with having elite range for his size and should have little trouble transitioning to the Pittsburgh running scheme. While there were concerns in the pre-draft process regarding his ability in the passing game, he may adjust well, given his strong showing during the Senior Bowl. Iheanachor will join a Pittsburgh offensive line that surrendered just 31 sacks during the season but struggled to generate consistent momentum on the ground, averaging a low 103.3 rushing yards per game.

Apr 23

Kaleb Johnson • RB • Steelers

Does Kaleb Johnson Still Carry Dynasty Buy-Low Appeal?

A third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson failed to carve out a role in his team's offense as a rookie. Across 10 games played, the 22-year-old recorded just 28 carries for 69 yards. He spent the year buried on the Steelers' running back depth chart behind Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell. While Gainwell departed Pittsburgh in free agency, the team brought in former Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle to replace him. As a result, Johnson appears to remain stuck in the RB3 role in Pittsburgh heading into 2026. While Johnson showed dynasty managers little reason for optimism in 2025, there would be little point in selling him now when his value is at its lowest. Johnson has the advantage of working with an entirely new Steelers coaching staff in 2026, which could provide him with the fresh start he needs. If Johnson can be had for pennies on the dollar, deep-league dynasty managers may want to consider buying very low on him.

Apr 22

DK Metcalf • WR • Steelers

Should Dynasty Managers Be Looking to Sell on DK Metcalf?

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf had an underwhelming season in his first year with the team in 2025, finishing the year with 59 receptions for 850 yards and six touchdowns on 99 targets across 15 games. Despite profiling as the obvious number one pass-catcher in Pittsburgh, Metcalf set career lows in both targets and receiving yards. To fortify their receiving corps, the Steelers swung a big trade for former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. earlier this offseason. While Pittman Jr.'s presence could relieve some defensive pressure from Metcalf, it could also lead to Metcalf seeing yet another reduction in targets. Additionally, the Steelers quarterback situation currently remains in flux while the team waits for Aaron Rodgers to make a decision on whether or not he will play in 2026. Dynasty managers may not want to sell Metcalf at an apparent low point in his value, but there's a real possibility that his stock could sink even further as he enters his age-29 season.

Apr 22

Pittsburgh Steelers News

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