Scoop City: Inside The NFL

Episode: Are the Steelers trapped waiting for Aaron Rodgers to decide his future?
Date: February 26, 2026
Host: The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, with insiders James Palmer, ex-QB Chase Daniel, and reporters Mike DeFebo, Zach Rosenblatt, and Paul Denner Jr.

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the off-season uncertainties for three major NFL teams—the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets, and Cincinnati Bengals—with a primary focus on how the Steelers’ fate is intertwined with Aaron Rodgers’ decision on his playing future. The hosts and featured guests break down front office moves, coaching changes, draft strategies, and roster needs—revealing insider perspectives and tradeoffs as teams approach the 2026 season.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Waiting on Rodgers & Building for the Future

Guest: Mike DeFebo (Steelers beat writer)
Key Segments: [03:00]-[15:21]

1. The Aaron Rodgers Decision Looms

Host (Dianna): Raises the question if the Steelers are “trapped” waiting for Rodgers' decision, referencing last year’s prolonged uncertainty.
Mike DeFebo [03:55]:
- Steelers don't expect the wait to drag out like last year:
  
  “He does not expect it to go like last year...[the Steelers] have a strong sense they're going to get an answer from Rodgers...and think it’s more likely than not he’s going to come back.”
- The organization, from owner Art Rooney II to new head coach Mike McCarthy and GM Omar Khan, has left the door open for Rodgers’ return.

2. The Mike McCarthy Hire: Rodgers-Focused or QB Development?

Host: Points out speculation that McCarthy was hired specifically to lure Rodgers, given their prior relationship in Green Bay.
Mike DeFebo [05:12]:
- Team insists McCarthy was not hired to entice Rodgers but for his QB development pedigree:
  
  “They’ve tried to make it abundantly clear...they did not hire Mike McCarthy to entice Aaron Rodgers...They’re counting on Mike McCarthy to identify, draft, and develop that quarterback.”
- Cites McCarthy’s track record with greats (Favre, Montana) and how the Steelers are seeking a long-term solution under center.

3. Spotlight on Will Howard: The In-House Prospect

Host: Asks how seriously Will Howard is being considered as with the “next quarterback” future.
Mike DeFebo [06:32]:
- Steelers staff high on Howard, especially how much he learned under Rodgers:
  
  “Aaron Rodgers was a very willing mentor to Will Howard...Of the people who benefited last year from Rodgers being a Pittsburgh Steeler, Will Howard has to be near the top of that list.”
- Preseason will be crucial for Howard’s opportunity if no QB is drafted.

4. Roster Building: Draft Priorities and Offensive Weapons

Offensive Needs - WR 2:
- Mike DeFebo [08:02]:
  
  “It’s got to be wide receiver. Two years ago it was George Pickens and a huge gap...last year, DK Metcalf and a huge gap. That just isn't the way to function...”
- Predicts likely a WR pick in the first round—Steelers need help in 3-WR sets for the new McCarthy offense.
Draft Capital and Other Needs:
- Steelers have 12 total picks, 5 in the top 100 ([10:11]).
- Key areas: CB opposite Joey Porter Jr., secondary depth, and offensive guard (humorous shout-outs to “one-name” players).
- On Jalen Ramsey: Best used as a “big nickel” hybrid—physical, versatile, ideal for Patrick Graham’s flexible defense ([12:46]).

5. Culture Change & Impact of Tomlin’s Departure

Host [13:32]: Asks about the post-Tomlin environment.
Mike DeFebo: Notes the absence of Tomlin’s commanding presence at key events and preseason, with McCarthy’s approach yet to be defined.

“It’s just different in Pittsburgh...not having Mike Tomlin there.”

