His replacement, Mike McCarthy, immediately faced one of the franchise’s biggest challenges: convincing Aaron Rodgers to return for one final season instead of retiring. McCarthy succeeded, giving Pittsburgh another year with the future Hall of Fame quarterback while the team prepares for life after Rodgers.

Even so, the front office remained focused on the future. With Rodgers expected to retire after the 2026 season, the Steelers knew they needed to identify a long-term answer at quarterback.

Steelers make major investment in Drew Allar

Behind Aaron Rodgers, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback depth chart currently features Mason Rudolph and Will Howard, who enters his second NFL season.

However, during the 2026 NFL Draft, general manager Omar Khan and McCarthy made a surprising move by selecting former Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in the third round. The selection immediately fueled speculation that Pittsburgh viewed Allar as much more than a developmental backup.

Drew Allar officially signs rookie contract with Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have now officially signed Allar to his rookie deal, a four-year contract that gives the organization time to develop him behind Aaron Rodgers.

With Rodgers expected to mentor the young quarterback during what could be his final NFL season, Allar will have an opportunity to learn from one of the greatest passers in league history before potentially taking over as Pittsburgh’s starter.

While nothing has been guaranteed, the Steelers clearly believe Allar has the talent to become the franchise’s quarterback of the future. If his development goes according to plan, they may already have a succession plan in place for the post-Rodgers era or at least a competition for that spot with Howard.

J.J. Galbreath joined the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2025 out of South Dakota, and he felt that something hadn’t been quite right during Tomlin’s final stretch with the team. “Last year coming in, I just felt like there was like a tension in the air,” he said during an appearance on The Banner Show.

After completing his first year in the NFL, Galbreath appears to be entering this new chapter with a greater sense of confidence and experience. “It seems more easygoing,” he added.

It appears that Mike McCarthy is already looking to distinguish himself from Mike Tomlin, not only in terms of team culture but also through his tactical approach. Can the veteran head coach lead the Steelers back to the NFL‘s elite?

Mike Tomlin’s legacy

Since taking the reins of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2007, Mike Tomlin has built one of the most impressively consistent resumes in modern NFL history. Most famously, he’s never posted a single losing season in nearly two decades on the sideline.

Along the way, he became the youngest head coach at the time to win a Super Bowl when he led Pittsburgh to victory in Super Bowl XLIII, added seven AFC North division titles, and earned over 170 regular-season wins.

Rodgers’ tight end options

J.J. Galbreath currently sits lower on the Steelers’ tight end depth chart, especially after the team signed former Kansas City Chiefs tight end Robert Tonyan to provide another reliable target for Aaron Rodgers. These are the tight ends the veteran quarterback will have at his disposal this season:

• Darnell Washington
• Pat Freiermuth
• Robert Tonyan
• JJ Galbreath
• Lake McRee
• Jaheim Bell

Steelers kick off preparations for the 2026 season

The Steelers’ 2026 NFL training camp is just around the corner, and unlike many other teams, Pittsburgh’s veterans and rookies will report on the same day to begin preparations in full.

The scheduled date for players to report for the toughest stage of preparation is Tuesday, July 28, with Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, serving as the team’s training camp location.

With the 2026 NFL training camp set to begin soon, several changes are already starting to take shape. According to journalist Mark Kaboly on his show Kaboly + Mack, the Steelers are expected to have less physical contact during the early practices, along with the implementation of a new approach under the team’s new regime.

“I guess change isn’t bad, but he ain’t easing into this change,” Kaboly said. “It’s, ‘This is my way, this is how I do it, I don’t even care.’ I wouldn’t even be shocked if there is nothing that is similar to what was done in the past. They even changed the name of their weekly program on their website. What was it called, The Standard is the Standard? I don’t even think that’s the name of it anymore.

“I think it’s Forging Iron or something like that. You think The Standard is the Standard sign is going to be right there walking into the locker room at Acrisure Stadium? I guarantee that sign’s not there. What I’m saying is, everything has changed.“

What means ‘Standard is the Standard’?

Popularized by Mike Tomlin, the phrase “The standard is the standard” embodies an uncompromising mindset of accountability, discipline, and excellence. It means that the team’s expectations and level of performance remain high regardless of circumstances, whether dealing with injuries, roster changes, or playing back-to-back opponents.

In essence, it serves as a reminder that excuses are unacceptable, and every player, regardless of their role or status, is expected to meet the exact same elite standard set by the franchise.

Key differences between McCarthy and Tomlin

While both are Super Bowl-winning head coaches, Mike Tomlin and Mike McCarthy approach the game from fundamentally different tactical foundations. Tomlin is a defensively rooted leader whose core philosophy rests on a hard-nosed, physical 3-4 defense and disciplined, high-intensity play designed to win the turnover margin and physical battles up front.

