Podcast appearances and mentions of Minkah Fitzpatrick

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Brian Batko draft an all-time Steelers flag football team ahead of that sport joining the Olympics for the 2028 games in Los Angeles. Does Ben Roethlisberger or Justin Fields make more sense at QB? Are Antonio Brown, Diontae Johnson and Santonio Holmes the top options at WR? And could Rod Woodson, Mike Hilton, Mel Blount, Troy Polamalu and Minkah Fitzpatrick form a fearsome defense? Our duo tackles those questions, offers thoughts on the end of another week of uncertainty around Aaron Rodgers and George Pickens' comments upon joining the Dallas Cowboys.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo eye potential remaining moves for GM Omar Khan this offseason. Why do trades of high-priced veterans including T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick seem unlikely? Even after George Pickens was dealt to the Dallas Cowboys with one year remaining on his contract last week? And how does Watt's contract negotiation fit into that conversation? Our duo ponders those questions, then the future of the Steelers backfield. How quickly will third-round pick Kaleb Johnson eat into Jaylen Warren's workload? Is he a realistic threat to start? And where do other options including Kenneth Gainwell and Trey Sermon fit into the situation. Then in the third segment, the guys preview the NFL schedule release Wednesday night and possible primetime matchups for coach Mike Tomlin's team.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. Did Steelers GM Omar Khan back himself into a corner by not addressing the defensive line in a major way in free agency? Forcing a possible tough choice between QBs like Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart and DLs like Kenneth Grant, Derrick Harmon and Walter Nolen in the NFL draft? Are negotiations between the Steelers and star pass rusher T.J. Watt going poorly? As NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport suggested Thursday following the release of a cryptic Instagram post from Watt? Or are fans and media getting ahead of themselves in reacting to the innocuous photo of Watt flashing a peace sign? Is giving Watt and extension the right move, given his personal lack of playoff success? And how long can he, Cam Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick realistically be cornerstones of Mike Tomlin's defense as they have been for much of the last decade? Paul tackles those questions, Sanders' visit to the team's facility ahead of the NFL draft and the Pirates' series victory against the St. Louis Cardinals. Does it suggest a turnaround could be ahead for Paul Skenes, Bryan Reynolds, Andrew McCutchen, etc.? Or are the obvious offensive woes still a major concern?

Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's episode, we discuss the fit of Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders. What does he do well? Where are his deficiencies? Is he the type of QB that you can compete with in a loaded AFC? Is he becoming the team's preference above all else? How important is draft slot and the fifth-year option to teams? How drastic is the drop off in slot money? Should the team consider trades of TJ Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick? Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss all this and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cam Heyward, TJ Watt, and Minkah Fitzpatrick are still the big three on the Steelers defense but since all three have come together in 2019 does it feel like the defense could have done more in that time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Steelers Morning Rush, our new daily short-form podcast with Alan Saunders, giving a longer perspective on a single news topic surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers or the National Football League. Today, it's the team's persistent interest in the safety position in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Steelers have shown a surprising interest in safeties in the 2025 NFL Draft cycle, using their combine formal interviews on a couple, sending head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan to the pro days of several more, and even sending defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander to work out potential first-round pick Nick Emmanwori. They did all of that despite a full depth chart at the position for the 2025 season, and All-Pro free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick locked up through the end of 2026. So what gives? Alan breaks it down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Derrick Bell and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's episode, we discuss what to make of the team showing interest in early round DBs & WRs. Could this mean anything for the likes of George Pickens, Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott? Who is the QB we think is most likely to become a franchise QB that isn't named Cam Ward? Who are our ideal picks at #21? Who are some WRs to keep an eye on during each day of the draft? Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss all this and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo weigh in on the team's continuing pursuit of QB Aaron Rodgers in NFL free agency. Have GM Omar Khan, coach Mike Tomlin and top brass for team reached desperation for Rodgers to sign? Or is that need overstated? With Mason Rudolph already under contract and other free agent and trade options remaining, including Russell Wilson, Joe Flacco, Kirk Cousins and Joe Milton III? And with the likelihood of adding Rodgers eventually already fairly high, given his lack of other options? Our duo tackles those questions, then ponders the upside of NFL draft QBs. Will names including Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart, Will Howard and Jalen Milroe ever be stars in the NFL? Or are they poised to be career backups? And how should that distinction figure into the Steelers' decision making? Then Chris and Ray end the show by talking safeties. How good will the Steelers' group -- led by Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott -- be after the signing of free agent Juan Thornhill?