New York Jets: Quarterback Uncertainty & Rebuilding Philosophy

Guest: Zach Rosenblatt (Jets beat writer)
Key Segments: [17:47]-[30:52]

1. Offseason Philosophy: Stopgap or Long Play?

Host: Questions whether the Jets are seeking a stopgap QB in 2026, setting up for a chase at a franchise QB in 2027.
Zach Rosenblatt [21:15]:
- Jets face a “complex situation” with staff potentially on the hot seat:
  
  “Now you have to decide, do we go all in on just trying to be...okay this year?...Or aim for 2027?...It’s a tough spot. They don’t really know who their top target is right now.”
- Kyler Murray named as a possible, though imperfect, stopgap option. Jets will “try to survey the field.”

2. Patience and Pressure: Will Regime Survive a Rebuild?

Host [23:51]: Asks if ownership will have patience for a longer rebuild if results aren't immediate.
Zach Rosenblatt:
- “Dichotomy of losing franchises”—best move is aiming for ‘27, but staff might not survive that long due to job security concerns.
- “If Aaron Glenn believes in himself the way he does...he’s going to try and make decisions he thinks are the best. But…if you get a Kyler Murray because you’re desperate to make something happen, that’s probably not going to work out.”
- Jets fans are starved for even “advanced mediocrity.”
  
  “Jets fans would kill for that.” ([25:03])

3. Frank Reich’s Offense & Playmaker Status

New OC Frank Reich: Unlikely to call plays like in previous stops. Building off lessons from Carolina and collecting creative thinkers like Seth Ryan ([25:41]).
Quarterback choice will dictate scheme; Kyler might not fit Reich’s preferences.

4. Running Back Dilemma: To Tag Breece or Not?

Host: Raises the big-money question for RB Breece Hall.
Zach Rosenblatt [27:21]:

“Whether Breece wants to be with the Jets or not is one question. But the Jets don’t have enough good players to just let them leave right now….I don’t think Breece is like a star, but he’s a solid NFL running back, and they need solid NFL [players].”
- Tag figure (~$14M) seems steep, but in-house talent is scarce.

5. Soul Searching at QB: Exploring All Options

Mac Jones, Malik Willis, and others are “on the table” ([29:25]).
Zach Rosenblatt: “I would personally be intrigued by Mac Jones...could be your quarterback beyond this year. There’s not that many of those this year.”
Jets will likely use draft capital and cap space to find a bridge—no clear favorite yet.

Cincinnati Bengals: A Crucial Year for the Franchise

Guest: Paul Denner Jr. (Bengals beat writer)
Key Segments: [33:11]-[45:55]

1. Rebuilding One Side of the Ball: Defense the #1 Priority

Bengals offense returns nearly intact; defense needs a major rebuild ([33:44]).
Paul Denner Jr.:
- Need “floor raisers” and “force multipliers” via free agency for starting-level play (LBs, pass rush, veteran stabilization across the board).
- Notable quote:
  
  “They need more pass rush. They need some veteran presence to stabilize...two rookie linebackers that started next to each other, which just literally never happens.” ([34:41])
Front office is not a big spender or risk-taker in free agency—need creativity to avoid overpays ([37:04]).

2. Draft Strategy & Player Development

Drafting and developing their own (Shemar Stewart, Miles Murphy, etc) is crucial, but don’t want to block their younger talent.
Focused on players like Draymond Jones—versatile, complementary, not star-blocking ([38:43]).

3. The #10 Draft Pick: Surprises Possible

Primary focus on “premium” positions—edge rush, safety (Caleb Downs), but cornerback remains an under-the-radar option ([39:17]-[41:32]):
- “They would be in on Caleb Downs for sure...but the interesting one...is corner, because they have DJ Turner and Dax Hill...but both are in the last years of their deals. You always need depth...if that’s the best player, and it’s a premium defensive position, you’re drafting for the future.”

4. Organizational Pressure: Make or Break Year

Paul Denner Jr.:
- “This is the ultimate crossroads year...everything pointing towards now.”
- Defensive coordinator Al Golden needs players that fit his system, QB Joe Burrow’s supporting cast is set:
  
  “If you can’t do it now, they’re going to say you’re never going to be able to do it...Even in Cincinnati, where it doesn’t really ever happen, it feels like it’s here. It’s either now or never with this group.” ([42:12])

5. Joe Burrow’s Mindset: Frustration, Not Exit

Host: Asks if Burrow’s mounting losses and injuries might make him want out.
Paul Denner Jr. [44:20]:

“He just wants to win...he’s frustrated, he wants to win. He’s had too many times where they’ve gone out there and, you know, you lose 42-41 or 39-38 and that wears on you...He loves playing here, but they just need to win here.”

