Steelers Rumors: Metcalf, Jones, Draft
As the Steelers fought down the final stretch of the season last year in a race for the AFC North, an altercation from the team’s trip to Detroit forced them to finish the regular season without leading wide receiver D.K. Metcalf. In the first half a game against the Lions, Metcalf was caught on video grabbing then releasing the shirt of a fan in the stands in an aggressive manner. According to Christian Romo of the Detroit Free Press, Metcalf will avoid any charges as a result of the incident.
No flags were thrown when the incident occurred, and the Steelers never took action to discipline Metcalf, but the veteran receiver lost an appeal of his two-game suspension. He reportedly had a history with the fan, having reported them to security the year before, when he had visited as a Seahawk. Per Romo, the Detroit prosecutor’s office relayed that “police submitted a warrant request…but didn’t confirm who the warrant was for,” adding that “no charges were filed at the onset of the investigation,” and none will be levied against Metcalf following the conclusion of the investigation.
Here are a couple other rumors coming out of the Steel City:
- The Steelers declined the fifth-year option for offensive tackle Broderick Jones at the turn of the month, and while it seemed like a likely outcome based on his struggles over the first three years of his career, ESPN’s Brooke Pryor suggested that the outcome may have been different had Jones not gotten injured at the end of the 2025 season. Jones had to undergo neck surgery after missing the final six games of the regular season, and Pryor claims Pittsburgh “would’ve been much more likely” to pick up Jones’ option had the neck injury not complicated the team’s decision.
- During the 2026 NFL Draft, the broadcast showed a moment of levity as the Steelers reportedly called USC wide receiver prospect Makai Lemon before they were on the clock just for the Eagles to trade up one spot past them and draft the receiver right in front of them. According to Jake Rosenberg, a former Eagles front office executive, Pittsburgh’s actions may have violated a rule that restricts teams from talking to prospects or their representatives while not “on the clock” if it interferes “with the discussions between a player and the club that is ‘on the clock.'” Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk reached out to the league about the rule and received a response that the NFL “reviews all aspects of the Draft the week after its conclusion.” It seemed, though, as if the incident were an innocent mistake, that is until Mike Sando of The Athletic reported yesterday that some team executives have “suggested this is not the first time Pittsburgh has called a prospect early.” There appears to be suspicion the practice could be a strategy for learning who a team is drafting when the Steelers are told they must hang up in order for the team “on the clock” to be able to reach the prospect. It will be interesting to see if the league’s review of events concludes that the Steelers operated outside the rules.
2027 NFL Fifth-Year Option Tracker
May 1 marked the deadline for teams to decide on fifth-year options on 2023 first-rounders. The 2020 CBA revamped the option structure and made them fully guaranteed, rather than guaranteed for injury only. Meanwhile, fifth-year option salaries are now determined by a blend of performance- and usage-based benchmarks:
- Two-time Pro Bowlers (excluding alternates) will earn the same as their position’s franchise tag
- One-time Pro Bowlers will earn the equivalent of the transition tag
- Players who achieve any of the following will receive the average of the third-20th top salaries at their position:
- At least a 75% snap rate in two of their first three seasons
- A 75% snap average across all three seasons
- At least 50% in each of first three seasons
- Players who do not hit any of those benchmarks will receive the average of the third-25th top salaries at their position
PFR’s Offseason Outlook series examined each of these decisions in-depth. Twenty-two options were exercised this year. Here is how each team with an option decision proceeded with 2023 first-round contracts:
- QB Bryce Young, Panthers ($25.9MM): Exercised
- QB C.J. Stroud, Texans ($25.9MM): Exercised
- DE Will Anderson Jr., Texans ($21.51MM): Exercised
- QB Anthony Richardson, Colts ($22.48MM): Declined
- CB Devon Witherspoon, Seahawks ($21.16MM): Exercised
- LT Paris Johnson Jr., Cardinals ($19.07MM): Exercised
