The decision became even more surprising weeks later when the Steelers acquired DK Metcalf and gave the veteran receiver the lucrative contract extension that Pickens had been seeking. In other words, Pittsburgh ultimately invested heavily in another wide receiver while deciding that Pickens was not the right player to build around long term.

Now, former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has finally provided more insight into why the organization approved the trade. During an interview with Rich Eisen, Tomlin explained that the decision was not simply about what Pickens could do on the field, but whether he had developed in the other areas Pittsburgh expected from a player who would eventually receive a major second contract.

Why did the Steelers trade George Pickens?

Mike Tomlin explained that the Steelers’ philosophy is to draft talented young players, develop them and eventually reward them with second contracts if they fit the organization’s long-term plans. In Pickens’ case, however, Tomlin acknowledged that the process did not reach that point, while making it clear that the receiver’s talent was never necessarily the issue.

“I think you draft young players that are talented. You help them develop and, if they’re developing in the right ways, if they fit your long-range plans, then you do second contract business with them. It didn’t happen for us with George, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that he’s not gonna be a spectacular player.“

Tomlin then explained that factors away from pure production played an important role in Pittsburgh’s decision. According to the former Steelers coach, the organization wanted more from a potential high-dollar player in terms of leadership, intangibles and responsibilities within the locker room, and it ultimately believed Metcalf was a better fit in those areas.

“For us, I just thought, it’s not only about play. It’s development in other areas. Intangible areas. I think when you’re a high-dollar, second-contract guy, I think there’s some leadership responsibilities and things of that nature. I just don’t feel like that was in his natural wheelhouse. We felt better about DK’s abilities in those areas.”

That explanation sheds new light on one of the most controversial moves of the Steelers’ recent offseason. Pittsburgh did not necessarily believe Pickens lacked the ability to become a spectacular player; instead, the organization questioned whether he possessed the leadership and intangible qualities it wanted from a player it was prepared to make a major financial commitment to. The Steelers ultimately chose to bet on Metcalf, while Pickens received his opportunity to continue his career in Dallas.

Now working as an NBC analyst, Tomlin appeared on The Rich Eisen Show and was asked whether he believes the Steelers can actually win the Super Bowl this season with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback and Mike McCarthy taking over as head coach.

“I certainly do. I think that’s the only reason Aaron comes back. He believes it, I believe it. I don’t think he comes back if he doesn’t believe that. I think they got the bones of having a good unit at all three phases.”

Can the Steelers win the Super Bowl?

Mike Tomlin believes the Steelers can win the Super Bowl. Tomlin pointed to Rodgers’ decision to return as one of the biggest reasons he thinks Pittsburgh should have legitimate championship aspirations.

The Steelers are entering a new chapter after Tomlin’s departure and McCarthy’s arrival as his replacement. Rodgers, meanwhile, is back for another season in Pittsburgh, giving the franchise a veteran quarterback with championship experience in his official last dance.

For Tomlin, Rodgers’ decision to return is more than simply a commitment to another NFL season. He believes the veteran quarterback returned because he genuinely thinks Pittsburgh has a chance to compete for the Lombardi Trophy. And Tomlin appears to share that belief.

Steelers could be the NFL’s 2026 dark horse

Mike Tomlin acknowledged that the Steelers are not receiving the same level of attention as some of the other teams considered among the top Super Bowl contenders. That, however, could ultimately work in Pittsburgh’s favor.

“Certainly, they’re probably not being talked about in the ways that some others are being talked about, but that can be a good motivator and a catalyst for them as well. I think they got high expectations, and I think they should have high expectations.”

Despite no longer being on Pittsburgh’s sideline, however, Tomlin made it clear that his relationship with the organization remains strong. During an interview with Dan Patrick, the former Steelers head coach explained why he will continue supporting the team as he begins his broadcasting career.

“I’m gonna root for those guys because that’s just who I am. I spent 19 years there. I had a hand in selecting most of those guys. And so when you have those intimate relationships, certainly that’s gonna be a component of viewing for me.”

