NFL Beast

The Best Damn NFL News Site Ever!


Steelers Rumor Round Up: Preseason edition

4 min read
   

#NFLBeast #NFL #NFLTwitter #NFLUpdate #NFLNews #NFLBlogs

#Pittsburgh #Steelers #PittsburghSteelers #AFC

By: Michael_Beck

Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

Gathering all of the rumors surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers throughout training camp.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a couple of weeks into training camp, and still a ways away from having to make cuts. But that doesn’t mean the rumor mill isn’t circulating. From starting jobs to contract extensions, the team has a lot of cards in the air, whether or not everything can be worked out remains to be seen, but this is everything we know about the biggest rumors circling the Pittsburgh Steelers today.

T.J. Watt waiting on a contract

Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp
Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

To the surprise of hopefully nobody, T.J. Watt has been sitting out team drills for the entirety of training camp practice, not from injury but to maintain his health while contract negotiations with the Steelers continue. We all know what T.J. Watt can do on the field and the Steelers coaches are fine with the All-Pro player taking the contact drills off. A deal that will likely cost the franchise $150 million, or more, it’s best for all parties that Watt prioritizes his health and doesn’t throw any wrenches into what is likely a very complicated negotiation. The sooner the deal gets done the sooner T.J. can ramp things back up, but slow playing this really isn’t hurting anyone.


James Washington didn’t request a trade

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills
Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

It all started when former Oklahoma State Cowboy, Dez Bryant, tweeted someone would be wise to pry James Washington away from the Steelers. A few hours later and Adam Schefter was tweeting that official sources believed James Washington was unhappy about his limited playing time, and wanted out of Pittsburgh. While every Steelers fan can understand why Washington would want out, because he is an afterthought in the offense, it seemed out of character for the quiet and humble Washington. Well, it turns out those rumors were false all along and Washington doesn’t want to go anywhere after all.


Kevin Dotson needs reps before he gets the job

NFL: Player Headshots 2020
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sport

The internet melted down when Coach Tomlin said Kevin Dotson “has done nothing to earn first-team reps. What are we talking about? He’s a second year guy who hasn’t worked.” Many overreacted only reading the comment on twitter and not actually diagnosing the audio. Kevin Dotson even took to twitter himself stating what was really going on.

Dotson is finally healthy enough to practice with the team, so instead of being thrust into the starting lineup the coaching staff is making him earn the job. He’s not being handed a starting gig and he’s not out of shape either.


Steelers in the market for an inside linebacker?

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers Minicamp
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

This one is more speculation than anything but, the Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebackers struggled mightily against the Dallas Cowboys in the hall of fame game, and struggled in 2020 after Devin Bush went down with a knee injury. During a question and answer period with Steelers defensive coordinator Keith Butler, the coach gave us a look at what might be going on in the inside.

Butler has previously stated the team is looking at adding to other position groups in the past and the team followed through (think Melvin Ingram). Perhaps the inside linebacker spot is what the Steelers have been saving money for.


Reverse Color Rush jerseys incoming?

NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

There have been whispers around NFL circles that the league has been toying with the idea of releasing a reverse color rush jersey for all 32 teams. Even a video from the Browns organization flashed a graphic of an all orange uniform. Some eagle eyed fans saw the Steelers terrible towel display at Heinz Field had some new boxes including one for the “Reverse color rush” towel. This would seemingly confirm the rumor of the Steelers wearing an all gold uniform for the first time in their history.


That’s the list! Which rumor interests you the most? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.