- DE Tyree Wilson, Raiders ($14.48MM): Declined
- RB Bijan Robinson, Falcons ($11.32MM): Exercised
- DT Jalen Carter, Eagles ($27.13MM): Exercised
- RT Darnell Wright, Bears ($19.07MM): Exercised
- G Peter Skoronski, Titans ($19.07MM): To be exercised
- RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions ($14.29MM): Exercised
- LB Lukas Van Ness, Packers ($13.75MM): Exercised
- LT Broderick Jones, Steelers ($19.07MM): Declined
- DE Will McDonald, Jets ($13.75MM): Exercised
- CB Emmanuel Forbes, Rams ($12.63MM): Declined
- CB Christian Gonzalez, Patriots ($18.12MM): Exercised
- LB Jack Campbell, Lions ($21.93MM): Declined
- DL Calijah Kancey, Buccaneers ($14.48MM): Exercised
- WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks ($23.85MM): Exercised
- WR Quentin Johnston, Chargers ($18MM): Exercised
- WR Zay Flowers, Ravens ($27.3MM): Exercised
- WR Jordan Addison, Vikings ($18MM): Exercised
- CB Deonte Banks, Giants ($12.63MM): Declined
- TE Dalton Kincaid, Bills ($8.16MM): Exercised
- DT Mazi Smith, Jets ($13.93MM): Declined
- RT Anton Harrison, Jaguars ($19.07MM): Exercised
- DE Myles Murphy, Bengals ($14.48MM): Declined
- DT Bryan Bresee, Saints ($13.93MM): Exercised
- LB Nolan Smith, Eagles ($13.75MM): Exercised
- DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Chiefs ($14.48MM): Declined
No “Change Of Heart” Between Steelers, Aaron Rodgers
The Steelers raised some eyebrows when they placed the rarely used unrestricted free-agent tender on Aaron Rodgers the other day. It was the timing of the move that was most noteworthy, as the Steelers had just completed a draft where they used a third-round pick on Penn State quarterback Drew Allar.
[RELATED: Steelers Place UFA Tender On Aaron Rodgers]
However, the move doesn’t signal that Rodgers’ decision will unfold one way or the other. Sources told Mark Kaboly that it’s still “status quo” on the Rodgers/Steelers front, and the team’s decision to slap the QB with the UFA tender doesn’t indicate “a change of heart by either side.” Steelers president Art Rooney II conveyed a similar sentiment while speaking with NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero this week, attributing the move to the potential compensation Pittsburgh would get should Rodgers suddenly sign elsewhere.
“We alerted Aaron and his representative that we were going to do it, and so not a real big deal,” Rooney said. “Just something that in the unlikely event he goes somewhere else, we are eligible for a comp pick.”
While Rooney cites the potential compensation, the decision effectively means Rodgers will either play for the Steelers in 2026 or retire. The team will be able to match any offer sheets signed before July 22, and they’ll then have exclusive negotiating rights after that date. If Rodgers ultimately commits to the tender, then he’ll lock himself in to just over $15MM in earnings for 2026.
Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com views the situation a bit differently, noting that the UFA tender decision is “reason enough for Rodgers to be upset with the situation” and “reinforces the possibility that the Steelers are trying to get Rodgers to be the one to choose not to continue the relationship.” While the two worked together to join forces last offseason, Florio notes that the Steelers have essentially taken away Rodgers’ ability to “retain full freedom” on his future this time around. This could prove to be much ado about nothing, but it is notable that the Steelers were quick to utilize the little leverage they had in this situation.
As for the timeline for a potential resolution, Rooney expressed optimism that a deal would be completed in the next few weeks. At the same time, the executive acknowledged that he expected this saga to have already been completed.
“We’ve been in contact with Aaron on a regular basis,” Rooney said (via Pelissero). “He’s been keeping us up to date on his plans. Even though I thought it probably would have been concluded by now, I think we will come to a conclusion here in the next few weeks.”
Steelers Decline T Broderick Jones’ Fifth-Year Option
TODAY: The Steelers are indeed declining Jones’ fifth-year option, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
APRIL 8: Broderick Jones ended up with the Steelers’ left tackle gig almost by default last year. Pittsburgh gave the 2023 first-rounder a shot at the position in prior years, but he was unable to wrest the job away from Dan Moore Jr. Letting Moore defect in free agency last year, the Steelers gave Jones his chance on the blind side.