Notable Quotes & Moments

Mike DeFebo on the stakes of QB development [05:31]:

“Their only way out of their current purgatory is to identify, draft, and develop that quarterback. And so they're counting on Mike McCarthy to get that done.”
Zach Rosenblatt on the Jets regime’s conundrum [23:51]:

“The best thing for the Jets would be to not go all in on somebody this offseason and tour 2027. But you have two people who are like, well, what about my job?”
Paul Denner Jr. on Bengals pressure [42:12]:

“This is the ultimate crossroads year...If you can't do it now, they're going to say you're never going to be able to do it...Even in Cincinnati, where it doesn't really ever happen, it feels like it's here.”
On mediocrity as an aspiration [25:03]:

“Jets fans would kill for [advanced mediocrity].”

Timestamps Overview

03:00 – Steelers’ Rodgers timeline and expectations
05:12 – Mike McCarthy hire discussion
06:32 – Will Howard’s chance at QB
08:02 – Steelers' WR need and draft plans
10:11 – Steelers' draft capital & roster holes
12:46 – Discussion on using Jalen Ramsey as “big nickel”
13:32 – Cultural shift post-Tomlin
17:47 – Jets segment: offseason QB plans
21:15 – Jets’ delicate balance of present vs future
23:51 – Patience for Jets' rebuild
25:41 – Frank Reich, OC philosophy
27:21 – Breece Hall’s future with Jets
29:25 – Potential for Mac Jones or Malik Willis in NYJ
33:44 – Bengals’ offseason plan, defensive rebuild
38:43 – Fitting new players with Bengals’ young talent
39:17 – Bengals' draft intentions at #10
42:12 – Bengals: a make-or-break year
44:20 – Joe Burrow’s mindset and future with the Bengals

Key Takeaways

Steelers are “betting” on an Aaron Rodgers return but are carefully positioning the transition to Mike McCarthy as about long-term QB health, not just satisfying a star.
Jets remain in limbo at QB, and while a bridge solution seems likely, leadership jobs might hinge on whether they pursue an aggressive quick fix or stay patient.
Bengals know this is a pivotal season: the fully reassembled offense means all eyes are on the defense, and success (or failure) could determine not just the 2026 outcome, but the long-term trajectory of the coaching and front office staff.

The episode was a window into the candid conversations, organizational thinking, and off-field drama that shape the NFL’s most pivotal franchises in a year defined by transition and big questions.

Scoop City: Inside The NFL

Episode Overview

Pittsburgh Steelers: Waiting on Rodgers & Building for the Future

Guest: Mike DeFebo (Steelers beat writer)
Key Segments: [03:00]-[15:21]

1. The Aaron Rodgers Decision Looms

Host (Dianna): Raises the question if the Steelers are “trapped” waiting for Rodgers' decision, referencing last year’s prolonged uncertainty.
Mike DeFebo [03:55]:
- Steelers don't expect the wait to drag out like last year:
  
  “He does not expect it to go like last year...[the Steelers] have a strong sense they're going to get an answer from Rodgers...and think it’s more likely than not he’s going to come back.”
- The organization, from owner Art Rooney II to new head coach Mike McCarthy and GM Omar Khan, has left the door open for Rodgers’ return.

2. The Mike McCarthy Hire: Rodgers-Focused or QB Development?

Host: Points out speculation that McCarthy was hired specifically to lure Rodgers, given their prior relationship in Green Bay.
Mike DeFebo [05:12]:
- Team insists McCarthy was not hired to entice Rodgers but for his QB development pedigree:
  
  “They’ve tried to make it abundantly clear...they did not hire Mike McCarthy to entice Aaron Rodgers...They’re counting on Mike McCarthy to identify, draft, and develop that quarterback.”
- Cites McCarthy’s track record with greats (Favre, Montana) and how the Steelers are seeking a long-term solution under center.