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo react to news that the team dined with Alabama QB Jalen Milroe at the Crimson Tide's pro day this week. Are GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin genuinely interested in adding Milroe to their QB room? Why might his skill set be on their radar? How does he compare to other possible NFL draft QB options including Jaxson Dart and Will Howard? In segment two, the guys give their thoughts on news that the Minnesota Vikings are out of the Aaron Rodgers sweepstakes. Does this mean he's more likely to join the Steelers over other possibilities including Russell Wilson? How much longer will this QB drama need to play out? Then in the third segment, Ray and Chris analyze the signing of safety Juan Thornhill. What does he bring to the table alongside names including Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott?

Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's episode, we discuss what boxes the Steelers still need to check (other than the obvious one at QB) to fill out their roster. Could their interest in South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori signal an end to Minkah Fitzpatrick or Deshon Elliot's tenure? Why haven't they added more pieces to an offensive line that has lost multiple pieces? What is the harm in waiting around on Aaron Rodgers? Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss all this and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hour 4 with Joe Starkey: The Steelers drafted Mason Rudolph to be the guy and it didn't work out. The Steelers traded for Minkah Fitzpatrick and gave up a first-round pick to still be in it instead of being subpar and have the chance to pick Justin Herbert. They had a chance to pick Jalen Hurts. These moves have hurt the Steelers. Should Joe go and visit Ron?

he Steelers drafted Mason Rudolph to be the guy and it didn't work out. The Steelers traded for Minkah Fitzpatrick and gave up a first-round pick to still be in it instead of being subpar and have the chance to pick Justin Herbert. The Steelers had a chance to pick Jalen Hurts. These are the things hurting the Steelers!!

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. What should we make of Justin Fields agreeing to a two-year contract with the New York Jets instead of the Steelers? Did Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin make the right choice to let them go? Or should the Steelers have pushed harder to match the Jets' offer? What's next at quarterback? Do all signs point to Aaron Rodgers? Or should Russell Wilson still be an option? Paul gives his thoughts on those questions, then reacts to the trade for DK Metcalf and the signing of Darius Slay. How will Metcalf fit in the existing receivers room that includes George Pickens, Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson? And how much can Slay help the secondary alongside Joey Porter Jr. and Minkah Fitzpatrick?

-More calls on if the Steelers can find a way to rebound from last season's debacle. One caller also thinks the Steelers should put T.J. Watt on the trade block. -More fans chime in on the Steelers' run defense, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Ashton Jeanty. -More calls on running backs, the unwritten rule of not taking one in the first round, and last night's hockey game.

Ray would pick Justin Fields over Russell Wilson and Joe is baffled by the idea Wilson could return, calling it a "marriage of desperation." Minkah Fitzpatrick is "untradeable" due to the structure of his deal. Ray would be surprised if the Steelers don't pick a defensive lineman high!

