Insider Suggests Some Major Changes May Be Imminent For The Steelers And The AFC North

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been stuck in NFL purgatory for the last several seasons. The team is on the fringe of the playoffs every year, but realistically there hasn't been much of a chance for the franchise to make any noise in the postseason. This fact has the fan base on edge, especially when considering the organization has not won in the postseason since the 2016 campaign. The lack of recent success has forced a large sect of the fan base to turn on Head Coach Mike Tomlin, who keeps suggesting the Steelers will make meaningful changes.

Most coaches that go eight consecutive seasons without winning in the playoffs get fired. That will not be the case for Tomlin, although nearly every fan was hoping for that outcome once the 2024 season concluded. Even with Tomlin remaining in Pittsburgh for the foreseeable future, the organization has to be able to make some changes that will give the team a better chance of succeeding. 

NFL Insider Josina Anderson took to social media on Saturday night, where she hinted that some changes may finally be coming in Pittsburgh's division.

Anderson left this post fairly open-ended. She didn't specify which North division, but it should be safe to assume she is talking about the AFC North since she has been covering the Aaron Rodgers-saga closely. She has consistently been in the camp that believes Rodgers will eventually sign in Pittsburgh, and she has been in on several AFC North reports throughout the beginning of the 2025 offseason.

It is far too late to make any significant coaching changes, so the only changes that could really come have to do with the roster. The Baltimore Ravens don't seem to be in line to make any crazy moves with their roster, and the Cleveland Browns have their hands tied due to cap space concerns. Changes will most likely come in Pittsburgh or with the Cincinnati Bengals, although the change in Cincinnati is relatively obvious with Trey Hendrickson requesting a trade.

A roster change for the Steelers could just have to do with the quarterback situation, although Anderson has long believed Rodgers will end up with the Steelers. There is no reason to believe he won't, so the change is probably going to come at a different position. 

A player like George Pickens has been enthralled in trade rumors ever since the 2024 season ended. Pittsburgh could certainly consider dealing him, although it wouldn't make much sense as the organization would be back at square one when it comes to the receiver position.

Steelers Could Consider A Defensive Trade

Aside from moving Pickens, there aren't really any moves that could be made on the offensive side of the ball. On defense it is a different story. It isn't probable that Pittsburgh would move on from one of its defensive stars, but it might be the best option for the franchise. Cam Heyward isn't going anywhere, but safety Minkah Fitzpatrick could definitely be on the move if the Steelers felt they were receiving good value. Fitzpatrick is still a good safety, but he might not be living up to the standard of his current contract.

TJ Watt is awaiting a new contract extension as 2025 is the last year on his current deal. He is going to be turning 31 during the 2025 season, and the Steelers do have talent behind him at his position. It is likely the Steelers agree to a new deal with Watt and the defender finishes his career out with the Steelers, but he is the type of player that can be moved ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft for significant compensation.

The Steelers have already lost the race when it comes to extending Watt. Both Cleveland and the Las Vegas Raiders got new deals done with their star pass rushers, and Micah Parsons is waiting to sign a fresh contract with the Dallas Cowboys. 

What do you think a big change in the AFC North could be? Let us know in the comments below!

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