3. Spotlight on Will Howard: The In-House Prospect

Host: Asks how seriously Will Howard is being considered as with the “next quarterback” future.
Mike DeFebo [06:32]:
- Steelers staff high on Howard, especially how much he learned under Rodgers:
  
  “Aaron Rodgers was a very willing mentor to Will Howard...Of the people who benefited last year from Rodgers being a Pittsburgh Steeler, Will Howard has to be near the top of that list.”
- Preseason will be crucial for Howard’s opportunity if no QB is drafted.

4. Roster Building: Draft Priorities and Offensive Weapons

Offensive Needs - WR 2:
- Mike DeFebo [08:02]:
  
  “It’s got to be wide receiver. Two years ago it was George Pickens and a huge gap...last year, DK Metcalf and a huge gap. That just isn't the way to function...”
- Predicts likely a WR pick in the first round—Steelers need help in 3-WR sets for the new McCarthy offense.
Draft Capital and Other Needs:
- Steelers have 12 total picks, 5 in the top 100 ([10:11]).
- Key areas: CB opposite Joey Porter Jr., secondary depth, and offensive guard (humorous shout-outs to “one-name” players).
- On Jalen Ramsey: Best used as a “big nickel” hybrid—physical, versatile, ideal for Patrick Graham’s flexible defense ([12:46]).

5. Culture Change & Impact of Tomlin’s Departure

Host [13:32]: Asks about the post-Tomlin environment.
Mike DeFebo: Notes the absence of Tomlin’s commanding presence at key events and preseason, with McCarthy’s approach yet to be defined.

“It’s just different in Pittsburgh...not having Mike Tomlin there.”

New York Jets: Quarterback Uncertainty & Rebuilding Philosophy

Guest: Zach Rosenblatt (Jets beat writer)
Key Segments: [17:47]-[30:52]

1. Offseason Philosophy: Stopgap or Long Play?

Host: Questions whether the Jets are seeking a stopgap QB in 2026, setting up for a chase at a franchise QB in 2027.
Zach Rosenblatt [21:15]:
- Jets face a “complex situation” with staff potentially on the hot seat:
  
  “Now you have to decide, do we go all in on just trying to be...okay this year?...Or aim for 2027?...It’s a tough spot. They don’t really know who their top target is right now.”
- Kyler Murray named as a possible, though imperfect, stopgap option. Jets will “try to survey the field.”

2. Patience and Pressure: Will Regime Survive a Rebuild?

Host [23:51]: Asks if ownership will have patience for a longer rebuild if results aren't immediate.
Zach Rosenblatt:
- “Dichotomy of losing franchises”—best move is aiming for ‘27, but staff might not survive that long due to job security concerns.
- “If Aaron Glenn believes in himself the way he does...he’s going to try and make decisions he thinks are the best. But…if you get a Kyler Murray because you’re desperate to make something happen, that’s probably not going to work out.”
- Jets fans are starved for even “advanced mediocrity.”
  
  “Jets fans would kill for that.” ([25:03])

3. Frank Reich’s Offense & Playmaker Status

New OC Frank Reich: Unlikely to call plays like in previous stops. Building off lessons from Carolina and collecting creative thinkers like Seth Ryan ([25:41]).
Quarterback choice will dictate scheme; Kyler might not fit Reich’s preferences.

4. Running Back Dilemma: To Tag Breece or Not?

Host: Raises the big-money question for RB Breece Hall.
Zach Rosenblatt [27:21]:

“Whether Breece wants to be with the Jets or not is one question. But the Jets don’t have enough good players to just let them leave right now….I don’t think Breece is like a star, but he’s a solid NFL running back, and they need solid NFL [players].”
- Tag figure (~$14M) seems steep, but in-house talent is scarce.