On their weekly Thursday podcast, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey react to a busy week in Pittsburgh sports news. Are the Steelers rebuilding, as PG colleague Ray Fittipaldo has argued? Are Mike Tomlin and his coaching staff simply failing with a roster that's built to win? How should the answer to the rebuilding question inform their decision at QB between options including Justin Fields, Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers? Should stars like T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward or Minkah Fitzpatrick be traded if this team does not have serious hopes of Super Bowl contention? And where does the young offensive line, including names like Broderick Jones, Mason McCormick, Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier fit into this conversation? Our duo tackles those questions and also weighs in on some negative reaction to the announcement of next seasons Ireland game at Croke Park in Dublin. Then they tackles some 4 Nations Faceoff questions. Is this tournament involving Penguins standouts including Sidney Crosby, Mike Sullivan and Rickard Rakell compelling and worth watching? And is the event's marketing -- and the NHL's marketing at large -- too focused on Connor McDavid and the league's young stars? At the expense of Crosby and Washington Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin? Then in the third segment, airing on the Post-Gazette's new Pirates channel, Adam and Jason ponder headlines from the first week of spring training in Bradenton. Who is more responsible for the team's disastrous MLB offseason: GM Ben Cherington or owner Bob Nutting? How much scorn do they deserve for the Spencer Horwitz injury situation, which has sidetracked one of the few key moves they did make? What should we make out Bryan Reynolds moving to right field, free agent Tommy Pham playing in left and Oneil Cruz continuing his transition from shortstop in center? Will this be a bad defensive group in totality? And is there reason for optimism about Ke'Bryan Hayes, as team and player express hope that they're better able to manage his chronic back issues?

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to news that coach Mike Tomlin has made a change at DBs coach, with Gerald Alexander replacing Grady Brown. Will the move help the team get more out of players like Joey Porter Jr., Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cory Trice Jr., DeShon Elliott and others? Or is the change not big enough to make a difference? Later, they give their thoughts on reporting by MMQB's Albert Breer and others that GM Omar Khan is considering QB options beyond Russell Wilson and Justin Fields in NFL free agency and the trade market this offseason. Would moves for names like Aaron Rodgers or Matthew Stafford make sense? Or are they negotiating ploys as they look toward bringing back Fields and/or Wilson? Then in the third segment, our duo ponders the possible return of Najee Harris at running back amid a weak free agent market. Does keeping him alongside Jaylen Warren make sense? Or would they be better served looking at names like Ashton Jeanty and Quinshon Judkins in a loaded NFL draft class?

Welcome to Steelers Morning Rush, our new daily short-form podcast with Alan Saunders, giving a longer perspective on a single news topic surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers or the National Football League. Today, it's whether the Steelers should be looking to steal the scheme the Philadelphia Eagles used to shut down the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. Both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia approached the problem of facing the Chiefs with a similar approach, spending most of their game with a four-man front and a Nickel or Dime sub package behind. The only major difference was the Eagles using two high safeties, while the Steelers stuck to just Minkah Fitzpatrick off the ball. The Steelers were in a better run-defending posture, but the Eagles had more help available against the pass.  That, combined with Philly''s better pass rush from the interior of the defensive line, was the major difference. Alan breaks it down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. He responds to viral criticism by former Patriots receiver Julian Edelman -- echoed by former QB Ben Roethlisberger -- that the Steelers' defense is too predictable. Do the two men have a point? What could or should Mike Tomlin and DC Teryl Austin change about their process on that side of the ball? Could they get more out of their stars on that side of the ball -- including Joey Porter Jr., Patrick Queen, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt -- if they are open to change? Later, Paul weighs in on the reported friction between QB Russell Wilson and OC Arthur Smith. What it should mean about the choice between Wilson and Justin Fields at the position. And the Peguins' latest loss -- which included an injury to star Sidney Crosby.