What’s next for Mike Tomlin?

Mike Tomlin’s move to NBC marks the beginning of a new professional chapter after nearly two decades on the Steelers’ sideline. His role will give him the opportunity to offer analysis based on the experience he accumulated during 19 seasons as an NFL head coach.

“I’m having the time of my life. I never had an August since I was like eight years old. I’ve always been on a football team or in a camp-like setting of some description. I can’t wait to see what September is like. I’ve enjoyed 2026. The free time.”

And while he will now have to evaluate teams from an analyst’s perspective, his loyalty to Pittsburgh remains intact. Tomlin may no longer be calling the plays or making decisions for the Steelers, but when the team takes the field, he will still be rooting for the players he helped develop and select.

“I don’t think I’ve been in a roster with four quarterbacks. Obviously when you do that you’re taking a spot from another place in the team but, at the same time, the best 53 are gonna make it . . . those four are part of the 53,” A-Rod said Wednesday.

“I’m happy for all those guys, obviously looking to the future. Cause all the three guys will have the chance when I’m gone . . . I’m excited for those guys’ future,” Rodgers added.

The Steelers’ crowded QB room

Rodgers’ last dance in the NFL will be played in black and gold, as he looks to improve on his 2025 campaign, when the Steelers were eliminated in the Wild Card Round by the Houston Texans. The veteran will have three other quarterbacks behind him on the depth chart, giving Mike McCarthy options to turn to if necessary.

Veteran Mason Rudolph is listed as the first backup in the QB room, while the younger quarterbacks follow behind him. Will Howard is the third option, with recently drafted Drew Allar rounding out the group.

Rodgers’ passing options

DK Metcalf was one of Rodgers’ targets last season, and the receiving corps was further strengthened with the addition of Michael Pittman Jr. Unfortunately for the former Indianapolis Colts receiver, a physical setback limited his time working with his new quarterback in practice, but Rodgers himself expressed satisfaction with what he has seen, as well as Metcalf and Roman Wilson.

“He was hurt, so it is what it is. We got to get him up to speed, but I feel great about — DK and Roman have had arguably 2 of the top probably 5 camps on the team. DK has looked unbelievable.”

The Steelers’ season opener

This year, expectations are high in Steel City, as the Steelers have reunited Rodgers and McCarthy, a duo that already knows what it takes to win a Super Bowl. Getting off to a strong start will be crucial, and these are the first games on their schedule as they look to do so:

• vs Atlanta Falcons, September 13 – Week 1
• at New England Patriots, September 20 – Week 2
• vs Cincinnati Bengals, September 27 – Week 3
• at Cleveland Browns, October 1 – Week 4
• vs Indianapolis Colts, October 11 – Week 5

Jones entered the NFL with enormous expectations after a standout college career at Georgia, but he never developed into the cornerstone offensive tackle the Steelers expected when they selected him in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Now, after getting a fresh start in Dallas, Jones has made it clear that he believes Pittsburgh’s coaching staff played a major role in his struggles — and that amounts to a direct criticism of Mike Tomlin, who was the Steelers’ head coach throughout Jones’ entire tenure.

Broderick Jones criticizes Mike Tomlin’s coaching staff

Broderick Jones took a shot at Mike Tomlin as he was introduced with the Dallas Cowboys. His comments are difficult to separate from the head coach who oversaw his entire development in Pittsburgh.

Explaining why he struggled with the Steelers, Jones pointed specifically to the constant changes along the offensive line and his inability to establish himself at one position.

“For me, I would just say bouncing around positions and just not being able to get my feet set. That was a challenge for me. Coming in, hopefully I can stick to one side. Compete for that job, get comfortable and get familiar with it. Get familiar with who I’ll be playing next to and go from there.”

The former first-round pick is essentially saying that he was never given the stability necessary to develop properly. Since Tomlin was responsible for the Steelers throughout Jones’ entire career, the criticism ultimately lands on the head coach and his staff.

