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USA Today
20 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Steelers OLB Alex Highsmith admits rotating spots with T.J. Watt is much-needed change
Steelers OLB Alex Highsmith admits rotating spots with T.J. Watt is much-needed change T.J. Watt may be absent from OTAs — but that hasn't stopped Alex Highsmith from hinting at what's to come for the dangerous Steelers OLB duo. Toward the end of the season, the Steelers defense became embarrassingly predictable — as Watt was practically made a non-factor from the LOLB position. At Steelers OTAs, Highsmith admitted that rotating spots with Watt will be key moving forward (courtesy of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette): "Yeah, I think [switching spots] is something we definitely got to include in the game, because, just like you said, teams were kind of catching on to what we were doing. If we're able to move around to different spots and stuff like that, we'll be able to get teams off balance — and they can't just sit there and max protect." In reference to playing on opposite sides of the defensive line, Highsmith clarified that it's important to "get comfortable with what you're uncomfortable at." For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Former Steelers QB Russell Wilson defends George Pickens: 'He wants to be great'
Former Steelers QB Russell Wilson defends George Pickens: 'He wants to be great' New Cowboys WR George Pickens is one of the most polarizing receivers to leave the Steelers in recent years — but if you asked his former QB Russell Wilson, he'd say he's simply "misunderstood." Wilson recently appeared on the podcast 7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony and wasted little time singing Pickens' praises — and supporting his former receiver: "I love George [Pickens], man. His ability to catch the football is one of a kind. Anything in his vicinity, he's gon' catch it," Wilson said. "On a serious note, he's misunderstood outside. I think he's a guy that wants to be great. I think also when it comes to George — I think his ability where he can take it from not just being great, but to being one of the world's best, I think he has that in him." Pickens didn't catch a touchdown pass in 2024 until Wilson took over as QB in Week 7 — so it's safe to say the feeling may be mutual between the two. Is the former Steelers receiver truly misunderstood, or did his on- and off-the-field antics speak for themselves last season? For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Steelers rookie Kaleb Johnson hones critical skill at OTAs — thanks to Jaylen Warren
Steelers rookie Kaleb Johnson hones critical skill at OTAs — thanks to Jaylen Warren Steelers rookie RB Kaleb Johnson needed to fix one area of his game in a hurry — and he came to RB Jaylen Warren for help. Johnson and Warren working together in the same running back room is a match made in heaven for the 2025 season — and it all comes down to pass protection. Coming out of college, one of Johnson's only red flags was, as Pro Football Focus so eloquently describes, "some bad misses in pass protection" — while that skill, in particular, is one where Warren shines the brightest. While speaking to reporters at Steelers OTAs, Johnson explained how he was honing his pass protection with Warren's help (courtesy of Amanda Godsey): "Warren — I've been on him every day about [pass protection]. You know, questioning him — how to do this, how to do that, and make sure I get my technique down to point A. That's the main thing right now, is learning how to pass block great and be liable." There is arguably no running back better than Warren to learn blocking skills from — and if Johnson can emulate even a fraction of his technique, Steelers fans will be in for a treat this upcoming season. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Rumor: Steelers offered Watt new deal — but not Myles Garrett money
Rumor: Steelers offered Watt new deal — but not Myles Garrett money T.J. Watt's contract dilemma just took another unexpected turn, as longtime sportswriter Mark Kaboly reported that the belief is the Steelers have presented a contract offer to Watt — just not one that he'd sign. Kaboly recently explained on his podcast with co-host Chris Mack what he believes the holdup might be: "I'm under the belief that there is a contract offer on the table right now — which is pretty significant. However, it's probably not what [Watt] thinks it is." Mack clarified that the deal isn't "Garrett money," to which Kaboly responded: "Yes. I'm not one hundred percent sure on that, but it's not like they're offering him, you know, $15 million and 'Hey, you're playing for the Steelers, so take it right now.' There is an offer on the table." It was previously rumored that Watt was seeking to surpass Garrett's $123.5 million in guaranteed money. This is no easy feat to accomplish, as the Browns edge rusher more than reset the market — he practically destroyed it. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Steelers rookie Will Howard on Week 1 of OTAs: 'First day was work in progress'
Steelers rookie Will Howard on Week 1 of OTAs: 'First day was work in progress' Will Howard hit a wall on Day 1 of Steelers OTAs — but he's not shying away from the challenge, as he's ready to learn and move forward. Howard's first week of Steelers OTAs is officially in the books, and he recently explained to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette what the experience was like overall: "First day was a work in progress. I didn't feel great about my first day — just coming off the field, but it was a good learning experience," Howard told reporters at OTAs on Thursday. "I wasn't expecting to be perfect on my first day. I'm not going to be perfect. That's the thing — you've got to learn. Especially me, being young, you've got to be able to roll with the punches and know you're going to make some mistakes — especially being a rookie." The Steelers rookie further broke down his performance, stating that Day 1 was more about getting his feet under him, while Days 2 and 3 were better practices. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