In contrast, McCarthy is an offensive-minded play-caller built around West Coast passing principles, heavy usage of spread formations, and short-to-intermediate horizontal passing schemes designed to maximize quarterback rhythm and efficiency.

Where Tomlin emphasizes defense, field position, and relentlessly enforcing high standards across all phases, McCarthy focuses his field tactics on dictating tempos, creating favorable passing matchups, and managing offensive red-zone execution.

The Steelers do have young quarterbacks in the pipeline, including Drew Allar and Will Howard, while veteran Mason Rudolph remains part of the picture. However, not everyone is convinced the team’s next franchise quarterback is already on the roster.

That is why recent comments from NFL analyst Mike Florio have generated so much discussion about a potential future target for Pittsburgh. A surprise might be possible.

Could the Steelers sign Baker Mayfield in 2027?

Mike Florio believes the answer should be yes. “Baker Mayfield would be perfect in Pittsburgh. He would be perfect. I know they would like to get off this train of older veteran quarterbacks, but, I mean, he’s a spring chicken compared to Aaron Rodgers. I would make a bee line for Baker Mayfield. If I’m Mike McCarthy and I’m the Steelers and I get through this season and my options are Drew Allar, Will Howard and Mason Rudolph, I am doing whatever it takes to get Baker Mayfield in Pittsburgh.”

The timing of Florio’s comments is particularly interesting because Mayfield’s future with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is far from settled. The veteran quarterback is entering the final year of his contract in 2026 and has already acknowledged publicly that extension talks have stalled.

Mayfield also made it clear that if a new deal is not completed before the season begins, negotiations will be put on hold. That stance could open the door for Mayfield to test free agency in 2027, potentially creating one of the biggest quarterback storylines in the NFL.

Mayfield signed a three-year, $100 million contract with Tampa Bay after revitalizing his career with the Buccaneers. However, the quarterback market has changed dramatically since then, and he is reportedly expected to seek a deal worth at least $50 million per season if he reaches free agency.

For now, any connection between Mayfield and Pittsburgh remains speculative. But if Rodgers retires and the Steelers remain unconvinced about their internal options, Florio’s suggestion could become a very realistic scenario in just a year’s time.

Per Mike DeFabo of The Athletic, Bernard “has a really high floor… has a good shot” of entering the rotation. DeFabo states Roman Wilson is the WR3 right now, but that could change if Bernard keeps impressing.

After all, the Steelers used a second-round pick on him, that is major draft capital to relegate him as a whole. Plus, Roman Wilson hasn’t exactly delivered as promised, so the spot is there for the taking.

Physical wideouts are what the Steelers want

Bernard is undoubtedly a very strong wideout. Add that to Michael Pittman and DK Metcalf, and the Steelers have arguably the most physical WR room in the NFL. It seems like new head coach Mike McCarthy wants to overpower the rest.

Add that to having one of the strongest tight ends in the NFL like Darnell Washington, and Pat Freiermuth also in the mix, and the mission is clear: tear and wear opposing defenders until they give up.

Germie Bernard’s 2025 stats

Playing for a blue-chip program like Alabama, Bernard had the spotlight on him. In 2023, Bernard racked up 862 yards on 64 receptions for seven touchdowns. However, he added 116 rush yards and two additional tuddies on the ground.

Most teams carry three quarterbacks during the regular season, which has led many observers to assume that at least one passer will eventually be cut or traded before Week 1. However, that outcome may not be as certain as it initially appeared.

According to NFL insider Jason La Canfora, there is growing belief around the league that Pittsburgh could take an unconventional approach and keep all four quarterbacks on the roster. “Several people close to the situation said they don’t think it’s entirely out of the question that the Steelers keep all four.”

Who will the Steelers cut at QB?

At the moment, the answer may be nobody. Jason La Canfora reported that the Steelers are not necessarily expected to move on from one of their quarterbacks before the season begins. Instead, they could decide that the value of keeping depth at the position outweighs the cost of using an extra roster spot.

If the Steelers ultimately decide to make a move, the most likely scenario may not involve releasing a player. Instead, Pittsburgh could trade Mason Rudolph. “At this point a trade of Rudolph seems more likely than Howard.”

That distinction is important. Howard is viewed as a long-term developmental prospect, while Rudolph has starting experience and could potentially attract interest from quarterback-needy teams around the league. For now, though, the possibility of Pittsburgh carrying four quarterbacks remains very much alive as the team prepares for a new era under Mike McCarthy.