Jones’ comments also make his trade particularly interesting because he is not simply blaming himself for failing to meet expectations. He believes the environment in Pittsburgh contributed directly to his inability to succeed.

Steelers failed to develop another first-round pick

Pittsburgh selected Jones No. 14 overall in 2023 after his impressive career at Georgia, hoping he would eventually become a long-term fixture on the offensive line.

Instead, his time with the Steelers became a combination of inconsistent performances, positional changes and injuries. His 2025 season was particularly difficult because injuries limited his ability to establish momentum, further complicating a development process that had already been inconsistent.

The Steelers ultimately decided that moving on was the best option, sending Jones to Dallas rather than continuing to wait for him to become the player they envisioned on draft night. That decision also adds another name to Pittsburgh’s increasingly concerning list of recent first-round picks who have failed to become foundational pieces.

Broderick Jones gets a fresh start with Cowboys

The Cowboys are giving Jones something he believes he desperately needed in Pittsburgh: a chance to establish himself in one position and develop consistency.

In Dallas, he will compete for a role on an offensive line responsible for protecting Dak Prescott. For Jones, the objective is simple. He wants to pick one side, become comfortable with his assignment and build chemistry with the offensive linemen around him.

That stability could be exactly what he needs to finally unlock the potential that made him a first-round pick. The Steelers may believe Jones simply did not work out. Jones’ comments suggest he sees the situation differently.

And by pointing to the constant positional changes that occurred under Mike Tomlin, the former Pittsburgh first-round pick has made it clear that he does not believe his struggles were entirely his fault.

Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and Drew Allar will remain in Pittsburgh as the Steelers enter the regular season with one of the deepest quarterback rooms in the NFL.

The decision came after Will Howard briefly created some uncertainty Sunday morning with a cryptic Instagram post. The young quarterback shared photos from training camp and the preseason with the caption “Gratitude”, leading some fans to wonder whether he was saying goodbye to Pittsburgh before the roster deadline. Instead, Howard is staying.

Steelers are keeping four quarterbacks

Keeping four quarterbacks is unusual in the NFL because every roster spot is extremely valuable, particularly at positions where injuries can quickly create depth problems.

However, Pittsburgh appears to believe the potential of Howard and Allar is too valuable to risk losing either player. Allar, a 2026 third-round pick, was always expected to have a strong chance of making the roster.

Howard, meanwhile, entered the offseason as a young quarterback the Steelers have continued to praise and develop. Reports had indicated that Pittsburgh was planning to keep both young quarterbacks rather than expose either one to the possibility of being claimed by another team. That means the Steelers are willing to sacrifice a roster spot elsewhere in order to protect what they believe could be their quarterback future.

What’s the Steelers QB depth chart for 2026?

Aaron Rodgers will enter the season as the Steelers’ starting quarterback, with Mason Rudolph behind him as the primary backup. Will Howard and Drew Allar will then occupy the third and fourth spots, respectively.

Rodgers remains the clear QB1, while Rudolph provides Pittsburgh with a veteran option if the starter misses time. Behind them, the Steelers can develop two young quarterbacks without immediately forcing either player into a starting role.

The order between Howard and Allar could ultimately change as their development continues, but both will have the opportunity to learn from Rodgers and Rudolph.

According to a report from Jeremy Fowler, the Pittsburgh Steelers are trading Kaleb Johnson to the Packers. The move gives LaFleur another option in the backfield while Green Bay deals with growing uncertainty surrounding Josh Jacobs.

The timing of the trade is particularly important after Adam Schefter reported that the NFL is placing Jacobs on the commissioner’s exempt list because of his legal situation. That development could leave the Packers without one of their most important offensive weapons, making additional depth at running back a priority.

Packers trade for Kaleb Johnson

Green Bay’s decision to acquire Kaleb Johnson makes sense given the uncertainty surrounding Josh Jacobs. Johnson entered the NFL with significant expectations as a former first-round pick, but he never managed to establish himself as a major piece of the Steelers’ offense.

