Tag: Steelers

Sep 21, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean (35) runs an intercepted back for a touchdown against the New York Jets during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

CB Jamel Dean signs 3-year deal with Steelers

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed cornerback Jamel Dean to a three-year contract on Friday.

The team did not announce the terms, but Spotrac reported it is worth $36.75 million with $12 million guaranteed.

Dean has spent all seven of his NFL seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who selected him in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

The 29-year-old intercepted a career-high three passes last season, returning one 55 yards for a touchdown. In 14 games (all starts), Dean had 46 tackles, one sack, nine passes defensed and two forced fumbles.

He has played in 96 career games (77 starts) with 11 interceptions (two returned for TDs), 61 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He has 359 tackles.

Dean also has 10 playoff games to his credit and won Super Bowl LV with the Bucs.

–Field Level Media

Nov 17, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) forces a fumble by Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Favorites emerge to land Raiders’ Maxx Crosby after trade fallout

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Las Vegas Raiders find themselves in an awkward situation after the Ravens backed out of a trade that would have sent pass rusher Maxx Crosby to Baltimore.

The Ravens agreed on Friday to send a pair of first-round picks to the Raiders for the former All-Pro. With Crosby off the market, many teams committed significant resources toward upgrading their pass rush during the first two days when teams could negotiate with free agents.

Las Vegas also spent heavily on both sides of the ball. So when Baltimore backed out of the deal on Tuesday, it left the Raiders with their own salary cap predicament and fewer potential suitors interested in landing Crosby.

At least one sportsbook still favors Crosby to play elsewhere next season — with -200 odds that he will not be with Las Vegas compared to +150 odds that he’ll stay for an eighth season with the Raiders. That implies a 33.3% likelihood of Crosby playing for Las Vegas in 2026.

That begs the question: where might Crosby end up?

The shortest odds belong to the reigning AFC champions, followed by an NFC contender seeking to add in a few key spots to take the next step.

MAXX CROSBY NEXT TEAM ODDS (If not Raiders)*
New England Patriots (+400)
Chicago Bears (+500)
Cleveland Browns (+500)
Dallas Cowboys (+500)
Philadelphia Eagles (+700)
Pittsburgh Steelers (+1400)
San Francisco 49ers (+1800)
Jacksonville Jaguars (+2000)
Washington Commanders (+2000)
Detroit Lions (+2500)
New Orleans Saints (+2500)
New York Jets (+2500)
Los Angeles Chargers (+2800)
Buffalo Bills (+3300)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+3300)
Arizona Cardinals (+4000)
Houston Texans (+4000)
Seattle Seahawks (+4000)
Tennessee Titans (+4000)
Cincinnati Bengals (+4500)
Denver Broncos (+4500)
New York Giants (+4500)
Atlanta Falcons (+5000)
Indianapolis Colts (+5000)
Minnesota Vikings (+5000)
Carolina Panthers (+6600)
Kansas City Chiefs (+6600)
Los Angeles Rams (+6600)
Baltimore Ravens (+7500)
Green Bay Packers (+7500)
Miami Dolphins (+7500)
*BetOnline.ag odds provided for entertainment purposes only.

The Patriots were believed to be interested in Crosby before the Ravens deal was announced. With K’Lavon Chaisson agreeing to a deal with Washington, New England has a real need for a pass rusher like Crosby despite adding Dre’Mont Jones. But will the Patriots be willing to part with the pair of first-round picks the Raiders are still seeking for Crosby?

The Bears came an overtime loss away from reaching the NFC Championship Game. Since then, they signed defensive back Coby Bryant from the world champion Seahawks, and Crosby could be another key piece toward pushing Chicago over the top.

The Bears would need to find cap space and determine if the asking price is worth it for a 28-year-old recovering from knee surgery. They reportedly were willing to give up two first-round picks before being outbid by Baltimore, which offered a first-rounder 11 spots higher than Chicago’s.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones loves making splashy headlines, and adding Crosby would certainly do that. Dallas also invested significant money in free agents this week, but the Cowboys still have an extra first-round pick this year from the Micah Parsons trade. Interestingly, Crosby played high school football in Colleyville, which is less than an hour outside Dallas.

The two other teams with odds shorter than +1000 to land Crosby have different situations. Would the Browns look to pair him opposite Myles Garrett, or potentially deal the single-season sacks record holder? In that scenario, Cleveland could look to acquire draft capital while sending Garrett to a contending team, such as New England or Philadelphia.

While great for trade speculation, the Browns would likely have a difficult time trading the two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year due to the dead cap space it would create. And the Eagles are reportedly interested in extending defensive tackle Jalen Carter rather than including him in a multi-team deal that would land Garrett in return.