On the weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, host Adam Bittner welcomes Ed Bouchette, former Steelers insider for the Post-Gazette and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, to react to the team's 2024 season and where it goes from here. Is Mike Tomlin closer to a messy exit like Chuck Noll? Or a Super Bowl-winning revival like Bill Cowher? How would Dan Rooney have handled the team's current playoff wins drought differently than son Art Rooney II as owner, if at all? And is Tomlin's long tenure more about loyalty? Or belief in doing business the way ownership would like to? Ed tackles those questions, then weighs in on roster issues. Why does he prefer Justin Fields over Russell Wilson or outside options at quarterback? What are his feelings about WR George Pickens and whether GM Omar Khan should explore trading him this offseason? Is it time to break up the defensive core of Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick? And why does Ed like Joey Porter Jr. and Keeanu Benton as young players who can grow into bigger roles? Then our duo wraps the show with some Hall of Fame talk with a focus on Hines Ward and James Harrison.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter and Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo react to news that Aaron Curry will not return as Steelers ILBs coach. Is this an opportunity for GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin to shake up the defensive staff under DC Teryl Austin? Could former New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo be the big acquisition needed give a jolt to what's become a stale defense? How much could he help players like Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson at the ILB position? And what impact could improved LB play have on the rest of the defense that includes stars like T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Joey Porter Jr.? Later, the guys take an early look at NFL free agency. Is Tee Higgins a live option to join George Pickens and Calvin Austin III in the WRs room? Would Javon Hargrave, D.J. Jones, B.J. Hill and/or Javon Kinlaw make sense as DT additions? And is Byron Murphy a name worth considering in the secondary? Our guys tackle those question, then ponder the running back market to possibly replace Najee Harris in the backfield. Would Khan really get older at the position by signing free agents like Aaron Jones or Nick Chubb? Would names like A.J. Dillon, Javonte Williams Alexander Mattison really be upgrades on Harris? Or should the Steelers be looking to the NFL draft?

Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's show, we dive into Myles Garrett requesting a trade from the Cleveland Browns. How did we get here and where could things go from this point? How will the fallout impact the Pittsburgh Steelers both in terms of facing them and also the handling of their own star EDGE rusher in TJ Watt? We then discuss Alan's time at the Pro Bowl. Isaac Seumalo said retirement isn't on his mind, Cam Heyward said he wants to go back to the old format of the event and Minkah Fitzpatrick expressed his desire to play in the Olympics. Finally, we dive into Alan's Senior Bowl mock draft for the Steelers and answer a question surrounding getting more creative with their defensive looks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On his new Saturday podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey welcomes longtime Pittsburgh sports broadcast and current Pirates public address announcer Guy Junker to tackle a range of topics. They start with fan frustration surrounding the Steelers. Is it at an all-time high after eight years without an NFL playoffs win? Has owner Art Rooney II's philosophy worn thin with his hardcore customers, particularly with regard to coach Mike Tomlin and the stability he represents? What can be done to fix the defense that faltered down the stretch, despite the presence of highly paid stars like T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Patrick Queen and Alexi Highsmith? And what should happen at the QB position? Should GM Omar Khan pick the veteran presence of Russell Wilson? The mobility of Justin Fields? Or someone else entirely via the NFL draft or free agency? Our duo tackles those questions, then reflects on Guy's long career; his work with colleagues including Stan Savran and Bob Pompeani; and his many years on the popular Sportsbeat show. Later, Jason and Guy reflect on the latest with the Pirates and Penguins. Who's most to blame for the Penguins' recent struggles? Is it the Fenway Sports ownership group that has failed to live up to the success Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle had here? Is it past GMs including Jim Rutherford and Ron Hextall, whose moves are still hurting the roster today? Is it current GM Kyle Dubas and his disastrous deal with goalie Tristan Jarry? Or is it coach Mike Sullivan's inflexible game plans? And how will the franchise handle star Sidney Crosby moving forward. On the Pirates side, what we can expect from them in 2025? Can Ke'Bryan Hayes stay healthy at 3B? Does Oneil Cruz still have more upside, particularly as a power threat at the plate? How good can the young pitching staff led by Paul Skenes, Jared Jones and Mitch Keller be? And how can manager Derek Shelton fix this team's problems with fundamentals?

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to owner Art Rooney II's year-end comments earlier this week. Is Rooney too focused on winning with the running game, considering how it performed despite run-focused Arthur Smith calling the plays in 2024? Do the Steelers simply need to look beyond Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren as lead backs to have more success? Can the offensive line take a step forward behind key young players including Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick? And where does the QB situation with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields fit into the conversation. Later, our duo ponders whether GM Omar Khan will spend more money on offense in NFL free agency to balance out the disparity with the defense, which has players on major deals including T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cam Heyward, Patrick Queen and Alex Highsmith. And they discuss possible coaching staff changes still to come.

