Per Steelers insider Bob Labriola, “Oklahoma safety Robert Spears-Jennings, who came to the team in the seventh round (224th overall). Based on things I had read about him, I saw him as a good value at that point in the draft, and he plays a position the team needed to address at some point during the weekend.”

Oklahoma is a big-time program, and Labriola follows the Steelers really close. Therefore, the fact is that if Spears-Jennings can deliver, he could become an absolute star for the black-and-gold.

Steelers needed to address the secondary

The free safety position is scheduled to be Jaquan Brisker’s spot, but Spears-Jennings is just below him in the pecking order. DeShon Elliott, Sebastian Castro, and Jack Henderson are on the strong safety depth chart.

It is a thin-aired position for the Steelers, so the best value they can have, the better for the team. Hence, Spears-Jennings could actually become a key piece of this defense. The Steelers have a history of good scouting, so there is an actual chance that a seventh-rounder becomes crucial and provides quality for the team.

Elite defense is a staple of this franchise

The Pittsburgh Steelers offense might be worrying about the Aaron Rodgers drama, but the fact is that this team can’t allow having a bad defense. It’s basically what the Steelers always bring to the table, elite defense.

Without Mike Tomlin, the Steelers will need a new coach to guide this defense. New defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has some huge shoes to fill. At least he still has some great talent like TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, Patrick Queen, and Alex Highsmith, to mention a few.

The team announced the move on its official channels. Jaheim Bell was waived by the Philadelphia Eagles last week. He was previously drafted in the seventh round by the New England Patriots.

The Florida State Seminoles product could become the newest weapon for Aaron Rodgers, or whoever gets lined up under center for the Steelers next season. Jaheim Bell has only two receptions in his career.

Jaheim Bell joins a deep TE room

Pat Freiermuth is the Steelers’ best tight end, but not the only top-tier one. Darnell Washington is also a highly productive tight end. However, the Steelers let Jonnu Smith go, so they needed a new presence.

For Bell to shine, he must beat JJ Galbreath, Lake McRee, and Chamon Metayer in the pecking order. The Steelers did use their tight ends heavily last season, so it’s a unit that could definitely be relevant again.

The Steelers are in need of an explosive offense

Last season, the Steelers offense ranked 25th in total yardage, 22nd in passing, and 15th in scoring. Hence, they need to be better in that department, and with Mike McCarthy as the head coach, things should improve. After all, that’s why he was signed.

According to Ian Rapoport, the Ravens are signing Thompson, meaning they will boast a five-man quarterback room. At least for the time being. Roster cuts could—and likely will—be made as the year progresses. Lamar Jackson will command the huddle, with Tyler Huntley expected to be the second-string quarterback.

The third and emergency quarterback throughout the 2026 NFL season will most likely be decided throughout rookie camp, minicamp, and training camp between Joe Fagnano, Diego Pavia, and Skylar Thompson. Both Fagnano and Pavia were signed as undrafted free agents (UDFA) by Baltimore.

Ravens’ QB situation

Although Jackson is the franchise’s solution at quarterback, Baltimore knows better than to leave the position unattended. Jackson is under contract through the 2027 NFL season thanks to the five-year, $260 million extension he signed back in 2023. However, his contract includes a potential out next offseason, per Spotrac, and the Ravens are searching for other answers in case Jackson shocks the world and leaves Charm City.

The signings of UDFAs Pavia and Fagnano serve that purpose. Though his off-the-field issues concern several teams, Pavia was a Heisman Trophy runner-up for a reason, and he might prove to be a reliable quarterback in the NFL. Pavia isn’t the tallest, biggest, or fastest prospect, but he plays with the heart of a lion. One would be amazed to realize how often that proves to be a difference-maker in the league.

If neither UDFA experiment (Pavia and Fagnano) works out, the Ravens can resort to Huntley. Obviously, keeping Jackson in town is priority number one, but Baltimore is still weighing all its options. With a stacked QB class coming up in 2027, the Ravens may have a Plan B to a potential departure from Lamar after all.

More about Skylar Thompson

Thompson was a seventh-round selection by the Miami Dolphins in 2022. Although he signed with the Steelers in 2025, Thompson’s last career appearance came in 2024. So far, he’s played 10 career games, with only 721 passing yards, one passing touchdown, and three interceptions to show for it.

Despite his limited playing time, Thompson has playoff experience under his belt. With Tua Tagovailoa injured, Thompson was named the starting QB for the Dolphins in their Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills in the 2022 postseason. Despite the high-stakes scenario, that was arguably his best game of his career. Thompson threw for 220 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.

