Tag: American football

Report: Steelers reunite with former defensive coach for 2025 season

The Steelers are bringing back Gerald Alexander as their defensive backs coach, with hopes to bolster their secondary for the 2025 season.

The Pittsburgh Steelers‘ secondary struggled with both penalties and pass defense in several key moments throughout the 2024 season.

It appears the Steel City has decided to make a change, as it has been reported that the Steelers are bringing back their former assistant defensive backs coach, Gerald Alexander, for the 2025 season.

Alexander coached for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2022 to 2023, and spent the 2024 season as the Las Vegas Raiders’ safeties coach.

Alexander will serve as the defensive backs coach for the Black and Gold in 2025—returning in a larger role than previously as an assistant—showcasing his pedigree and desire to move up the coaching ladder.

Under Alexander’s assistance in 2022, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense led all other NFL teams with 20 interceptions. FS Minkah Fitzpatrick arguably had the best season of his career, accumulating six interceptions, including one pick-six.

Fans of the Black and Gold may view this as a minor coaching staff change, but the 2025 defense could truly reap the rewards of Alexander’s ability to maximize the potential of the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ defensive backs.

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Eli Manning ranks Ben Roethlisberger above three all-time great QBs

Eli Manning chose Ben Roethlisberger over Philip Rivers, Drew Brees, and Michael Vick, showing his respect for the Steelers legend.

Michael Vick, Philip Rivers, and Drew Brees all have one thing in common—former New York Giants QB Eli Manning would take former Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger over every one of them.

Manning was asked which quarterback he would take when given two options, not knowing who would come next. He kicked off his first three selections by choosing Roethlisberger three straight times—over Rivers, Brees, and Vick—until finally selecting his brother Peyton Manning over the legendary Steelers QB.

Manning is one of the most accomplished Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks in recent history, defeating who many consider to be the G.O.A.T. of the National Football League, QB Tom Brady, in two separate head-to-head Super Bowl matchups—though Manning actually chose Brady to surpass his brother in the final selection of all-time quarterbacks.

Roethlisberger is no stranger to Super Bowl championships, winning two himself in Super Bowl XL and XLIII. In some ways, Eli and Big Ben are more alike than people realize—both favoring their two Super Bowl wins over personal accolades.

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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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Insider: Steelers expected to offer Jaylen Warren a tender in 2025

Insider Gerry Dulac reports the Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to tender restricted free agent Jaylen Warren for the 2025 season.

Several enormous questions surround two of the most important positional groups for the Pittsburgh Steelers offense in 2025—who the starting quarterback and running back will be.

Jaylen Warren, having spent his first three years in the NFL with the Steel City, is expected to be offered a tender by the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to Gerry Dulac.

A tender would ultimately allow Warren, who is a restricted free agent, to negotiate with other NFL teams while the Steelers retain the right to match the deal. Depending on which tender is offered, such as a restricted free agent tender, the team hoping to sign Warren would have to give up a first-, second-, or third-round pick if the Steelers choose not to match the offer.

Dulac had this to say on the matter:

“Meantime, the Steelers are expected to tender an offer to Jaylen Warren, who is a restricted free agent. At the very least, it would be a right-of-first-refusal offer that would cost them $3.185 million in 2025.”

The right-of-first-refusal offer is obviously the bare minimum of tenders, and it’s hard to imagine any of the other 31 NFL teams sending a first-, second-, or third-round draft selection in exchange for Warren.

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Fox Sports commentator suggests Steelers trade for Cardinals QB Kyler Murray

A Fox Sports commentator believes the Steelers would trade for Kyler Murray, but is this a realistic move for Pittsburgh?

The Pittsburgh Steelers are no strangers to massive wide receiver trade rumors over the past several years, with speculation surrounding WRs Brandon Aiyuk, Davante Adams, D.K. Metcalf, and Cooper Kupp, just to name a few.

However, one Fox Sports commentator known for his outlandish hot takes, Nick Wright, has boldly declared that the Pittsburgh Steelers should target another position—quarterback.

Speaking with Phoenix Sports, Wright was asked how he would handle the Cardinals-Kyler Murray situation heading into 2025:

“I would call Pittsburgh and be like, ‘You want to give me a couple first-round picks?’ and then we can reboot it [trading Murray to Pittsburgh].”

As if the idea of the Steelers trading away two firsts for a struggling QB wasn’t enough, Wright continued to throw more gas on the fire:

“Kyler’s in a spot where he’s paid like a star, and he’s not quite a star. Pittsburgh would probably do it because they just need someone that’s not a bridge quarterback.”

If the Steelers are searching for something more than a bridge QB, the team should ultimately re-sign Justin Fields—not trade their future away for an unproven, injury-prone quarterback.

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Steelers’ history in Ireland: Everything to know ahead of 2025 international game

The Steelers’ roots in Ireland run deep, from the Rooney family’s heritage to the team’s lasting connection with the country.

The NFL has finally announced that the Pittsburgh Steelers will play in Ireland during the 2025 regular season, with the Black and Gold designated as the Home Team for the contest. Here is a quick rundown of the history between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the great country of Ireland:

1840s:

The Rooney family emigrated from Northern Ireland to the United States of America.

1976:

Former Heinz CEO Tony O’Reilly, who had deep roots in Ireland as a legendary rugby player, and legendary former Steelers owner Dan Rooney founded the Ireland Funds organization with the hope of supporting peace and development throughout Ireland.

1997:

The Pittsburgh Steelers participated in the first—and only—NFL preseason game in Ireland against the Chicago Bears in Dublin’s Croke Park.

2009:

Dan Rooney was named U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, further strengthening the bond between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the country.

2013:

A flag football tournament was hosted at the U.S. Embassy in Ireland on the Fourth of July, with legendary Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger attending.

2023:

The Pittsburgh Steelers were awarded Ireland’s international marketing rights by the NFL, laying the foundation for what was to come.

2024:

Paudie Clifford, an Irish Gaelic footballer, helped announce a Steelers draft pick, a first for Ireland.

2025:

That brings us to the 2025 Ireland game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and their yet-to-be-named opponent. Arguably the most beloved international NFL team, the Steelers playing in Ireland is truly remarkable and something to look forward to.

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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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