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Everything the Pittsburgh Steelers have done over the past several seasons has pointed toward one defining objective: identifying and securing their next franchise quarterback.

The timing seemed almost too perfect. With the NFL Draft being hosted in Pittsburgh for the first time, the organization appeared positioned to make a bold, symbolic move at the game’s most important position.

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General manager Omar Khan has methodically built a level of flexibility heading into this year’s draft. The Steelers currently hold 12 selections, including four compensatory picks, ammunition that strongly suggests preparation for a potential move up the board. The expectation, at least at one point, was that this would be the year to strike.

However, the 2026 quarterback class has not unfolded as anticipated.

Several high-profile prospects opted to return to school, including Dante Moore, Arch Manning, and LaNorris Sellers. Others failed to build on prior momentum. Cade Klubnik and Drew Allar both regressed, showing inconsistency in decision-making and mechanics. Meanwhile, Garrett Nussmeier endured a turbulent season marked by injury and a subsequent benching.

Outside of Fernando Mendoza— the Heisman Trophy winner and national champion widely projected to go first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders—there is little consensus around first-round quarterback talent. One name, however, continues to surface: Ty Simpson.

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If the Steelers view Simpson as a legitimate franchise option, it is difficult to envision them remaining passive at pick No. 21. Quarterback-needy teams such as the New York Jets at pick 16 loom as potential threats to select him earlier, making patience a risky strategy.

The more plausible scenario is an aggressive move up the draft board.

A logical trade partner could be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at pick No. 15. Such a deal would allow Pittsburgh to leapfrog the Jets and secure their target. A package centered around picks 21 and 53 could be…

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If the Pittsburgh Steelers need some help trying to get their quarterback situation figured out, they might want to give Ben Roethlisberger a call, because he seems to already have a QB plan mapped out for the team. 

During a recent interview on the Deebo & Joe podcast, the two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback went into detail about what the Steelers should do at quarterback this year. 

Plan A for the Steelers is obviously Aaron Rodgers: He led the team to an AFC North title last year, but he’s now a free agent and he hasn’t said whether he’s going to return for 2026. Although some Steelers legends — like Rod Woodson — are getting tired of playing the waiting game when it comes to Rodgers’ decision, Big Ben is the opposite. 

As a former quarterback, Roethlisberger doesn’t see a problem with Rodgers taking some time to decide as long as he makes his decision before the draft. 

“There’s a lot of factors involved with this whole thing,” Roethlisberger said. “I would think and hope that Aaron would give a decision by the draft.”

Myles Garrett landing spots: Why trade rumors could heat up after Browns modify his contract

John Breech

If Rodgers ends up calling it quits, that will leave the team with just two quarterbacks on the roster in Will Howard and Mason Rudolph. If that happens, the Steelers will definitely need to add another QB and Roethlisberger thinks there’s one name they should target. 

The veteran QB the Steelers should target if Rodgers retires

If Rodgers doesn’t return to Pittsburgh,…

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Colts signed Nick Westbrook-Ikhine to add to their WR corps on a 1-year $1.2M deal.

The Colts decision to part ways with Pittman was much more of a financial decision than a football decision, but I am curious on what the Colts’ plan for the Z-receiver is. Michael Pittman was known for his toughness and reliability. He had a high catch % and could use his size, strength, and large frame in order to make contested catches. He was a solid compliment to Pierce, because Pierce could “lift the coverage” of the defense and create room for Michael Pittman to keep the Colts ahead of the sticks.

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It would be silly of me not to acknowledge Pittman’s intangibles that I can’t see on film. He was obviously loved in the locker room, fought through numerous injuries to play on Sundays, and was the ultimate teammate. That is not something that is easy to replace.

However, Pittman’s skillset and production, in my opinion is something that is much easier to find. Unfortunately, after numerous injuries, it felt apparent that Pittman was a descending player that was no longer worth the price tag. Was he unplayable? Absolutely not. But he was closer to a league average starter than someone who was set to make big money on the last year of his deal. He lacked explosiveness, the ability to separate, and offered little no yards after the catch.

What the Colts do need to replace, besides Pittman’s elite competitive toughness, is his red zone production. Early in his career, the knock on Pittman was that he couldn’t find the end zone. He definitely worked to improve in that area and was productive for the Colts later in his tenure (particularly last year with Daniel Jones).

So now that the Colts have an opening at Z-reciever, can Nick Westbrook-Ikhine replace Pittman? I’m not sure.

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On one hand, Westbrook-Ikhine has shown he can replace Pittman’s type of production. Scoring 9 times in 2024 with shaky QB play in Tennessee, he proved his calling card…

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The Cleveland Browns haven’t indicated they’re looking to trade Myles Garrett, but they did make a subtle move this week that could spark serious speculation.

The Browns modified language in Garrett’s contract to push some of his payments into the future, per ESPN. Garrett was set to receive an option bonus on the 15th day of the league year (March 25), but both sides agreed to push that date to seven days before the first regular-season game. The move means the Browns won’t have to pay that money until September — and wouldn’t have to pay it at all if Garrett isn’t on the roster. (Garrett also has option bonuses in 2027 and 2028 that have been pushed to seven days before the start of those seasons.) 

Why the modified contract could lead to a trade

Last year, Garrett requested a trade out of Cleveland but stayed after signing a massive four-year, $160 million extension. With the new language added this week, the Browns have opened the door to potentially trading him this offseason.

In the first season of his new deal, Garrett won NFL Defensive Player of the Year after setting an NFL single-season record with 23 sacks, so his trade value has never been higher. 

From a salary cap standpoint, here’s why the deal would now be easier (via Over The Cap):

Before the contract change, the Browns would have taken a $70.3 million dead cap hit if they traded Garrett before June 1. After June 1, that hit could be spread over two seasons — $21.4 million in 2026 and about $48.7 million in 2027 — but a pre-draft trade would still have carried the full $70.3 million charge, making a deal difficult.With the new language, the Browns would take a $41.09 million dead cap hit if they traded Garrett before June 1. After June 1, the hit would be $15.53 million in 2026 and about $25.56 million in 2027. Those are far more manageable figures, which is why a trade shouldn’t be ruled out. 

Before the change,…

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