“If Rodgers hasn’t given them a decision by May 18, [the Steelers’] patience will start to turn into frustration, and maybe something more,” Gerry Dulac reported on Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. On May 18, the Steelers‘ organized team activities (OTAs) for the 2026 campaign will start.

Pittsburgh had hoped things would be different this time around. Last year, Rodgers didn’t sign with the Steelers until June 5, right on cue for the start of minicamp. If A-Rod doesn’t comply with the team’s deadline, there’s a very good chance the story repeats itself in the Burgh.

That is, however, if the Steelers don’t have a sudden change of heart and grow uninterested in Rodgers. In the City of Bridges, the four-time MVP may burn bridges if he isn’t careful or empathetic with the organization. Naive or not, Pittsburgh is still counting on Rodgers to show up and lead the Steelers in the 2026 NFL season.

Steelers have made moves with Rodgers in mind

If the Steelers and Rodgers don’t reunite for the 2026 NFL campaign, it’d be a shocker. It’d also be quite frustrating for the brass in Pittsburgh. The Steelers’ NFL Draft may have been built with Rodgers in mind, which only adds more pressure on the team to secure its starting QB.

Even the hiring of head coach Mike McCarthy may have been a means of keeping Rodgers on their good side. However, for as much trouble as the Black and Yellow have gone through to keep A-Rod happy, the 42-year-old signal-caller hasn’t been as straightforward with the franchise.

Fans are growing tired of Rodgers

Many fans want Pittsburgh to move on, and the fact Rodgers is still playing hard to get could be the final nail in the coffin for the Terrible Towel-bearers to give up on him. Moreover, Rodgers’ last memory in a Steelers uniform is far from an encouraging one.

The Houston Texans bullied Rodgers and the Steelers in a 30–6 rout in the Wild Card round of the NFL Playoffs. Rodgers completed 17 of 33 pass attempts for 146 yards and one interception in what was Mike Tomlin’s last game as head coach in the Burgh. Although McCarthy’s arrival can help Rodgers find his best football again, the prospect isn’t looking too promising.

Perhaps Pittsburgh is better off with Will Howard or Drew Allar under center. As it stands, at least the Steelers know those two actually want to play football and represent the six-time Super Bowl champions. When it comes to Rodgers, that isn’t as convincing, and Pittsburgh is only left guessing.

The Pittsburgh Steelers brought in Michael Pittman, but were very interested in landing Makai Lemon in the draft, before being railroaded by the Eagles. Hence, when Hopkins spoke about joining an AFC North, they could’ve been the answer.

In an express interview with Sports Illustrated, Hopkins was asked about which quarterback he would want to play next. “Joe Burrow,” Hopkins said. “I think Joe is one of the best, I love his game, his toughness. He took his team to a Super Bowl early in his career, and I feel like he can get back there with a little bit of help.”

Hopkins would play a tertiary role on the Bengals

While Hopkins may want to play with Burrow, he wouldn’t be much of a protagonist. The fact is Burrow’s first two options will always be Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Hopkins would serve as a situational weapon for third downs, or in the end zone, where he can still be a highly-productive player.

Burrow and Hopkins played great together in the latest Fanatics Flag Football event. They got a couple of highlights in that game, so there is a connection already. However, the Bengals don’t see WRs as a priority, they have the position settled.

Hopkins options are slim

Once arguably the best wideout in the NFL, Hopkins is 33 years old and racked up only 330 yards on 22 catches for the Ravens in 2025. While he will be a cheap option, he is also looking for a Super Bowl-ready team, and those teams might not prioritize getting Hopkins.

Hence, not many teams are rushing to get D-Hop on their roster. A return to the Ravens now seems unlikely, as the team drafted both Ja’Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt. The Pittsburgh Steelers probably didn’t like D-Hop flirting with the Bengals either. Hence, it remains to be seen where he’ll end up.

Speaking during “The Arena – Underdog” show on May 1, Bayless pointed to a concerning trend in Rodgers’ efficiency metrics over the last few seasons. He noted that while his QBR has seen marginal improvements, the numbers still place him in the bottom tier of the NFL, and the Steelers could’ve been building around him despite these glaring decline signals.

Bayless was particularly critical of the quarterback’s recent postseason performance, noting that Rodgers struggled immensely in a 30-6 home playoff loss. “He’s washed. And I’m going to say it again,” Bayless declared, emphasizing that a QBR of 15 and a crucial sack-fumble early in the fourth quarter essentially “broke the game open” for the opposition.