And then there’s the real possibility that Crosby suits up for the Silver and Black next season. Sports Illustrated reported that he was back in the team facility at 8 a.m. on Wednesday and considers himself a Raiders employee moving forward.

–Field Level Media

Dec 28, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (5) warms up before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Reports: Steelers adding RB Rico Dowdle on 2-year deal

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Running back Rico Dowdle is signing a two-year, $12.25 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, multiple media outlets reported.

Dowdle rushed for over 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons with different teams. He had a career-best 1,079 rushing yards in 2024 with the Dallas Cowboys before totaling 1,076 to go along with a career-high six rushing touchdowns in 2025 with the Carolina Panthers.

He highlighted last season with a franchise-record 473 scrimmage yards over a two-game span. His production dipped considerably down the stretch, and he made no bones about testing the free agent market.

The reported addition of Dowdle helps the Steelers overcome the loss of running back Kenneth Gainwell, who reportedly agreed to a two-year, $14 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday.

Dowdle also will reunite with Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy, who was the running back’s head coach in Dallas.

With the Steelers, there is no certainty at the moment who will play quarterback. Aaron Rodgers, the starter in 2025, is a free agent.

Dowdle, 27, has rushed for 2,540 yards and 10 touchdowns in 69 career games (26 starts) with the Cowboys and Panthers since entering the NFL undrafted out of South Carolina.

He has added 95 receptions for 690 yards and six touchdowns.

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) takes the field Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, ahead of a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Reports: Colts ship WR Michael Pittman Jr. to Steelers

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Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is on his way to Pittsburgh in a trade to be completed when the league year begins on Wednesday, according to multiple reports.

The compensation includes a late-round pick swap. The news of Pittman’s exit on Monday came within an hour of reports of the landmark agreement between Indianapolis and pending free agent wideout Alec Pierce.

Pittman, 28, caught 80 passes for 784 yards and a career-high seven touchdowns in 17 games (16 starts) with the Colts last season.

The Steelers are signing Pittman to a new three-year, $59 million contract, per ESPN. He was entering the final year of a three-year, $70 million extension signed in March 2024.

The Steelers, who traded for DK Metcalf last March, have been in the market for top-end wideouts for multiple offseasons. It’s unclear whether the acquisition of Pittman signals the end of Metcalf’s time with the Steelers or if new coach Mike McCarthy plans to pair the big, strong and fast tandem in the overhaul of Pittsburgh’s offense.

Keeping them together won’t be cheap, as Metcalf is scheduled to count $31 million against the 2026 cap.

For the Colts, trading Pittman clears more than $24 million on the 2026 salary cap. Indianapolis also agreed to trade linebacker Zaire Franklin to the Packers.

Pittman posted two 1,000-yard seasons in Indianapolis while the quarterback position was constantly in flux since he was drafted 34th overall in 2020. He caught 485 passes for 5,254 yards and 25 TDs in 95 games (86 starts).

With the Steelers, there is no certainty at the moment who will play quarterback. Aaron Rodgers, the starter in 2025, is a free agent.

–Field Level Media

Dec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (81) reacts in the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Steelers release TE Jonnu Smith

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Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith was released Thursday as Pittsburgh begins reshaping its roster around the scheme of new head coach Mike McCarthy.

Smith had 38 receptions for 222 yards and two touchdowns in 2025.

Smith, 30, was acquired by the Steelers from the Dolphins in the trade involving defensive backs Jalen Ramsey and Minkah Fitzpatrick.

In 141 career games (91 starts) for the Tennessee Titans (2017-20), New England Patriots (2021-22), Atlanta Falcons (2023), Dolphins (2024) and Steelers, Smith has 345 receptions for 3,529 yards and 30 touchdowns.

The team also confirmed offensive lineman Calvin Anderson was released on Thursday.

Anderson appeared in 59 career games with 14 starts since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Patriots in 2019.

Anderson was signed by the Steelers during the 2024 season and appeared in four games before being placed on injured reserve. He was activated for the wild-card loss at Baltimore in 2024.

–Field Level Media

Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) audibles during the second half of an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Aaron Rodgers: No deadline, no contract offer from Steelers

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Aaron Rodgers sounds exceedingly open to a reunion with Mike McCarthy, but the Pittsburgh Steelers have not given him a contract offer or a deadline to decide his status for 2026.

An unrestricted free agent at age 42, Rodgers told “The Pat McAfee Show” on Wednesday he isn’t ready to make any grand declarations before he’s able to talk to every NFL team on March 9. That’s the date unrestricted free agents are permitted by the league to have contact with a team to discuss contract terms. They can sign beginning March 11, the start of the new league year.

