The Pittsburgh Steelers open their mandatory three-day mini-camp tomorrow and as usual, there are questions. One question that has already been answered is regarding Aaron Rodgers. In case you were too busy watching “The White Lotus,” then you know Rodgers is a Steeler and he will be there this week. Setting that aside for a moment, there are other things to discuss. So let’s get to them.
Will T.J. Watt shown up?
The perennial all-pro has been absent so far during OTAs as he and the team work towards a new deal. It’s possible that Watt could opt for another “hold in” as he did a couple of years ago. He participated in individual workouts but none involving the team phases.
It’s assumed that Watt is looking to be the highest paid edge rusher in pro football which means he’s asking for a minimum of $40 million per season. Keep in mind that while that is indeed a huge number, it’s less of a percentage of the Steelers’ cap than his last contract was at that time. Bottom line? He’s going to get paid whether any of us think he should or not at this point in his career.
What About That Number Two Wide Receiver?
It seems as if it’s been a lingering question for a long time mostly because it has. This time around, the Steelers have D.K. Metcalf on one side and (fill in the blank) on the other. Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin III have had really strong OTAs but neither is a “true” WR2.
It’s entirely possible that the person who fills the role isn’t yet on this roster. Gabe Davis and Allen Lazard are among those most often mentioned. Both of course, come with drawbacks. That’s why they are both still available at this point. For the time being however I wouldn’t put anything in concrete until the team gets into Training Camp.
What Does the Cornerback Rotation Look Like?
Granted, most of this issue revolves around the slot corner spot, but it’s also fair to address the boundary. Joey Porter, Jr and Darius Slay will start but there’s not much behind them. James Pierre and Cory Trice, Jr are the current backups but both bring uncertainty.
Trice has the physical tools and has improved steadily when playing but the injury bug has to stay at bay. Pierre has been tremendously inconsistent yet he continues to survive on the roster largely because of his Special Teams prowess. Brandin Echols can play on the outside but he’s a better nickel and will likely be involved in that competition.
Speaking of that… Beanie Bishop had an interesting rookie year. When he was on the field, he seemed to play well, recording four interceptions and recovering a fumble. Too often though he was replaced by veteran Cam Sutton who is no longer here so it would seem Bishop and Echols are on a collision course for the slot position. Rookie Donte Kent will get a look but I’m not sure he’s got the skills just yet.
What About “The Reception?”
I’m not talking about Franco Harris or Santonio Holmes here… I’m talking about the reception that Aaron Rodgers gets from his new teammates. We know DeShon Elliott isn’t a fan and I suppose there are others who may feel similarly. That said, the media and the fans often make these things out to be much more than they really are.
It is fair to gauge the reception though. I firmly believe Mason Rudolph knew when he signed to come back to Pittsburgh that this was a very likely outcome. I expect him to say and do all of the right things as I do most others. The reactions will be interesting to see though. Rodgers is much more than just a former MVP as all of you know.
It’s important to note that the mandatory mini-camp is a stepping stone. It’s not a “be all, end all” thing and typically, Mike Tomlin does a team building activity on the final day anyway. That should tell you just how laid back some of this week usually is. Still, there’s something to take from this week and we’re about to find out what.