Playing right tackle in 2023 and ’24, Jones has not justified his lofty draft slot (No. 14) yet. He is also coming off major surgery, undergoing a fusion procedure to address a neck injury. Unsurprisingly, the Steelers are expected to decline Jones’ fifth-year option, the Pat McAfee Show‘s Mark Kaboly notes.
[RELATED: 2027 NFL Fifth-Year Option Tracker]
Even had the surgery not intervened, Jones’ option ($19.07MM) would be a tough sell. The Georgia alum simply has not played well, making a poor case for a long-term run at left tackle. Pro Football Focus has never graded Jones as a top-60 tackle among regulars; the advanced metrics site slotted him 65th in 2025.
The Steelers traded up for Jones (via the Patriots) in 2023, when a host of rumors indicated the Jets were planning to draft him at No. 15. New York had dropped down two spots via the pre-draft Aaron Rodgers trade, and New England allowed Pittsburgh to come up. Whether it was the Jets’ intention or not, the team ending up with Will McDonald at No. 15 panned out. The Jets are picking up the edge rusher’s fifth-year option, while Jones faces an uncertain future — to the point another tackle could be a Steelers first-round consideration.
PFF charged Jones with six sacks allowed in 2025 (in 11 games) and 10 in a 17-game 2024. To be fair, Jones and Moore were tasked with protecting two of the most sack-prone QBs (Justin Fields and Russell Wilson) in NFL history. The Steelers had long been expected to let Moore walk when his contract expired, with the Jones and Troy Fautanu first-round picks serving as the writing on the wall for Moore. This did not turn out to be an issue for the former fourth-round pick, who scored big in free agency. The Titans, however, did not see their big-ticket contract (four years, $82MM; $42.51MM at signing) pay off in Year 1.
Still, Moore beat out Jones for the LT gig in 2023 and 2024; a season-nullifying Fautanu injury kicked Jones back to RT in ’24. And the Steelers saw their 2025 LT go down in Week 12 and end up on IR. Prior to that setback, Jones had not missed an NFL game. Doubt now exists about his immediate future, leaving the Steelers with a significant issue on their O-line. They will not sign up for the near-$20MM guarantee for 2027 based on the information they have, and the 24-year-old blocker has a long way to go to move his career back on track.
Steelers Place UFA Tender On Aaron Rodgers
It is still not expected Aaron Rodgers will join a team other than the Steelers this offseason. If he does, however, Pittsburgh will be in line for draft compensation.
Rodgers has received the UFA tender from the Steelers, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. Such a move is rare in the NFL, although there were two examples from the 2025 offseason. The Browns applied the UFA tender to Elijah Moore while the Chargers did the same with J.K. Dobbins.
Both players wound up signing with other teams, but they were factored into Cleveland and Los Angeles’ compensatory pick formulas along the way. The same will be true of Rodgers and the Steelers. With an outside deal not likely in his case, however, today’s news essentially serves as a guarantee Rodgers will either play for Pittsburgh in 2026 or retire. The team will have exclusive negotiating rights with the future Hall of Famer if he remains unsigned beyond July 22 while also being able to match any offer sheets which are signed prior to that date.
For the second year in a row, the Steelers have gone deep into the spring without certainty atop their QB depth chart. Rodgers’ one-year deal in 2025 seemed at first to set him up for retirement. Instead, the four-time MVP has left the door open to a 22nd NFL season, with Pittsburgh once again willing to accommodate him. Owner Art Rooney II aimed to have a firm commitment from Rodgers by mid-February, but that soft deadline passed. Shortly before the draft, it was learned clarity on this front would not emerge.
Pittsburgh went through this weekend’s event without Rodgers officially being in the fold. With veteran Mason Rudolph and 2025 sixth-rounder Will Howard already in the mix, the team selected Penn State’s Drew Allar in the third round. None of those passers will be seen as a threat to Rodgers if/when he arrives, but today’s procedural move further underscores the uncertainty surrounding this unique situation. Rodgers’ next campaign will begin at the age of 42, and a new Steelers accord would see him reunite with head coach Mike McCarthy.
