For the prospects competing at the NFL Scouting Combine, last week was about interviews, 40-yard dashes and the bench press. But for media members, it was about eating shrimp cocktail with spicy horseradish (nine was my final number, if you need to know) and talking with sources around the league about draft plans, free agency and trade buzz.
Here’s what I learned about the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offseason plans:
What will Aaron Rodgers decide — and when?
Aaron Rodgers had positive exit meetings with the Steelers in January. In the weeks since, people on all levels of the organization — players, coaches and top decision-makers — have maintained consistent communication with the quarterback. The Steelers believe they’ll get an answer from Rodgers in the next few weeks. General manager Omar Khan suggested as much publicly, and a number of other team sources indicated the entire organization is under that same assumption.
The best way to describe the Steelers’ feelings: They think Rodgers is going to return for 2026, but until he gives them a definitive answer, they can’t speak in certain terms.
There’s a market for Pat Freiermuth, but Steelers say he’s not available
At least six teams would be interested in exploring the idea of acquiring tight end Pat Freiermuth, according to a league source. However, at least right now, teams are being told he’s not available. Fellow tight end Jonnu Smith’s situation seems a bit more fluid. The Steelers are still in the process of understanding what a changing offensive philosophy will mean for personnel. When Khan was asked if the way Freiermuth and Smith were utilized justified having two top-10 players at the same position, he said the Steelers are in a fine cap situation to keep both. However, if you’re an NFL player who is paid to be one of the 10 best players at your position, you usually want to be used that way. Freiermuth and Smith were willing to be team-first players last year. But if both remain on the roster this year, would the Steelers be able to keep both happy?
Broderick Jones’ injury is bigger story than Steelers initially made it seem
When left tackle Broderick Jones was injured in Week 12, the Steelers initially downplayed it and suggested he had a chance to return before the playoffs. However, fusion surgery in Jones’ neck could be a major curveball that changes plans in the short and long term. By May 1, the Steelers have to decide if they’re picking up Jones’ fifth-year option, which comes with a $19.07 million price tag in 2027. The injury will likely affect that decision. But, honestly, that may be looking too far ahead. Khan balked when asked publicly if Jones will be healthy in time for training camp. Forget 2027, this could be something that impacts plans for 2026.
The Steelers met with a handful of tackles this week in Indianapolis and also inquired with at least one agent about the status of his free-agent lineman, a league source told The Athletic. The Steelers have already begun shuffling some pieces. On Saturday, a league source said that the Steelers plan to release Calvin Anderson (not to be confused with Spencer Anderson, the do-everything extra lineman). Calvin Anderson was injured during training camp and later at the end of the season. Cutting him saves $2 million of his $2.415 million cap hit. With Dylan Cook already ahead of Anderson on the depth chart and Jones’ status now uncertain, the Steelers need higher-end talent at this position, which is why they’re making the move now.
Keeping outside linebackers
Khan publicly endorsed Nick Herbig, saying everyone would like to have the talented, young outside linebacker on the field more. At the same time, the GM alluded to Alex Highsmith’s future when he said, “You can’t ever have enough (edge rushers).” While Khan has been known to bend the truth (to put it politely), the sense around the league is he’s being honest here; a league source believes the Steelers would like to extend Herbig but also keep Highsmith. The question is whether Herbig would want to sign right now to get the security, or if he’d be willing to bet on himself, let this season play out and then hit the open market in 2027. The price tag and contract terms will determine if the Steelers get the extension done with Herbig.
At cornerback, Steelers in talks with own FAs, draft prospects
The Steelers met with James Pierre’s representative in Indianapolis this week and also spoke with Asante Samuel Jr.’s camp. Pierre climbed the ladder last year, from the practice squad to a starting role. When he and Samuel were both healthy, Pierre was the starter. A two- or three-year contract above the veteran minimum (but nothing exorbitant) would likely be enough to re-sign Pierre. We’ll see how much the Steelers value him. The other thing to consider: Members of the former Steelers staff were high on Pierre. Teams like the Minnesota Vikings, who now employ former defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander, could also get involved.
Samuel’s market is interesting. The Steelers were one of only a few teams willing to medically clear the corner following spinal fusion surgery. (One league source said he was shocked any team was willing to clear Samuel.) The team should factor in the medical risk when determining what they’re comfortable offering. Also, the market will likely be suppressed by the limited number of teams who would be OK with his medicals. The Steelers also met with a ton of cornerbacks formally and informally and are planning to draft one.
At what price would Steelers consider Trent McDuffie?
The Kansas City Chiefs’ salary-cap situation and two-time All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie’s contract status could put the 25-year-old on the trading block. He’s currently set to count $13.6 million against the cap on his fifth-year option, but is also interested in an extension. If the Chiefs can’t get a deal done, at what price would the Steelers consider making an offer?
Formal visits include three QBs, a lot of receivers and corners
The Steelers met formally with three quarterbacks this week: Alabama’s Ty Simpson, a potential first-round pick, Penn State’s Drew Allar and Miami’s Carson Beck. I heard from several people that all three had positive meetings. At least above the neck, they put their best foot forward.
The team also met formally and informally with a ton of wide receivers and corners, many defensive linemen, some safeties and offensive linemen. None of that should be a surprise, really, given their needs. (The inside linebackers also performed very well in on-field testing.)
One thing to keep in mind: If the Steelers met with a specific player, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re more interested in him. Without naming names, the interview process also crossed a few players off their list.
A final thought on QBs
We started with the quarterback position, so let’s end there. As I wrote a few days ago, Simpson’s entire starting resume is one season (15 starts). In the last decade, only three other quarterbacks have been drafted with 15 starts or fewer: Dwayne Haskins, Mitchell Trubisky and Anthony Richardson. My sense is that the limited on-field experience will factor strongly into the Steelers’ evaluation.
On the flip side, I don’t think I’ve written Beck’s name yet this offseason. That should probably change. The quarterback who led the Hurricanes to the national championship game had a strong on-field workout at the combine, even while he was booed by a Pro-Hoosiers crowd. He’s kind of in the opposite situation as Simpson, with a lot of experience (43 starts; 37-6 as a starter at Georgia and Miami). I’m starting to wonder where the Steelers will put him on their board.