January 27, 2025 - Season 15, Episode 84 of The Terrible Podcast is now in the can. In this Monday morning episode, Alex Kozora and I get right to discussing the two NFL Conference Championship games that took place on Sunday that resulted in the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles set to play in Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. We spend some time talking about what we learned from the final four teams in the 2024-2025 playoffs as it relates to the Pittsburgh Steelers moving forward and especially when it comes to the quarterback position. After discussing the several former Steelers players that will be on the two teams playing for this year's Super Bowl, Alex and I discuss the Steelers' process of attempting to land their next franchise quarterback at some point during a draft. Should the Steelers seriously consider trading S Minkah Fitzpatrick this offseason? That seems to be a topic right now with the offseason now underway, so Alex and I dive deep into a conversation related to that and the plausibility of it actually happening. Veteran QB Joe Flacco is being linked as a possibility for the Steelers this offseason, so Alex and I make sure to briefly hit on that topic. With both of the major college all-star game weeks underway, Alex and I have a few discussions about a few more players that we have studied. We talk about Nebraska DL Ty Robinson, Texas Tech RB Tahj Brooks, and even Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty. We go over the explosive run rates for the two running backs later in this show as well. This 102-minute episode also discusses several other minor topics not noted in the recap. We make sure to get to a few listener emails later in this show as well. steelersdepot.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Palazzolo from the 33rd Team joined the show. Steve isn't sure if a 2nd round pick would come back if the Steelers parted with George Pickens. What would make his value higher? Steve commented on the idea of the Steelers bringing back Justin Fields. The guys asked Steve about Jalen Milroe and Will Howard as potential fliers in the draft. Steve said he would keep TJ Watt in Pittsburgh and thinks he has multiple good years left. Steve preached that the Steelers have to get playmakers in this draft and probably double-up on receiver. Steve thinks Minkah Fitzpatrick could be a player he moves if he was in charge. Steve said the trenches are still where teams should be built from the ground-up. Steve gave his thoughts on the AFC/NFC Championship games.

Max Starks is high on Justin Fields. Another Steelers voice suggesting they want him back in 2025. But can the Steelers win with Fields? Some, but not a lot. Projecting Fields' numbers out over the course of an entire season would have the Steelers around the 20th best offense in football. How much of this is good PR or sales pitch to Fields so he comes back? Steve Palazzolo from the 33rd Team joined the show. Steve isn't sure if a 2nd round pick would come back if the Steelers parted with George Pickens. What would make his value higher? Steve commented on the idea of the Steelers bringing back Justin Fields. The guys asked Steve about Jalen Milroe and Will Howard as potential fliers in the draft. Steve said he would keep TJ Watt in Pittsburgh and thinks he has multiple good years left. Steve preached that the Steelers have to get playmakers in this draft and probably double-up on receiver. Steve thinks Minkah Fitzpatrick could be a player he moves if he was in charge. Steve said the trenches are still where teams should be built from the ground-up. Steve gave his thoughts on the AFC/NFC Championship games. Donny Football Debrief – We have the dates for the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes Chris Mueller of 93.7 The Fan to ponder decisions GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin will have to make about personnel this offseason. With a specific focus on colleague Ray Fittipaldo's trade, cut or keep analysis on our website. Should Minkah Fitzpatrick and his lucrative contract return to the secondary after it struggled down the stretch? Did Patrick Queen live up to his expensive deal from last year in NFL free agency? And what should be done about George Pickens, who's created some headaches despite strong production? Our duo tackles the fate of those players and a few others including Cordarrelle Patterson, Cam Sutton, Elandon Roberts and Cole Holcomb.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to address the team's lack of coaching staff changes so far. Will coach Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan finally make moves this week? Or are names including OC Arthur Smith and DC Teryl Austin safe in their jobs? Could Tomlin look to add positions to his coaching staff, like he did for Brian Flores recently? And how could a bigger staff help the offense get more out of playmakers like George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth? Or improve communication issues on a defense loaded with stars like Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Joey Porter Jr., T.J. Watt and Patrick Queen? Our duo tackles those questions, then reacts to results from the NFL playoffs this past weekend. What can the Steelers learn from how Josh Allen and the Bills stopped Lamar Jackson and the Ravens? And what does the Commanders' stunning upset of the Lions show about the Steelers' ability to turn things around quickly with some good decisions?