The UFA tender is valued at 110% of a player’s 2025 salary. In Rodgers’ case, that means he will collect just over $15MM next season in the event he suits up for the Steelers. The team’s OTAs are set to begin on May 18, with mandatory minicamp taking place June 2-4. The matter of whether or not Rodgers will be under contract by that point remains a storyline to follow.
Steelers Sign 6 Undrafted Free Agents
The Steelers entered the 2026 NFL Draft with 73 players under contract and a league-high 12 picks. As a result, they did not need to sign many undrafted free agents to fill out their roster. Here is Pittsburgh’s six-player UDFA class (via a team announcement):
- Devan Boykin, CB (Indiana)
- Daylan Carnell, LB (Missouri)
- Kevin Jobity Jr., DL (Syracuse)
- Laith Marjan, K (Kansas)
- Lake McRee, TE (USC)
- Chamon Metayer, TE (Arizona State)
Boykin, 24, played at North Carolina State from 2020 to 2023, but missed the 2024 season due to a torn ACL. He transferred to Indiana last year and served as the primary slot corner on their national championship squad. In coverage, he allowed just 5.6 yards per target and made two interceptions, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required), with a 93.9 run defense grade and a 3.6% missed tackle rate. Boykin will join a deep Steelers cornerback room with the goal of proving himself as a depth nickel and on special teams, where he also excelled at Indiana.
Marjan comes to the NFL as a relatively inexperienced kicker, having attempted just 34 field goals in his college career. He made 30 of them to go along with a 97.6% conversion rate on his 84 extra points, suggesting that he has an accurate leg with limited power. It seems unlikely that he is a real threat to longtime Steelers kicker Chris Boswell, though he is entering the final year of his contract after somewhat of a down performance in 2025. Perhaps the door is open for Marjan to push Boswell under a new regime, but another extension for the veteran feels far more likely.
McRee started for the better part of the last three years at USC with 50 catches for 507 yards (but just one touchdown) in 2023 and 2024. He took a clear step forward in 2025 with 30 catches for 450 yards and three touchdowns. He will compete with 2025 UDFA J.J. Galbreath for a potential TE4 spot on the Steelers’ roster.
Minor NFL Transactions: 4/28/26
Today’s minor moves:
New England Patriots
- Released: RB Elijah Mitchell
Philadelphia Eagles
- Waived: TE Jaheim Bell
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Released: QB/WR John Rhys Plumlee
Steelers Expected To Re-Sign DT Dean Lowry
APRIL 28: Lowy will not be re-signing at this time, per Rapoport. More time will be taken for him to return to playing shape. Lowry has received medical clearance, but he did not take a physical upon agreeing to a new Pittsburgh pact. Once that changes, his next Steelers deal should be finalized.
APRIL 26: The Steelers are re-signing veteran defensive tackle Dean Lowry, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Lowry, 31, spent the last two years in Pittsburgh, but did not play in 2025 due to a torn ACL suffered in training camp. That was one of several injuries to the Steelers’ defensive line last year; Derrick Harmon, Isaiahh Loudermilk, and Daniel Ekuale all missed multiple games as well.
Originally a Packers fourth-round pick in 2016, Lowry emerged as a starter in his second NFL season. After his third, he received a three-year, $20.3MM contract extension that carried him through the rest of his time in Green Bay. He hit free agency in 2023 and signed a two-year, $8.5MM deal with the Vikings. He went down with a pectoral injury after just nine games and spent the rest of the season on injured reserve.
Lowry then signed a two-year, $5MM contract with the Steelers, but could not carve out more than a rotational role in their defense. He appeared in 12 games in 2024 with a 21% snap share with just five total tackles (none for loss) and one sack.
The Steelers bolstered their defensive line this offseason by signing Sebastian Joseph-Day to a two-year, $11MM deal while allowing Loudermilk and Ekuale to hit free agency. Retaining Lowry ensures some more veteran continuity – and indicates his recovery process has gone smoothly. Eight months removed his injury, he has a chance to participate in spring practices and should be ready for training camp.
