Tag: 2025 offseason

Steelers QB Russell Wilson linked to NFC East team as 2025 destination

Russell Wilson’s offseason just got more intriguing, with reports linking the Steelers QB to the New York Giants ahead of 2025 free agency.

Russell Wilson appears to have had a very busy—and confusing—start to the 2025 offseason. Wilson originally proclaimed that the “plan” was to remain with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025 and beyond. However, insider Gerry Dulac hinted that this may have changed, much to the delight of Justin Fields’ supporters.

From drama surrounding the relationship between OC Arthur Smith and Wilson to the arrival of the quarterback’s former HC Pete Carroll in Las Vegas practically acting as a ‘welcome mat,’ no one can truly pinpoint what 2025 has in store for the Steelers QB.

However, insider Jeremy Fowler has identified which team Wilson is interested in heading into the 2025 free agency:

“Wilson has also been connected to the Giants by a few people this week. He visited with the Giants last free agency, and New York is on his radar as a potential option in 2025.”

Wilson would fit nicely with the NY Giants, with the team boasting a great WR duo in Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson, complementing his incredible ‘moon ball.’

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Mike Tomlin’s loyalty could impact Steelers’ QB decision, per insider

Insider Jeremy Fowler reports that Mike Tomlin’s loyalty to Russell Wilson may complicate the Steelers’ chances of re-signing Justin Fields.

Fans hoping to hear news about the Pittsburgh Steelers potentially re-signing QB Justin Fields may be disappointed.

NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reported that while Fields may be the better and more favored option in Pittsburgh, HC Mike Tomlin remains loyal to Russell Wilson. And it is this loyalty that may present itself as a roadblock to bringing back Fields in 2025:

“Coach Mike Tomlin seems to have a loyalty to Wilson that could lead the team in that direction, though. Plus, Fields could have a sneaky good market and price himself out of Pittsburgh.”

Insider information should always be taken with a grain of salt, but it is troubling news nonetheless.

Wilson usurped the QB starting role in controversial fashion, as Fields had led the Steelers to a 4-2 start to the 2024 season, while the former finished out the season with a less-than-impressive 6-6 record, including the playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

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Micah Parsons hints at Steelers as potential trade destination

Micah Parsons hinted at his interest in the Pittsburgh Steelers, adding fuel to speculation about the Cowboys star returning to PA.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are no strangers to trade rumors and speculation, with the potential acquisition of Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp being the latest. Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons just threw his name into the hat as well.

Parsons was incredible in 2024, compiling 12 sacks, 12 TFLs, two forced fumbles, and 23 QB hits in just 13 games.

While speaking with former Pittsburgh Steelers CB Bryant McFadden, Parsons was asked to give an emoji reaction to whichever NFL logo was held up.

The excitement began when McFadden held up the Steelers logo, and Parsons reacted positively, holding up a ‘100’ emoji. McFadden jokingly teased the Dallas Cowboys edge rusher, saying:

“I could see you in a Steelers uniform.”

Parsons then had this to say about the Pittsburgh Steelers:

“I said if I ever returned home, it was going to Pittsburgh.”

McFadden then left a hilarious message for Steelers President Art Rooney II and HC Mike Tomlin, encouraging them to get Parsons to the Steel City.

Parsons was born in Harrisburg, PA, in 1999 and spent his entire high school and collegiate career in the great state of Pennsylvania before being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

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Steelers among betting favorites to land Rams QB Matthew Stafford

The Pittsburgh Steelers are listed among the betting favorites to acquire Rams QB Matthew Stafford during the 2025 offseason.

The trade rumors for the 2025 offseason are just beginning to ramp up! As if Black and Gold trade speculation couldn’t grow any more, a popular sports betting site has listed the Pittsburgh Steelers among the top destinations for where QB Matthew Stafford will play his first snap of 2025.