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. He gives his thoughts on trade chatter surrounding the Steelers' T.J. Watt. Is he most valuable as the foundation of the defense? Or should GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin consider dealing him near the peak of his value? How much value might he hold in terms of NFL draft capital if the Steelers decided the would like to trade him? And how would his departure act as a reset for a unit that struggled down the stretch despite the presence of fellow standouts Joey Porter Jr., Patrick Queen, Cam Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick? Then later, he ponders what Pitt basketball's three-game ACC losing streak could mean for the Panthers' March Madness chances; and the possibility of further Pirates moves with spring training looming in a little more than a month.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to talk through DC Teryl Austin's future with the team. Would it help the unit and stars T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cam Heyward, Joey Porter Jr. and Patrick Queen if the organization moved on from Austin? Would anything really change with Mike Tomlin still in place as the head coach with a heavy hand in the game plan? Or could there be value in a new voice and message, especially amid the communication issues that plagued the group down the stretch of the regular season and in the NFL playoffs? And how can the unit restore its aggressiveness regardless of who's coaching it? Our duo tackles those questions, then makes picks for the divisional round of the playoffs this weekend. Will Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs cruise past the Texans again? Who will win the marquee QB battle in the other AFC matchup? The Ravens' Lamar Jackson or the Bills' Josh Allen? And can the Commanders or Rams stop the Lions and Eagles from meeting in the NFC championship?

Mark and Tom talk about the Penguins placing Tristan Jarry on the waivers, Derrick Henry stiff-arming Minkah Fitzpatrick, Evgeni Malkin's home getting burglarized, and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark and Tom talk about the Penguins placing Tristan Jarry on the waivers, Derrick Henry stiff-arming Minkah Fitzpatrick, Evgeni Malkin's home getting burglarized, and more!

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey continues to react to the Steelers' season-ending loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL playoffs. Should owner Art Rooney II and GM Omar Khan consider firing DC Teryl Austin for the defense's backslide in the final games of the season? Should coach Mike Tomlin have less control over the unit and instead allow his coordinator to establish his own identity? And what does the unit need to do differently to get more out of stars including T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Joey Porter Jr., Patrick Queen and Alex Highsmith? Later, Jason also explains why he feels Russell Wilson should not be the starter at QB in 2025 and analyzes the Penguins' mess in goal with Tristan Jarry and Alex Nedeljkovic both struggling.

Welcome to Steelers Morning Rush, our new daily short-form podcast with Alan Saunders, giving a longer perspective on a single news topic surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers or the National Football League. Today's it's how the Steelers have had back-to-back quality drafts, but still end up on the wrong end of the stick when it comes to the level of talent on the team. The Steelers have signed just three players from their 2019, 2020 and 2021 draft classes to contract extensions, and only two of those three will be around for the 2025 season: outside linebacker Alex Highsmith and tight end Pat Freiermuth. While the Steelers have quality veterans in Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, and promising younger players like Joey Porter Jr., Zach Frazier and Keeanu Benton, they're missing a middle class thanks to several weak draft classes in a row. Despite trying to find a shortcut, the only way out of the problem is the way they got in: by winning in the draft. Alan breaks it down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hour 1 with Joe Starkey: Joe's top 5 current Steelers: Cam Heyward, TJ Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, George Pickens, and Chris Boswell. Not having a quarterback is one of the Steelers main problems. Mike DeFabo saw a PR staffer usher in George Pickens from the media entrance with 1 hour and 25 minutes before the Chiefs game. Mike talked to players after the game and they said it's just "George being George."