Minor NFL Transactions: 4/27/26
NFL teams have begun making roster adjustments following the conclusion of the 2026 draft. Here are the latest moves:
Atlanta Falcons
- Released: P Trenton Gill
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Received international exemption: OL Kilian Zierer
New England Patriots
- Waived: WR John Jiles, TE Marshall Lang
New Orleans Saints
- Waived: WR Samori Toure, WR, Elijah Cooks, RB Evan Hull
New York Giants
- Waived: DL DeMarvin Leal
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Re-signed: WR Brandon Johnson
Seattle Seahawks
- Released: RB Cam Akers
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: S Patrick McMorris, RB Sincere McCormick
Gill was a Bears seventh-round pick in 2022 who ranked among the league’s bottom 10 punters during his first two seasons in Chicago. He then served as one of the Buccaneers’ three punters in 2024 and did not sign with another team until joining Atlanta’s practice squad this past January. He then signed a reserve/futures contract with the Falcons. Former Patriots All-Pro Jake Bailey then arrived in March on a three-year, $9MM deal, solidifying the team’s punter situation in 2026 and resulting in Gill’s release.
Leal never lived up to his third-round draft billing in Pittsburgh, appearing in just 32 games with one sack and three tackles for loss across the last four seasons. He signed a reserve/futures contract with the Giants in January, but he was deemed surplus to requirements after defensive line additions in free agency and the draft.
Akers, 26, finished the 2025 season as a Super Bowl champion with the Seahawks. The departure of Kenneth Walker in free agency preserved the possibility of a 2026 role in Seattle, but the team quickly restocked their backfield by signing former Packer Emanuel Wilson and drafting Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price. Akers has played for four different teams across his six-year career and will now be looking for a new home.
2026 NFL Draft Results: Team By Team
Here is every team’s haul from the 2026 NFL Draft:
Arizona Cardinals
- Round 1, No. 3: Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame)
- Round 2, No. 34: Chase Bisontis (G, Texas A&M)
- Round 3, No. 65: Carson Beck (QB, Miami)
- Round 4, No. 104: Kaleb Proctor (DT, Southeastern Louisiana)
- Round 5, No. 143: Reggie Virgil (WR, Texas Tech)
- Round 6, No. 183: Karson Sharar (LB, Iowa)
- Round 7, No. 217: Jayden Williams (T, Ole Miss)
Atlanta Falcons
- Round 2, No. 48: Avieon Terrell (CB, Clemson)
- Round 3, No. 79: Zachariah Branch (WR, Georgia)
- Round 4, No. 134 (from Raiders)*: Kendal Daniels (LB, Oklahoma)
- Round 6, No. 208 (from Bills via Jets and Raiders): Anterio Thompson (DT, Washington)
- Round 6, No. 215) (from Eagles)*: Harold Perkins (LB, LSU)
- Round 7, No. 231: Ethan Onianwa (T, Ohio State)
Baltimore Ravens
- Round 1, No. 14: Vega Ioane (G, Penn State) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 45: Zion Young (EDGE, Missouri)
- Round 3, No. 80: Ja’Kobi Lane (WR, USC) (signed)
- Round 4, No. 115: Elijah Sarratt (WR, Indiana) (signed)
- Round 4, No. 133 (from 49ers)*: Matthew Hibner (TE, SMU) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 162 (from Chargers): Chandler Rivers (CB, Duke) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 173*: Josh Cuevas (TE, Alabama) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 174*: Adam Randall (RB, Clemson) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 211 (from Broncos via Jets, Vikings and Eagles): Ryan Eckley (P, Michigan State) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 250: Rayshaun Benny (DT, Michigan) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 253: Evan Beerntsen (G, Northwestern) (signed)