“There’s no contract offer or anything, so there’s nothing that I’m having to debate between,” Rodgers said about playing a second season in Pittsburgh. “I’m a free agent. I’m enjoying my time with my wife and enjoying this part of the offseason. I think there’s conversations to be had down the line, but right now there hasn’t been any progressive conversations.

“There hasn’t been any deadline set on me. There hasn’t been any contract floated in front of me. … Interested in what the conversations will be but there hasn’t been any progression when it comes to that.”

Rodgers threw 24 touchdown passes and seven interceptions last season, guiding the Steelers to the AFC North division title and a playoff berth.

Steelers general manager Omar Khan said last week the franchise would not be on hold for months waiting for Rodgers to determine if — and where — he wants to play a 22nd NFL season. Rodgers did not sign with the Steelers last spring as expected, and an official one-year deal waited for his signature until June 5. Almost three weeks later, he declared, “I’m pretty sure this is it” regarding the 2025 season being his last.

The four-time MVP “knows where we stand” according to Khan, who hired McCarthy to replace Mike Tomlin at the end of the 2025 season. McCarthy coached Rodgers in Green Bay and has been in contact with him about playing in 2026. For each of McCarthy’s 13 seasons with the Packers, his starter was Rodgers.

“Mike’s one of the great guys in the league,” Rodgers said. “Just an absolutely exceptional human being with a huge heart. We had a lot of great years together, a lot of fun. He really cares about the players. But he also holds guys accountable and creates a lot of structure and details in the process. I loved my time with Mike. Obviously, there are times where like a big brother, sometimes you love him, sometimes you’re pissed at him. But deep down, there’s so much love for Mike and appreciation for the time we spent together.”

As for training and any plans for preparation for the 2026 season, Rodgers isn’t playing those cards just yet. He told McAfee he’s staying in shape for, well, marital reasons.

–Field Level Media

Dec 21, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (28) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Report: Dolphins first, Steelers last in NFLPA report cards

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The Miami Dolphins finished first in the NFL Players Association’s annual player report cards for the third year in a row, according to an ESPN report on Thursday.

The Minnesota Vikings and Washington Commanders rounded out the top three, while the Pittsburgh Steelers finished in last place for the first time in the fourth time the survey has been conducted.

“Players consistently describe the organization as ‘the best in the NFL,” the survey said of the Dolphins, according to ESPN.

Per ESPN, 1,759 players responded to this year’s survey, which grades teams on a scale of A+ to F on things ranging from head coach and team ownership to locker room, treatment of families and home field, a new category this year. The survey was sent to everyone on an active roster at the time the survey was conducted from Nov. 2 to Dec. 11.

After survey results were made public each of the first three years, the NFL won a grievance against the players association, claiming it violated the league’s collective bargaining agreement.

While an arbitrator agreed with the league, the NFLPA made it clear it intends to continue collecting surveys going forward even if they can’t be publicly shared.

The Steelers reportedly finished last in willingness to invest in facilities, locker room and home field, the latter so “by a wide margin.”

“Players cite inadequate maintenance and excessive wear from hosting local college and high school games,” the survey said, per ESPN. “Players across the league note the poor condition of the field and emphasize the need for investment to bring it up to standard.”

The Arizona Cardinals, who finished in last place a season ago, moved up one spot to 31st. The Cleveland Browns remained at No. 30, where they ranked last year.

–Field Level Media

Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) audibles during the second half of an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Steelers confirm ‘door open’ for reunion with Aaron Rodgers

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If the Steelers know the options on the table for 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh general manager Omar Khan wasn’t ready to reveal any of the cards in play for either side.

Khan wouldn’t say whether Rodgers is considering retirement or other offers as an unrestricted free agent when the new league year begins March 11.

“That’s a question for Aaron. He knows how we feel. I think we know how he feels about us,” Khan said Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. “It was a good experience for both sides. Unfortunately we didn’t reach our goals on winning the games we wanted to at the end. But there’s a mutual respect there.”

Pittsburgh hosts the 2026 NFL Draft in April and Khan said he’s been working at warp speed to get on the same page with new head coach Mike McCarthy. McCarthy returned to the NFL sideline after one season away.

Khan said McCarthy, who last coached with the Cowboys, was a fan of quarterback Will Howard coming out of Ohio State and is excited to work with him. Howard was Pittsburgh’s sixth-round pick in 2025 but landed on injured reserve in August because of a fractured hand. He returned to practice in November.

“We mentioned Aaron, but we all agree that we’re looking for that next franchise guy,” Khan said. “We’re not there yet, and we may have the guy on the roster, we don’t know, in Will, and we’re excited to work with Will. We all know that has to be addressed, and we’re all looking for the same thing, we’re just not there yet.”

Rodgers came to Pittsburgh to play for Mike Tomlin, who resigned after the Steelers’ loss to the Houston Texans in the playoffs. But he won a Super Bowl with McCarthy during his prodigious run as quarterback of the Packers.