Joe's top 5 current Steelers: Cam Heyward, TJ Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, George Pickens, and Chris Boswell. Not having a quarterback is one of the Steelers main problems.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. with a specific focus on the Steelers after their NFL playoffs loss to the Baltimore Ravens. What next steps should GM Omar Khan take in building his roster for 2025? Should he bring back Russell Wilson? Or look to build around a young quarterback like Justin Fields, as the Washington Commanders have with Jayden Daniels? Should he consider trading Minkah Fitzpatrick and his bloated contract? Where should Patrick Queen fit into the defense's equation after falling short of lofty expectations for his first season here? How can the team get more help for CB Joey Porter Jr. at cornerback? Or George Pickens at receiver via NFL free agency or the NFL draft? And where does Mike Tomlin fit into all of it?

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to the team's NFL playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens and news that coach Mike Tomlin is expected to return in 2025, per a report by the PG's Gerry Dulac. What is owner Art Rooney II thinking in keeping Tomlin despite eight years without a playoff win and six consecutive postseason defeats? Is he looking to father Dan Rooney's example of keeping Bill Cowher as coach despite three straight years of missing the playoffs during his tenure? Then later, the discuss other possible moves beyond Tomlin. Could DC Teryl Austin be in trouble after his unit studded with stars including T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Joey Porter Jr. and Patrick Queen struggled late in the year? What about offensive line coach Pat Meyer, who saw limited results from young linemen including Broderick Jones? Or defensive line coach Karl Dunbar, who failed to build depth behind Heyward with names including Keeanu Benton and Larry Ogunjobi?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Steelers' NFL playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Should Mike Tomlin's tenure have run its course after another postseason embarrassment? And how can Art Rooney II and ownership not see the lack of progress since the franchise's last playoff win in 2016? Jason ponders those questions and the quarterback situation. Should GM Omar Khan run it back with Russell Wilson in 2025 and beyond? Should the younger and more mobile Justin Fields get another look as the starter? Or should the franchise look toward the NFL draft for its next answer? The finally, Jason analyzes the secondary and potential fixes after Minkah Fitzpatrick, Joey Porter Jr., DeShon Elliott and Donte Jackson struggled to stop the pass down the stretch.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo react to the team's NFL playoffs loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Why have slow starts become such a problem for Mike Tomlin-coached teams in the postseason? Will yet another loss like this spur owner Art Rooney II to any action? Why couldn't the expensive defense led by T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Patrick Queen, Cam Heyward and Joey Porter Jr. do much to stop Ravens stars Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson? And what changes will come on offense after Russell Wilson, Najee Harris, George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth and teammates failed to score more than 17 points for a fifth consecutive game?

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo consider what's at stake for the team -- win or lose -- in its NFL playoffs matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. Is Mike Tomlin closer to the hot seat if he loses? Or validation if he wins in the eyes of GM Omar Khan and owner Art Rooney II? What about coordinators Teryl Austin and Arthur Smith? Does the front office led by Khan and assistant GM Andy Weidl have a higher opinion of this season than fans, upset with a long playoff win drought? Or could there still be changes to the coaching staff if the team falls short? In the second segment, Adam and Ray discuss the future of the the roster's core and how much hingers on a win vs. as loss. Are T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Cam Heyward assured of returning next season? Or would there be reason to doubt they could ever deliver in the postseason with another loss? What impact will the game have on extension talks with players including George Pickens? Could Pat Freiermuth or Alex Highsmith be on the trade block despite recent extensions of their own? And how important is it to see young players like Joey Porter Jr. and Keeanu Benton step up on the big stage? Then in the third segment, our duo wades into QB talk. Does Russell Wilson's future in Pittsburgh hinge on this game? How much of an impact could it have on his contract demands in NFL free agency? Will Justin Fields get a second look as the potential starter? And what are the chances outside options like the Jets' Aaron Rodgers could be considered?