Buffalo Bills
- Round 2, No. 35 (from Titans): T.J. Parker (EDGE, Clemson)
- Round 2, No. 62: Davison Igbinosun (CB, Ohio State)
- Round 4, No. 102 (from Raiders): Jude Bowry (T, Boston College)
- Round 4, No. 125 (from Bears via Chiefs and Patriots): Skylar Bell (WR, UConn)
- Round 4, No. 126: Kaleb Elarms-Orr (LB, TCU)
- Round 5, No. 167 (from Texans): Jalon Kilgore (S, South Carolina)
- Round 5, No. 181 (from Lions)*: Zane Durant (DT, Penn State)
- Round 7, No. 220 (from Jets): Toriano Pride Jr. (CB, Missouri)
- Round 7, No. 239 (from Eagles via Jaguars, Browns and Bears): Tommy Doman (P, Florida)
- Round 7, No. 241 (from Bears): Ar’maj Reed-Adams (G, Texas A&M)
Carolina Panthers
- Round 1, No. 19: Monroe Freeling (T, Georgia)
- Round 2, No. 49 (from Vikings): Lee Hunter (DT, Texas Tech)
- Round 3, No. 83: Chris Brazzell II (WR, Tennessee)
- Round 4, No. 129 (from Bears): Will Lee III (CB, Texas A&M)
- Round 5, No. 144 (from Titans via Panthers): Sam Hecht (C, Kansas State)
- Round 5, No. 151 (from Dolphins): Zakee Wheatley (S, Penn State)
Chicago Bears
- Round 1, No. 25: Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon)
- Round 2, No. 57: Logan Jones (C, Iowa)
- Round 3, No. 69 (from Giants via Texans, Bills and Titans): Sam Roush (TE, Stanford)
- Round 3, No. 89: Zavion Thomas (WR, LSU)
- Round 4, No. 124 (from Jaguars via Panthers): Malik Muhammad (CB, Texas)
- Round 5, No. 166 (from 49ers via Eagles and Panthers): Keyshaun Elliott (LB, Arizona State)
- Round 6, No. 213 (from Seahawks via Jaguars, Lions and Bills): Jordan Van Den Berg (DT, Georgia Tech)
Cincinnati Bengals
- Round 2, No. 41: Cashius Howell (DE, Texas A&M)
- Round 3, No. 72: Tacario Davis (CB, Washington)
- Round 4, No. 128 (from Texans via Lions and Bengals): Connor Lew (C, Auburn)
- Round 4, No. 140 (from Bengals): Colbie Young (WR, Georgia)
- Round 6, No. 189: Brian Parker II (C, Duke)
- Round 7, No. 221 (from Giants via Cowboys): Jack Endries (TE, Texas)
- Round 7, No. 226: Landon Robinson (DT, Navy)
Cleveland Browns
- Round 1, No. 9 (from Chiefs): Spencer Fano (T, Utah)
- Round 1, No. 24 (from Jaguars): KC Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M)
- Round 2, No. 39: Denzel Boston (WR, Washington)
- Round 2, No. 58 (from 49ers): Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo)
- Round 3, No. 86 (from Chargers): Austin Barber (T, Florida)
- Round 5, No. 146: Parker Brailsford (C, Alabama)
- Round 5, No. 149 (from Bengals): Justin Jefferson (LB, Alabama)
- Round 5, No. 170 (from Broncos): Joe Royer (TE, Cincinnati)
- Round 6, No. 182 (from Jets via Browns, Jaguars, Raiders, Bills and Broncos): Taylen Green (QB, Arkansas)
- Round 7, No. 248 (from Seahawks): Carsen Ryan (TE, BYU)
Dallas Cowboys
- Round 1, No. 11 (from Dolphins): Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State) (signed)
- Round 1, No. 23 (from Eagles): Malachi Lawrence (EDGE, Central Florida)
- Round 3, No. 92 (from 49ers): Jaishawn Barham (EDGE, Michigan) (signed)
- Round 4, No. 112: Drew Shelton (T, Penn State) (signed)
- Round 4, No. 114 (from Falcons via Eagles): Devin Moore (CB, Florida) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 137 (from Eagles)*: LT Overton (EDGE, Alabama) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 218 (from Titans): Anthony Smith (WR, East Carolina) (signed)