Although the likelihood of the Los Angeles Rams moving on from Stafford has lessened considerably since rumors began to swirl, Bovada has still listed the Pittsburgh Steelers as favorites to acquire Stafford.

The Rams are the current favorites to keep Stafford with -190 odds, while the Las Vegas Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers are tied at +400 odds. The Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, and New York Jets round out the list just outside the top three favorites.

It is important to note that betting odds are hardly confirmations of a team’s agenda to trade one of their star players, but it is promising that the Pittsburgh Steelers are being linked to such an outstanding veteran QB like Stafford.

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Should Steelers trade Calvin Austin III for Rams star WR Cooper Kupp?

The Steelers could make a strong trade offer for Rams WR Cooper Kupp, and Calvin Austin III may be the key to making it happen.

It’s no secret that one of the biggest names on the wide receiver trade market is none other than Rams superstar Cooper Kupp. Kupp has been a staple of the Rams’ offense since being drafted in 2017, and with his time in Los Angeles eventually coming to an end, the Pittsburgh Steelers could offer a deal that no one could refuse.

One of the key speculative trade packages surrounding Kupp involves either a Day 2 or Day 3 draft selection, potentially two of the latter. However, the Rams would be losing one of their best receivers with little compensation to draft Kupp’s replacement—and that is where Pittsburgh Steelers WR Calvin Austin III comes into play.

Austin has everything the Rams would want in a short-term WR2/3 replacement for the 2025 season—he’s fast, he’s cheap, he returns punts, and he’s young.

It’s hard to argue that the Rams could receive a better package than a fifth- or sixth-rounder and Austin for Kupp. If the Pittsburgh Steelers want the former 2021 Triple Crown wide receiver in the Steel City for 2025, the team should bid farewell to Austin.

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The 33rd Team lists four team needs for the Vikings

Vikings enter the 2025 offseason with key roster needs and $57M in cap space—can they shore up weaknesses for a deeper playoff run?

The offseason will officially begin on Monday, when the Super Bowl confetti will be removed from the field at the Mercedez-Benz Superdome. Most coaching vacancies and interviews have been resolved, so teams can move on from this process and uncertainty.

Although the Minnesota Vikings went 14-3 in 2024, they still need to fill roster holes. Twenty-five players are set to hit free agency, and so far, players from the 2023 and 2024 drafts who were not named Jordan Addison still need to prove their worth.

The 33rd Team listed four position needs for every team, and the Vikings have several familiar spots popping up again this offseason. The positions are:

  • Cornerback
  • Defensive tackle (or interior defensive line, as the Vikings play a 3-4 defense)
  • Safety
  • Interior offensive line

They explained the needs:

What the Minnesota Vikings continue to do without stars at key defensive positions is a testament to Brian Flores’ abilities. The change from reliable but limited veterans to more explosive young players is risky and not something most coaches enjoy, but it is necessary for the Vikings to hit their peak with this staff.

The offense can be an afterthought in comparison, but upgrades at left guard and center would benefit whoever is under center next year.

Most fans and analysts would agree with these spots. Josh Metellus is the only starter set to return in the secondary right now. The interior offensive line has been a mess over the past decade. And although the interior defensive line was effective in shutting down the running game, the Vikings need a consistent pass-rushing presence from the inside.

Fortunately, the Vikings have almost $57 million in “effective cap space” entering the 2025 offseason to address these needs. If they can enter the draft only needing to address one of these spots, the 2025 season could improve the 2024 season.

If Steelers acquire Cooper Kupp, George Pickens must go in 2025

If the Pittsburgh Steelers trade for Cooper Kupp, they may need to move on from George Pickens in 2025 due to growing character concerns.

If the Pittsburgh Steelers are able to pull off a trade for Rams WR Cooper Kupp, the Steel City should seriously consider trading away WR George Pickens.