Pittsburgh ultimately decided to move on, but Johnson now gets an opportunity to revive his career in Green Bay. For LaFleur, the potential value is obvious. If Jacobs is unavailable, the Packers cannot afford to enter the season without another capable running back who can handle meaningful snaps. Kaleb gives Green Bay another option behind the rest of the depth chart and could see his role increase quickly depending on Jacobs’ situation.

What happened to Josh Jacobs?

The biggest question surrounding the Packers is now Josh Jacobs’ availability. The commissioner’s exempt list designation creates significant uncertainty about when Jacobs will be available to the team.

While the Packers will presumably continue monitoring the situation, LaFleur has to prepare for the possibility that his star running back could miss time. That makes the Johnson trade particularly important.

Green Bay has major expectations heading into the season, with Jordan Love leading an offense expected to compete in the NFC. Losing Jacobs without adding another experienced option would create unnecessary pressure on the rest of the unit. Johnson provides some insurance.

Packers’ depth chart with Kaleb Johnson

Kaleb Johnson immediately becomes an intriguing addition to Green Bay’s running back competition. His previous experience in Pittsburgh did not produce the impact expected from a former first-round selection, but the Packers could provide him with a fresh opportunity in a different offensive environment.

The situation could become even more important if Jacobs is unavailable as they have no big names to replace him. Instead of simply being another depth piece, Johnson could potentially become part of the Packers’ weekly offensive game plan.

For Pittsburgh, meanwhile, the trade represents another roster decision as the Steelers continue reshaping their team under Mike McCarthy. Johnson’s departure also creates another opportunity for the Steelers’ remaining running backs to establish themselves.

According to Alan Saunders of Steelers Now, the Steelers could very well be interested in Stone’s services to add to their free safety depth. Stone, who played 34 games for the Bengals in the last two years, could stay in the AFC North.

Stone is just 27 years old, in the middle of his prime, and has been consistent, healthy, and fruitful during his career. While it might be alarming that he didn’t make the cut for the Bills, he could be a blessing in disguise for the Steelers.

Steelers FS depth chart

The free safety position is one where the Steelers really need improvement. They only have two on the roster in the names of Jaquan Brisker and Rayshawn Jenkins. Stone could easily be an upgrade, or at least contribute heavily in the rotation.

After all, Stone had two interceptions (including a pick six), four passes defended, two sacks, and 104 tackles in 2025. Those are better stats than Brisker’s, for instance, except on the passes defended category, where Brisker had eight.

Stone does have a big flaw

Stone has to get way better at tackling. Even if he surpassed the 100-tackle mark, his missed tackle rate was a career-high 20%. In total, he had 26 missed tackles in 2025 for the Bengals.

Per Next Gen Stats (NGS), Stone held one of the highest individual missed tackle rates among qualified safeties, finishing with a 53.8 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus.

Pittsburgh confirmed the release of linebacker Jamin Davis and wide receiver Levi Wentz, adding to the growing list of players who will not be part of the Steelers’ regular-season roster.

Davis is undoubtedly the most notable name among the moves. The linebacker entered the NFL with significant expectations after Washington selected him in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, but he never fully established himself as the impact player expected from a No. 19 overall pick.

Steelers release a former first-round pick

Jamin Davis’ release represents another disappointing chapter in the career of a former first-round selection. Washington selected him 19th overall in 2021, hoping he could become a centerpiece of its defense. However, Davis struggled to consistently establish himself as a long-term starter and eventually moved on from the Commanders.

The Steelers gave him another opportunity in 2026, but the linebacker was unable to do enough during the offseason and preseason to secure a place on Pittsburgh’s final roster. For a player selected in the first round, his current situation is a reminder of how difficult it can be to establish a long-term career in the NFL.

Did Steelers cut Elandon Roberts?

Yes. The Steelers also made the surprising decision to release veteran linebacker Elandon Roberts. Roberts signed a one-year contract with Pittsburgh in August to return to the organization, making his subsequent release particularly unexpected.

