Steelers Mailbag: Should Pittsburgh Embrace A Rebuild?
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 23: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after forcing a fumble during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 23, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Steelers enter an offseason that is different than any of the past 20 years. With Mike McCarthy now at the helm and another year of quarterback questions, is a soft rebuild what’s best for the Steelers? And what quarterback options are the best for 2026? That and more in this week’s mailbag.
Q: Please describe what would be considered a realistic tank season scenario. Keeping Rudy and Howard, and selecting a QB in the 3rd day of the Draft? Maybe even trading TJ? – Polamolicules_Dude
A: Something along those lines. Realistically, they should trade a lot of veterans. Trade Patrick Queen, trade T.J. Watt, trade Cam Heyward, trade Jalen Ramsey. Get as many picks in the 2027 draft as you can (they already have a ton of picks in this draft and the class isn’t highly-regarded).
Q: Hypothetically, let’s say that the new staff wants nothing to do with Rodgers, Rudolph, or Howard leaving Omar Khan to completely clean house at the position yet again. How would you build the QB room from scratch this off-season? – Blkgldtom
A: I would sign Malik Willis, draft a guy on Day Two or early Day Three (Drew Allar, Trinidad Chambliss), and then a veteran like Tyrod Taylor just to have a veteran in the room.
Q: Last time I asked in November, you in favor of picking up Broderick Jones’s 5th year option at $20M for 2027. I thought you were silly then, but you stillriding with him? – AmperandSteel
A: Would lean no. Dylan Cook played well and if he can sustain that level of play, it wouldn’t make sense to pay so much more for Jones.
Q: I hear a lot of experts telling the rest of us that the Steelers “don’t have the draft capital to trade up” (as if it’s completely impossible for them to acquire the means.) If, hypothetically, the Steelers did want to trade up to the number one slot to take Mendoza, what would the actual price likely be? – SteelerSince73!
A: The Steelers aren’t trading up for the No. 1 pick. But, in a world where they would, they’d have to trade up at least twice. The Washington Commanders at No. 7 would be a team to target since they don’t need a quarterback and need edge rushers. Trade No. 21, one of their third-round picks, and either T.J. Watt or Alex Highsmith to move up to No. 7. Then trade No. 7, their second-round pick, and next year’s first-round pick to get up to No. 1. It might cost more than that, too.
Q: 1. We seem to have some new coaching titles, like Chief Of Staff. What will these guys’ jobs entail? 2. Remind me of the deadline for Rodgers please. – steelwoman
A: Basically, he’s McCarthy’s right hand man. I don’t know what Scarnecchia’s exact duties will be, but he takes a bit of a load off McCarthy. In terms of a deadline, it was reported that the Steeles gave Rodgers a month to decide what he wants to do, and that was near the end of January, so I’d assume we’ll know one way or the other before March.
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
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