Pickens’ attitude and maturity were consistently in the headlines for the wrong reasons throughout the 2024 season. From hiding in an equipment room to avoid media responsibilities to displaying profane messages on his mouthguard, as well as being late to an important Week 17 matchup against the Chiefs—and much more—Pickens’ negatives far outweigh his positives.

Kupp is the literal antithesis of Pickens—humble, hard-working, and a great teammate—while Pickens can be described as braggadocious, lacking punctuality, and putting his emotions over the team’s desire to win.

Pickens’ contract will expire at the end of the 2025 season, and if the Pittsburgh Steelers are hesitant to re-sign him due to character concerns, trading him seems like a no-brainer.

However, with Calvin Austin III being the next man up in the receiver room, it’s no wonder Pickens still remains in Pittsburgh. But acquiring Kupp could jumpstart the trade process, helping the Steelers avoid another Diontae Johnson mistake.

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Steelers receive great news regarding potential Rams Cooper Kupp trade

NFL insider Ian Rapoport reports the Rams will take on part of Cooper Kupp’s contract, making the trade even more enticing for the Steelers.

One wide receiver has taken the 2025 offseason trade rumors by storm—and that is none other than Los Angeles Rams superstar WR Cooper Kupp.

Kupp announced on social media that the Rams informed him of their desire to trade him this offseason, much to the delight of the Pittsburgh Steelers. NFL insider Ian Rapoport provided the Black and Gold with even better news—the Rams are willing to take on some of Kupp’s contract.

Rapoport described the Rams’ willingness to pay part of the money Kupp is owed on his current contract, such as covering his $7.5 million signing bonus, in order to “make the trade a little easier.”

The trade already seemed like a slam dunk for the Pittsburgh Steelers, especially considering that Kupp isn’t expected to demand much in trade compensation due to his age and previous injury concerns. However, the news that the Steelers could acquire him without taking on the entirety of his nearly $30 million owed in 2025 makes this deal even more of a steal.

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Steelers listed as favorites to land Rams superstar WR Cooper Kupp

According to betting odds, the Pittsburgh Steelers are favored to land Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp via trade in 2025.

Trade rumors and speculation have been running rampant since former All-Pro WR Cooper Kupp announced on social media that his time with the Los Angeles Rams would be coming to an end via trade. Although Kupp expressed his disapproval of the eventual move, he is ready to exceed expectations in 2025.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently listed by the popular sports betting site Bovada as favorites to land Kupp, with +150 odds. The runner-up in betting odds to land Kupp is none other than the Los Angeles Chargers at +250, followed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions, who are tied at +750.

Betting odds are hardly a reliable source for predicting where a player will definitively land. However, it is a positive sign that the Pittsburgh Steelers may be serious contenders to acquire Kupp from the Rams.

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There is no exact word on what the Rams would actually demand for Kupp, but many expect the trade compensation to include one or two Day 3 draft selections, which the Pittsburgh Steelers should be more than capable of sending their way.

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Former Steelers QB endorses massive 2025 superstar wide receiver trade

Ben Roethlisberger approves of the Pittsburgh Steelers making a move for Cooper Kupp as trade speculation continues to grow.

While the NFL world prepares for the Super Bowl LIX matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, trade speculation is running rampant between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Rams superstar Cooper Kupp.

Kupp took to social media to express his disappointment with the Rams’ desire to move on from him, as he had hoped to retire in Los Angeles.

The Pittsburgh Steelers were previously linked to Kupp during the 2024 season, and the Steel City once again finds itself in the mix as a potential destination for Kupp—and legendary Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger approves.

On his podcast, Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, the former Steelers QB excitedly spoke on this potential move:

“For the Steelers, it’s a great move—depending on what the Rams are asking. If they’re asking for something that’s outlandish, then don’t do it. But if it’s worth doing and you have the cap space to take on his contract, then I would absolutely do it.”

Roethlisberger’s approval may do little to actually improve the Steelers’ chances of acquiring Kupp, but the two-time Super Bowl-winning QB knows a thing or two about talented receivers.

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