Khan said he spoke to Rodgers last week and the Steelers made it clear “the door is open to have Aaron back.”

Last offseason, Tomlin and the Steelers kept the door open for Rodgers until he finally made his signing official on June 6. Khan said neither side wants to delay a deal or “see it drag on like it did last year.”

–Field Level Media

Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight ends coach Brian Angelichio against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Steelers hire Vikings assistant Brian Angelichio as offensive coordinator

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The Pittsburgh Steelers announced the hiring of several assistants on Wednesday, some with previous ties to new head coach Mike McCarthy, including offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio and assistant head coach/secondary coach Joe Whitt Jr.

The Steelers also hired Danny Crossman as special teams coordinator, Pat Reilly as defensive quality control coach and defensive line coach Domata Peko, a former Dallas defensive assistant in 2024 when McCarthy was head coach of the Cowboys.

Angelichio, 53, was the Minnesota Vikings’ passing game coordinator and tight ends coach for the past four seasons. He was the tight ends coach in 2016-18 when McCarthy was head coach of the Green Bay Packers.

Other NFL stints as tight ends coach include Tampa Bay (2013-13), Cleveland (2014-15), Washington (2019) and Carolina (2020-21).

Angelichio, who was a four-year starter at linebacker for St. Lawrence University in New York, has college coaching experience including offensive coordinator at Ithaca (2000-05).

Crossman, 59, was with the Miami Dolphins as special teams coordinator (2019-24) and also held the title of assistant head coach in 2021. He also coached special teams in Carolina (2003-09), including as coordinator (2007-09), and held that title in Detroit (2010-12) and Buffalo (2013-18).

Whitt, 47, was fired after two seasons as the Washington Commanders’ defensive coordinator (2024-25). Whitt was with McCarthy in Green Bay as defensive quality control coach (2008), cornerbacks coach (2009-17) and pass game coordinator (2018).

He also was a defensive assistant with Atlanta (2007, 2020), Cleveland (2019) and Dallas (2021-23).

Peko, 41, was the defensive line coach for the University of Colorado last season. He played defensive line for 15 years in the NFL for the Cincinnati Bengals (2006-16), Denver Broncos (2017-18), Baltimore Ravens (2019) and Arizona Cardinals (2020).

Reilly was an offensive assistant this season with the Houston Texans and previously with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

–Field Level Media

Detroit Lions fan Ryan Kennedy, center, listens during a press conference while being represented by Head Murphy Law attorney Sean Murphy, left, and Head Murphy Law founder and Managing Member Shawn Head,right, during a press conference at Head Murphy Law in Farmington Hills on Friday, December 26, 2025, while discussing the fan involved in an altercation with Pittsburgh Steelers player DK Metcalf at the Detroit Lions game at Ford Field last Sunday.

Lions fan files $100M lawsuit over DK Metcalf incident

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The Detroit Lions fan involved in a December altercation with the Pittsburgh Steelers’ DK Metcalf has filed a $100 million defamation lawsuit against the wide receiver and others.

Ryan Kennedy continues to suffer physically and has experienced “reputational damage and economic harm” since the Dec. 21 incident at Detroit’s Ford Field, according to a suit filed Tuesday in Wayne County (Mich.) Circuit Court.

Kennedy was in the first row behind the Steelers’ bench when he and Metcalf exchanged words before the receiver appeared to reach up, grab Kennedy by the shirt and take a swing at him.

The day after the game, former NFL wideout Chad Johnson said on his “Nightcap” podcast with former NFL tight end Shannon Sharpe that Kennedy had used a racial slur during the confrontation.

“Based on what I was told, from a reliable source, who wears number four that’s what it was — (Kennedy) called (Metcalf) the N-word,” Johnson said, according to the lawsuit.

Kennedy has denied the allegation.

“The N-Word is the most offensive and inflammatory racial slur in the English language. No other word expresses so much hatred and bigotry,” Kennedy’s attorney Jon Marko told The Athletic on Tuesday. “Falsely accusing someone of using that word hurts not only the person falsely accused, but hurts every true victim of racial hatred and bigotry.”

The lawsuit also names Ford Field for failing to protect Kennedy, as well as Sharpe’s company, Shay Shay Media, and All Time Sports, which hosts “Nightcap.”

Marko said Kennedy is seeking damages “as well as court-ordered public retractions from all defendants to clear his name. Mr. Kennedy maintains that he never used any racial slurs or hate speech whatsoever.”

The NFL suspended Metcalf, 28, for two games after the incident. The two-time Pro Bowler returned for the playoffs and had two catches for 42 yards in a 30-6 wild-card loss to the Houston Texans.

–Field Level Media