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko previews the NFL playoffs matchup against the Ravens with former Baltimore tight end and podcaster Daniel Wilcox. Can Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and DC Teryl Austin stymie star Ravens QB Lamar Jackson again? Or has the reigning league MVP figured out how to combat T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Patrick Queen, Joey Porter Jr. and the star-studded Steelers defense? Can Russell Wilson and the Steelers passing game have success against this Ravens secondary that's been vulnerable at times? Or will the attitude of George Pickens be among factors that slows OC Arthur Smith's offense like it did a few weeks ago? And what kind of relationship does Wilcox have with Tomlin after winning a Super Bowl with him with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers back in 2002? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

Welcome to Steelers Morning Rush, our new daily short-form podcast with Alan Saunders, giving a longer perspective on a single news topic surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers or the National Football League. Today, it's the defensive unit of Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. Despite getting a healthy version of Cam Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick this season, despite avoiding the gigantic injury malaise that the linebacker and safety positions went through in 2023 and adding veterans Patrick Queen, DeShon Elliott and Donte Jackson, the NFL's highest-paid defense actually got worse in 2024. The Steelers finish eighth in scoring defense in 2024, down from sixth the previous year. What happened? Alan breaks it down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo react to the team's NFL Week 18 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium. Why did coach Mike Tomlin and OC Arthur Smith abandon the pass-heavy attack led by Russell Wilson that worked against this opponent a month ago to focus on Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren and the running game? Was the game plan too reliant on a regressing offensive line, with names like Dan Moore Jr. and Broderick Jones struggling? What should we make of tight end Pat Freiermuth's busy night as the leading receiver? How were Bengals QB Joe Burrow and WR Ja'Marr Chase able to have success against Cory Trice Jr., Joey Porter Jr., Minkah Fitzpatrick and the Steelers secondary? And what are the likely NFL playoff scenarios heading into the final day of the regular season Sunday? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

Post-Gazette sports writers Adam Bittner and Paul Zeise react live after the Steelers' NFL Week 18 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium. Can QB Russell Wilson shake of his string of costly turnovers and build passing game momentum with targets including George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth, Calvin Austin III and Mike Williams? How will Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris manage in the running game? Were offensive linemen including Zach Frazier, Broderick Jones and Dan Moore Jr. able to provide better protection? How did Minkah Fitzpatrick, Joey Porter Jr and DeShon Elliott bounce back after a tough few weeks for the pass defense? And were T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward and Alex Highsmith able to get better pressure on Bengals QB Joe Burrow?

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. Did Minkah Fitzpatrick really deserve his nod for the NFL Pro Bowl this year? Or did he coast to the honor off of reputation? Do selections for T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward and Chris Boswell make more sense? How much pressure is QB Russell Wilson under in NFL Week 18 vs. the Bengals? Could his job be threatened if the team doesn't win again this season? What should the next steps be with receiver George Pickens? And is Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, Saquon Barkley or Josh Allen the more deserving NFL MVP candidate? Paul answers those questions, reacts to the end of Pitt football season and offers some initial thoughts on Penn State's matchup with Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Orange Bowl.

Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's episode, we discuss George Pickens having a non-answer about him and Russell Wilson not being on the same page during an interception against the Kansas City Chiefs. We also discuss TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, Chris Boswell and Minkah Fitzpatrick being named Pro Bowlers and give an update on injuries to Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, Roman Wilson and Cole Holcomb. Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo report from Steelers practice ahead of an NFL Week 18 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. They recap comments from DeShon Elliott and Teryl Austin on the defense's bickering following the Week 17 loss to Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs. Does Elliott regret any of his comments? Why does Austin believe the bickering is a healthy sign? What role has Minkah Fitzpatrick played in the defense's struggles against the past? And have communication issues been resolved in the week since the defeat? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Including: Could Cole Holcomb and Roman Wilson still return from long-term injury this season? And what will Joey Porter Jr. add to the defense after a shorter absence?

The battle of Pennsylvania features A.J. Brown, Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata and Johnny Wilson on one side with T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Nick Herbig on the other. In a matchup of CEO head coaches, Nick Sirianni goes against Mike Tomlin as two of the league's best square off. Can the Eagles fight through the silly off-field drama of the week to win their 10th game in a row?Our PHLY crew puts the finishing touches on their week of analysis, with predictions from Zach Berman and much more.