The linebacker had previously been an important part of the Steelers’ defense during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. His physical style made him particularly valuable in short-yardage and goal-line situations, where his ability to stop the run gave Pittsburgh an important defensive weapon. Now, Roberts is once again looking for a new team.

The deal was reported by John Machota of The Athletic. Jones never delivered what was promised on the Steelers, with many lows and not as much highs. Given that he was a first round pick, he underperformed. He also had quite a severe neck injury that hampered him throughout the offseason.

The Steelers spent big-time draft capital this year in the offensive line, so they were comfortable sending Jones to Dallas. However, he will now, presumably, compete for a starting role with the Cowboys.

Will Broderick Jones start for the Cowboys?

Dallas is bringing back all starting linemen from a season ago. Jones should settle behind Terence Steele on the right tackle. However, while he might not start, he becomes a premium backup.

Jones is a clear upgrade over Drew Shelton and Nate Thomas, who have brought doubts at the swing tackle position. Jones represents an upgrade in quality and strengthened the depth. However, the price might have been to high.

Did the Cowboys pay too much?

A third round pick for a depth piece is a steep price to pay. However, this is only if the Cowboys actually see Jones as a depth piece. After all, in the case that Jones becomes a starter, this could be a fair deal.

A third round pick is a valued commodity and Jones wasn’t even close to being a lock for the Steelers’ 53-man roster. Hence, as of now, it seems like the Steelers won the trade massively.

Will Howard and Drew Allar are viewed as the potential quarterbacks of the future, while Mason Rudolph provides Pittsburgh with valuable experience. The Steelers now appear prepared to carry all four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster, despite the unusual decision to dedicate four roster spots to the position.

Amid that debate, Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger has made his preference clear regarding which young quarterback has the highest long-term ceiling. Speaking on his Footbahlin podcast, Roethlisberger gave Drew Allar a major endorsement.

Is Drew Allar better than Will Howard?

Ben Roethlisberger believes Will Howard is currently the better quarterback, but he sees significantly more long-term upside in Drew Allar. A major endorsement from one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Steelers history.

“If you believe in Drew Allar’s upside, I think Drew has a lot of upside. I think Will is better now, but I think Drew has the potential to be better down the road. Watching Drew throw is beautiful. The way the ball comes off his hand, the zip he has on it, the ease that he throws with. It’s fun to watch.”

Roethlisberger is essentially separating the two young quarterbacks into two categories: Howard is more prepared to contribute right now, while Allar possesses the physical tools and developmental potential to eventually become the better player.

The comments are particularly interesting because Allar is entering his first NFL season after being selected by Pittsburgh in the 2026 NFL Draft, while Howard is already entering his second year with the organization.

Will the Steelers keep all four quarterbacks?

The Steelers appear increasingly likely to carry Rodgers, Rudolph, Howard and Allar on their 53-man roster. Mike McCarthy recently praised the entire quarterback room, describing the Steelers as having two veterans they can win with and two young quarterbacks they are excited about for the future.

That strongly indicated that Pittsburgh does not want to risk losing either Howard or Allar by attempting to place them on the practice squad. Roethlisberger has previously argued that Pittsburgh should prioritize Howard and Allar over Rudolph, believing that the young quarterbacks are too valuable to expose to waivers.

That creates an unusual situation for the Steelers. Keeping four quarterbacks means sacrificing a roster spot that could otherwise be used at another position. But putting either young quarterback on the practice squad could result in another team claiming him. For Roethlisberger, the choice appears clear: keep the young talent.

Ben Roethlisberger wants the Steelers to move on from Mason Rudolph

Despite praising the entire quarterback room, Roethlisberger’s preferred solution remains different from what Pittsburgh appears ready to do. He has repeatedly argued that the Steelers should keep Howard and Allar while finding a way to move on from Rudolph, whether through release or the practice squad.

His latest comments continue to emphasize the value he sees in the two young quarterbacks. The Steelers, however, appear to have reached a different conclusion.

Rudolph’s experience makes him a valuable insurance policy behind Rodgers, while Howard and Allar represent the organization’s potential future at quarterback.