5. Soul Searching at QB: Exploring All Options

Mac Jones, Malik Willis, and others are “on the table” ([29:25]).
Zach Rosenblatt: “I would personally be intrigued by Mac Jones...could be your quarterback beyond this year. There’s not that many of those this year.”
Jets will likely use draft capital and cap space to find a bridge—no clear favorite yet.

Cincinnati Bengals: A Crucial Year for the Franchise

Guest: Paul Denner Jr. (Bengals beat writer)
Key Segments: [33:11]-[45:55]

1. Rebuilding One Side of the Ball: Defense the #1 Priority

Bengals offense returns nearly intact; defense needs a major rebuild ([33:44]).
Paul Denner Jr.:
- Need “floor raisers” and “force multipliers” via free agency for starting-level play (LBs, pass rush, veteran stabilization across the board).
- Notable quote:
  
  “They need more pass rush. They need some veteran presence to stabilize...two rookie linebackers that started next to each other, which just literally never happens.” ([34:41])
Front office is not a big spender or risk-taker in free agency—need creativity to avoid overpays ([37:04]).

2. Draft Strategy & Player Development

Drafting and developing their own (Shemar Stewart, Miles Murphy, etc) is crucial, but don’t want to block their younger talent.
Focused on players like Draymond Jones—versatile, complementary, not star-blocking ([38:43]).

3. The #10 Draft Pick: Surprises Possible

Primary focus on “premium” positions—edge rush, safety (Caleb Downs), but cornerback remains an under-the-radar option ([39:17]-[41:32]):
- “They would be in on Caleb Downs for sure...but the interesting one...is corner, because they have DJ Turner and Dax Hill...but both are in the last years of their deals. You always need depth...if that’s the best player, and it’s a premium defensive position, you’re drafting for the future.”

4. Organizational Pressure: Make or Break Year

Paul Denner Jr.:
- “This is the ultimate crossroads year...everything pointing towards now.”
- Defensive coordinator Al Golden needs players that fit his system, QB Joe Burrow’s supporting cast is set:
  
  “If you can’t do it now, they’re going to say you’re never going to be able to do it...Even in Cincinnati, where it doesn’t really ever happen, it feels like it’s here. It’s either now or never with this group.” ([42:12])

5. Joe Burrow’s Mindset: Frustration, Not Exit

Host: Asks if Burrow’s mounting losses and injuries might make him want out.
Paul Denner Jr. [44:20]:

“He just wants to win...he’s frustrated, he wants to win. He’s had too many times where they’ve gone out there and, you know, you lose 42-41 or 39-38 and that wears on you...He loves playing here, but they just need to win here.”

Notable Quotes & Moments

Mike DeFebo on the stakes of QB development [05:31]:

“Their only way out of their current purgatory is to identify, draft, and develop that quarterback. And so they're counting on Mike McCarthy to get that done.”
Zach Rosenblatt on the Jets regime’s conundrum [23:51]:

“The best thing for the Jets would be to not go all in on somebody this offseason and tour 2027. But you have two people who are like, well, what about my job?”
Paul Denner Jr. on Bengals pressure [42:12]:

“This is the ultimate crossroads year...If you can't do it now, they're going to say you're never going to be able to do it...Even in Cincinnati, where it doesn't really ever happen, it feels like it's here.”
On mediocrity as an aspiration [25:03]:

“Jets fans would kill for [advanced mediocrity].”