There is considerable pressure surrounding the franchise heading into Mike McCarthy’s first season as head coach. Expectations remain high after the Steelers invested heavily in key players such as Nick Herbig and Darnell Washington while attempting to build a roster capable of making a deep playoff run with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

With training camp approaching, the Steelers appear committed to evaluating every possible option that could strengthen the roster. That process continued this week with another veteran addition on the offensive side of the ball.

Who did the Steelers just sign?

The Steelers just signed veteran tight end Robert Tonyan. The move reunites Tonyan with McCarthy, who became familiar with the tight end during their time together with the Green Bay Packers. He played there between 2017 and 2022.

Tonyan has enjoyed a lengthy NFL career that has included stops with the Packers, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, and most recently the Kansas City Chiefs. His experience and versatility could provide additional depth to Pittsburgh’s tight end room as the team prepares for the regular season.

The Steelers also made several additional roster moves. Along with signing Tonyan, Pittsburgh added linebacker Jamin Davis while waiving tight end Chamon Metayer.

“Herbig is a great player. Think there will be teams calling the Steelers about Alex Highsmith if they aren’t already.” The speculation is easy to understand. Herbig’s new four-year extension could be worth as much as $100 million, a stunning commitment for a player who is not a full-time starter.

With T.J. Watt and Highsmith already on the roster, some around the league immediately wondered whether the Steelers could eventually move one of their veteran pass rushers, particularly Highsmith.

Will Steelers trade Alex Highsmith?

The financial situation makes the discussion even more intriguing about a possible trade. Alex Highsmith signed a four-year, $68 million extension in 2023, a deal that now looks like a bargain compared to the money recently handed to Herbig.

While Watt earns roughly $41 million per season and Herbig is now positioned around $25 million annually, Highsmith remains at approximately $17 million per year.

What’s remarkable is that Highsmith was actually Pittsburgh’s most productive pass rusher in 2025. He led the team with 9.5 sacks, finishing ahead of Herbig’s 7.5 and Watt’s 7. As a result, it is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the possibility that he could seek a significant raise in the near future.

That is why Barnwell’s observation matters. If the Steelers do not reach a new agreement, Highsmith will likely pursue a massive contract extension after the 2026 season. Pittsburgh could instead choose to capitalize on his value now, potentially receiving significant draft compensation while avoiding another expensive long-term commitment on an already costly defense.

However, longtime Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo believes those fears are overblown. Despite the speculation generated by Herbig’s new deal, he does not expect Pittsburgh to move franchise cornerstone T.J. Watt.

“The Steelers don’t typically go down that road at all. I mean, they have cut guys before with years left on the contact. They’ve said: ‘Ok, you’re past your prime and we’re gonna move on.’ But to go down that road of trading a star like that, it just doesn’t happen. I still think it’s important for T.J. Watt to end here, although what transpired here in the last 24 hours does get me thinking. I still think they’re super committed to T.J. and they’re kind of like unicorns right now.”

Why the Nick Herbig extension fueled trade rumors with Steelers

The speculation was understandable. After all, the Pittsburgh Steelers just committed massive money to a player who is not currently a full-time starter. Herbig has developed into an important contributor, but he still sits behind Watt and Alex Highsmith on the depth chart.

That reality led some observers to wonder whether the Steelers were preparing for a future without one of their veteran stars. In particular, Highsmith’s name emerged in trade discussions because of the financial flexibility a move could create.

At the same time, the NFL trade market has provided fresh examples of teams making bold decisions. The Cleveland Browns recently traded Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams in a blockbuster deal which got them Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2028 second-round pick.

While Watt might not command exactly the same return due to age and contract considerations, it is easy to imagine a first-round pick being part of any potential negotiations. A trade would also help the Steelers avoid carrying another massive contract on their salary cap.

Steelers still view TJ Watt as a franchise cornerstone

Despite the financial logic that some fans and analysts have discussed, Fittipaldo believes the Steelers remain committed to Watt for the long term. They have traditionally operated differently from many teams around the league, preferring to keep homegrown superstars rather than trade them away.

That philosophy appears unchanged even after the Herbig extension. Rather than replacing Watt, the Steelers may simply be trying to ensure that one of the league’s most important positions remains a strength for years to come.

General manager Omar Khan has spent the last several days rewarding key young players, including Herbig, while continuing to build a roster capable of competing under head coach Mike McCarthy.

From that perspective, Herbig’s contract may not be a sign that Watt is on the way out. Instead, it could be evidence that the Steelers want to maintain one of the NFL’s deepest and most talented pass-rushing groups.

According to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, the Steelers have made a crucial move regarding tight end Darnell Washington. “The Steelers and tight end Darnell Washington have reached agreement on a four-year, $42M extension, per sources. The deal includes $21M guaranteed.”