Will Howard: A “big boy” ready to lead the Steelers

The analyst shifted his praise toward rookie Will Howard, highlighting his championship pedigree and physical stature as reasons for optimism in Pittsburgh. Bayless mentioned he has “always liked” Howard, specifically citing his time at Ohio State where he led college football in QBR and proved he could manage elite offensive weapons effectively.

When comparing physical profiles, Bayless argued that Howard is just as imposing as other prospects, standing at 6’4″ and 235 pounds. “I keep hearing Drew Allar’s a big boy… Will Howard’s 6’4 235. So, he’s a big boy, too, right?” Bayless asked rhetorically, indicating he would choose Howard’s potential and size over the current veteran path.

During his college career, Howard threw for nearly 10,000 yards and over 80 touchdowns, showcasing a strong arm capability that Rodgers possessed during his own standout years at Cal. While Rodgers was a precision passer with a high completion percentage in college, Howard’s recent 2025 national championship run gives him a winning momentum that Bayless finds irresistible.

According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the correlation between the team’s picks and the quarterback’s needs is hard to ignore. Pelissero noted, “Everything the Steelers did in the draft may not have been designed for Aaron Rodgers, but certainly if you were saying ‘What might Aaron Rodgers want?’ A tackle, a guard who’s a barroom brawler, and a big slot receiver.”

The insider further elaborated that the team’s new identity seems to align perfectly with what the future Hall of Famer values in a supporting cast. “Those are three things that Aaron Rodgers likes. Everything seems to have been built in that direction,” Pelissero shared on X, before concluding that “Aaron’s got to make the final call.”

The 2026 Steelers draft class fits the Rodgers mold

If Rodgers returns for the 2026 season, he will benefit from a rebuilt offensive line featuring first-round tackle Max Iheanachor and “barroom brawler” guard Gennings Dunker. These additions are designed to provide the elite protection Rodgers requires, while allowing young prospects like quarterback Drew Allar to develop under the veteran’s legendary mentorship.

The Steelers also added explosive weapons like wide receiver Germie Bernard in the second round and the versatile Kaden Wetjen in the fourth. Bernard, who showcased elite playmaking ability in college, provides the “big slot” presence Pelissero mentioned, while Wetjen brings the speed necessary to stretch defenses and create space for the running game.

Rounding out the offensive haul are Riley Nowakowski at fullback and the multi-talented Eli Heidenreich, who can impact both the passing and rushing attacks. With these pieces in place, the Steelers have successfully built an environment where Rodgers can thrive, potentially turning this rookie class into immediate contributors in a championship pursuit.

The UFL officially announced the signing on X, confirming that the Houston Gamblers have added Plumlee to their roster for the season. This move represents a significant fresh start for the signal-caller, as the spring league provides a high-visibility platform for him to showcase his passing and rushing abilities.

Finding a permanent home in the NFL has been a difficult journey for Plumlee, who has struggled to secure a stable roster spot despite his elite athleticism. His release from the Steelers’ roster is yet another signal of the team’s shifting depth chart, a trend of uncertainty that could even extend to veterans like Aaron Rodgers in 2026.

The Steelers become the latest team to move on from Plumlee

Plumlee’s transaction history highlights a rollercoaster path, including multiple stints on the Steelers’ practice squad where he was primarily utilized as a wide receiver. Prior to his time in Pittsburgh, he saw early opportunities with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a quarterback and had a brief tenure with the Seattle Seahawks.

During his collegiate years at Ole Miss and UCF, Plumlee proved to be a dual-threat sensation, amassing over 5,000 passing yards and 2,500 rushing yards throughout his career. He famously set the Ole Miss freshman rushing record with 1,023 yards, a testament to the explosive playmaking ability he now brings to the Gamblers.

By transitioning back to quarterback in the UFL, Plumlee hopes to prove that his true value lies under center rather than as a gadget player or receiver. If he can replicate his college production in Houston, he may find himself back on the NFL radar before the next fall training camps begin.

According to James Palmer, the move speaks volumes about where things stand between the team and the veteran quarterback. “They used this UFA tender and what does it show us? It shows us they’re not a 100 per cent sure that Aaron Rodgers is returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers. If they were a 100 per cent, you wouldn’t take your time to do this which in essence is a formality, but you get what I’m saying. I think using this does show us they’re not a 100 per cent sure.”