Timestamps Overview

03:00 – Steelers’ Rodgers timeline and expectations
05:12 – Mike McCarthy hire discussion
06:32 – Will Howard’s chance at QB
08:02 – Steelers' WR need and draft plans
10:11 – Steelers' draft capital & roster holes
12:46 – Discussion on using Jalen Ramsey as “big nickel”
13:32 – Cultural shift post-Tomlin
17:47 – Jets segment: offseason QB plans
21:15 – Jets’ delicate balance of present vs future
23:51 – Patience for Jets' rebuild
25:41 – Frank Reich, OC philosophy
27:21 – Breece Hall’s future with Jets
29:25 – Potential for Mac Jones or Malik Willis in NYJ
33:44 – Bengals’ offseason plan, defensive rebuild
38:43 – Fitting new players with Bengals’ young talent
39:17 – Bengals' draft intentions at #10
42:12 – Bengals: a make-or-break year
44:20 – Joe Burrow’s mindset and future with the Bengals

Key Takeaways

Steelers are “betting” on an Aaron Rodgers return but are carefully positioning the transition to Mike McCarthy as about long-term QB health, not just satisfying a star.
Jets remain in limbo at QB, and while a bridge solution seems likely, leadership jobs might hinge on whether they pursue an aggressive quick fix or stay patient.
Bengals know this is a pivotal season: the fully reassembled offense means all eyes are on the defense, and success (or failure) could determine not just the 2026 outcome, but the long-term trajectory of the coaching and front office staff.

The episode was a window into the candid conversations, organizational thinking, and off-field drama that shape the NFL’s most pivotal franchises in a year defined by transition and big questions.

Are the Steelers trapped waiting for Aaron Rodgers to decide his future?

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Summary

Scoop City: Inside The NFL

Episode Overview

Pittsburgh Steelers: Waiting on Rodgers & Building for the Future

1. The Aaron Rodgers Decision Looms

2. The Mike McCarthy Hire: Rodgers-Focused or QB Development?

3. Spotlight on Will Howard: The In-House Prospect

4. Roster Building: Draft Priorities and Offensive Weapons

5. Culture Change & Impact of Tomlin’s Departure

New York Jets: Quarterback Uncertainty & Rebuilding Philosophy

1. Offseason Philosophy: Stopgap or Long Play?

2. Patience and Pressure: Will Regime Survive a Rebuild?

3. Frank Reich’s Offense & Playmaker Status

4. Running Back Dilemma: To Tag Breece or Not?

Zach Rosenblatt [27:21]:

5. Soul Searching at QB: Exploring All Options

Cincinnati Bengals: A Crucial Year for the Franchise

1. Rebuilding One Side of the Ball: Defense the #1 Priority

2. Draft Strategy & Player Development

3. The #10 Draft Pick: Surprises Possible

4. Organizational Pressure: Make or Break Year

5. Joe Burrow’s Mindset: Frustration, Not Exit

Paul Denner Jr. [44:20]:

Notable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps Overview

Key Takeaways

The episode was a window into the candid conversations, organizational thinking, and off-field drama that shape the NFL’s most pivotal franchises in a year defined by transition and big questions.

Summary

Scoop City: Inside The NFL

Episode Overview

Pittsburgh Steelers: Waiting on Rodgers & Building for the Future

1. The Aaron Rodgers Decision Looms

2. The Mike McCarthy Hire: Rodgers-Focused or QB Development?

3. Spotlight on Will Howard: The In-House Prospect

4. Roster Building: Draft Priorities and Offensive Weapons

5. Culture Change & Impact of Tomlin’s Departure

New York Jets: Quarterback Uncertainty & Rebuilding Philosophy

1. Offseason Philosophy: Stopgap or Long Play?

2. Patience and Pressure: Will Regime Survive a Rebuild?

3. Frank Reich’s Offense & Playmaker Status

4. Running Back Dilemma: To Tag Breece or Not?

Zach Rosenblatt [27:21]:

5. Soul Searching at QB: Exploring All Options

Cincinnati Bengals: A Crucial Year for the Franchise

1. Rebuilding One Side of the Ball: Defense the #1 Priority

2. Draft Strategy & Player Development

3. The #10 Draft Pick: Surprises Possible

4. Organizational Pressure: Make or Break Year

5. Joe Burrow’s Mindset: Frustration, Not Exit

Paul Denner Jr. [44:20]:

Notable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps Overview

Key Takeaways

The episode was a window into the candid conversations, organizational thinking, and off-field drama that shape the NFL’s most pivotal franchises in a year defined by transition and big questions.