While the financial terms are noteworthy, the bigger story may be what the extension says about Pittsburgh’s long-term vision. Washington is only 24 years old and has already established himself as one of the NFL’s most physically imposing tight ends. His elite blocking ability has made him a critical part of the offense, and the Steelers clearly believe his best football is still ahead of him.

Darnell Washington gets contract extension with Steelers

Darnell Washington entered the league with a reputation as a dominant run blocker, but his role expanded significantly during the 2025 season. As Aaron Rodgers became more comfortable in the offense, the young tight end started receiving more opportunities in the passing game.

His size and athleticism created difficult matchups for defenders, while his ability to generate yards after the catch turned him into a valuable offensive weapon. Those developments likely played a major role in Pittsburgh’s decision to commit to him with a long-term extension.

The Steelers now appear convinced that Washington can be much more than a traditional blocking tight end. Instead, they view him as a complete player capable of impacting games in multiple ways.

Mike McCarthy’s offense could make Washington even more valuable

The timing of the extension is particularly interesting given the arrival of Mike McCarthy as head coach. If the Steelers place a renewed emphasis on the running game, Washington could become one of the most important pieces of the entire offense.

His blocking ability allows the Steelers to dominate at the point of attack, support the offensive line, and create favorable running lanes. Few tight ends in football are as effective in that role, making him an ideal fit for the physical identity traditionally embraced by the black and gold team.

The importance of Washington was highlighted late in the 2025 season when he suffered a fractured arm in Week 17. His absence removed a unique weapon from the offense and was viewed by many as a significant factor in the Steelers’ inability to make a deeper playoff run.

Now healthy and armed with a lucrative new contract, Washington enters the next phase of his career as one of the franchise’s foundational players. The Steelers are not just rewarding past performance. They are signaling that they expect the young tight end to play a major role in shaping the team’s future.

The extension also continues a trend from general manager Omar Khan, who has recently rewarded several young building blocks with new deals, including linebacker Nick Herbig.

Wilson’s legacy on the gridiron is undeniable: he is a 10-time Pro Bowler, the 2020 Walter Payton Man of the Year, a two-time NFC champion, and a Super Bowl XLVIII Champion with the Seattle Seahawks. Leaving the game ranked 16th all-time with 46,966 career passing yards, his impact on the league will be felt for years to come.

As Wilson transitions to the booth, the four franchises he once led find themselves in vastly different situations today at the quarterback position.

The current state of Russell Wilson’s former teams

Seattle Seahawks

Entering the NFL as a modest third-round pick (75th overall) in 2012, Wilson quickly defied all expectations in the Emerald City and secured a historic Super Bowl victory in 2014. In a poetic twist of fate, the very same year Wilson announced his retirement, the Seahawks captured another Lombardi Trophy—winning Super Bowl LX under the leadership of quarterback Sam Darnold.

Darnold, who completed a massive career resurgence by guiding the NFC West powerhouse back to the mountaintop, is now firmly entrenched as Seattle’s franchise QB1.

Denver Broncos

In 2022, the Broncos executed a blockbuster trade with the Seahawks to acquire the quarterback who had famously defeated them in the Super Bowl nearly a decade prior. Unfortunately, the high-stakes partnership never quite clicked, and the two sides parted ways in 2024.

Today, Denver’s quarterback room is in a much more promising position with Bo Nix under center. Nix successfully led the Broncos to the AFC Championship game last season; though the club fell to the New England Patriots after Nix was sidelined with an injury, the future remains incredibly bright in Mile High.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Following his release from Denver, Wilson signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh. While he managed to guide Mike Tomlin’s squad to a playoff berth, the offense lacked the long-term consistency management desired, leading to his exit after just one season.

To replace him, the Steelers made waves by signing four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers enjoyed a solid 2025 campaign, orchestrating another playoff appearance for the black and gold. The franchise is fully running it back, confirming Rodgers’ return as the definitive starter for the 2026 season.

New York Giants

Wilson’s final destination in the NFL was a brief, rocky stint with the New York Giants. Though he earned the Week 1 starting nod, his uneven performances failed to satisfy head coach Brian Daboll, resulting in a swift benching.

The reins of the offense were handed to rookie Jaxson Dart, whom the Giants selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Bringing a dynamic dual-threat capability reminiscent of a young Wilson, Dart earned the full trust of the coaching staff, while Wilson concluded his final season as the team’s QB3 behind Dart and veteran Jameis Winston.

Patrick Mahomes sends heartfelt tribute

Following his retirement video, praise poured in from players across the league. Among the most notable reactions was a classy, heartfelt exchange with Kansas City Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes.

“Congrats on a helluva carreer man!” Patrick Mahomes wrote on his Instagram post. “Thanks, 15. Love we got to share the field together! Keep being an inspiration to the kids!” Wilson replied.