That perspective aligns with how unusual the move is. The unrestricted free agent tender is rarely used across the NFL, and while it can be framed as a procedural step, its timing and context have fueled speculation around the Steelers.

Why did Steelers use UFA tender on Aaron Rodgers?

From a technical standpoint, the tender gives the Steelers protection. If Aaron Rodgers signs elsewhere, they would be eligible for a compensatory pick. But as Palmer suggests, the bigger takeaway may not be the mechanism itself, it’s what it implies.

If the Steelers had full confidence that Rodgers would return, there would be little need to take even a symbolic step to safeguard against his departure. The fact that they did so indicates that, at the very least, some doubt remains.

That uncertainty has defined the entire situation. Rodgers has continued to take his time deciding his future, maintaining communication with the team but avoiding a firm commitment. Meanwhile, the Steelers have built out their roster in ways that could support him, while also preparing for alternative outcomes. For example, a path with Drew Allar.

For now, the tender serves as both protection and signal. Officially, it’s a low-impact move. Unofficially, it may be the clearest indication yet that the Steelers are still waiting, and still unsure, about what Rodgers will ultimately decide.

“Nobody really knows what’s happening with Aaron Rodgers, but Drew Allar might be the most fascinating part of this entire Steelers situation,” ESPN analyst Chase Daniel said. “The flashes are special, but the inconsistencies have been frustrating. If he develops the right way, this could get very interesting.”

These inconsistencies refer to the quarterback’s ability to make high-level plays, as well as his tendency to make poor decisions in crucial moments. Ultimately, it will be his new coach’s job to help correct these mistakes.

Mike McCarthy’s track record of developing quarterbacks and young prospects is well known. With Allar, along with second-year player Will Howard, the Steelers clearly have plenty of talent to potentially replace A-Rod. Can this young group potentially carry the weight of a historic, championship-winning franchise?

Similarities between Rodgers and Allar

Drew Allar has often drawn comparisons to Aaron Rodgers due to his rare combination of prototypical size, a powerful arm, and the ability to deliver accurate passes from unconventional platforms. Much like a young Rodgers, Allar excels at maintaining a high touchdown-to-interception ratio, finishing his 2025 season at Penn State with 24 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions while throwing for 2,842 yards.

The Roethlisberger experience in Pittsburgh

Drew Allar is currently third on the depth chart. Ben Roethlisberger, the historic quarterback of this franchise, also went through the same situation back in 2004.

Big Ben was selected by the Steelers with the 11th overall pick and didn’t see the field until Week 2 after Tommy Maddox’s injury, earning his first start in Week 3 against Miami. From there, his legacy went on to include two Super Bowl titles (XL, XLIII).

What decision will McCarthy make in Pittsburgh?

It is difficult to know what will happen with the Steelers starting in Week 1. Many believe Rodgers will return for another season of redemption, while others see the young players as the foundation of a new era under McCarthy’s leadership.

Today, the quarterback room is made up not only of the aforementioned Allar and Howard, but also the experienced Mason Rudolph, who is also in the competition to earn a starting role.

According to the report, the off-the-field circumstances involving Vrabel could complicate his future with the team. “But if these upcoming few months go haywire, and if they are put in a situation of no return, either with the team not doing well or the drama of Mike’s family issues taking over and forcing a decision on Mike’s coaching future, the one person that they would seek to replace him would be Mike Tomlin.”

That potential scenario remains speculative for now, but it highlights how seriously the Patriots are preparing for all outcomes. Vrabel is still the current head coach, and they would prefer stability, but the possibility of disruption has forced them to think ahead. After becoming an icon with the Steelers and winning a Super Bowl, Tomlin could be the answer.

Mike Tomlin is an option for Patriots

Even within that uncertainty, the idea of Mike Tomlin stepping in comes with immediate complications. Tomlin has recently transitioned into a new role as an analyst with NBC, making any potential return to coaching, especially on short notice, far from straightforward.

If Tomlin were not available, another name could emerge internally: Josh McDaniels. With prior head coaching experience and familiarity with the organization, he could be viewed as a more immediate and practical option to step into the role if needed.

For now, the Patriots are not making any changes. But the fact that contingency plans are being considered underscores the unpredictability of the situation. Much will depend on how the coming months unfold, both on and off the field.

Until then, Mike Vrabel remains in place. But as the report suggests, the Patriots are quietly preparing for the possibility that things may not stay that way. Mike Tomlin would be a massive splash.