Steelers Roster Construction Flying Under the Radar

Podcast discusses Steelers' offseason plans, including extensions, free agency, and the draft

Feb. 9, 2026 at 6:15pm

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In the latest episode of the Steelers Afternoon Drive podcast, hosts Brendan Howe and Zachary Smith discuss how the Steelers' roster construction has flown under the radar due to a coaching change and staff hires. They analyze potential contract extensions for players like Joey Porter Jr. and Nick Herbig, identify possible cut candidates, and preview the team's approach to free agency and the upcoming NFL Draft.

Why it matters

With a new coaching staff in place, the Steelers' offseason plans and roster construction have not received as much attention as in previous years. However, these decisions will be crucial in shaping the team's future and determining their competitiveness in the upcoming season.

The details

The podcast hosts break down several key roster decisions facing the Steelers this offseason. They discuss the likelihood of contract extensions for promising young players like Joey Porter Jr. and Nick Herbig, as well as potential cut candidates that could free up salary cap space. The conversation also covers the team's strategy for free agency and the NFL Draft, including how they might address needs through those avenues.

  • The Steelers Afternoon Drive podcast was published on February 9, 2026.

The players

Brendan Howe

Co-host of the Steelers Afternoon Drive podcast.

Zachary Smith

Co-host of the Steelers Afternoon Drive podcast and writer for SteelersNow.com.

Joey Porter Jr.

Promising young Steelers player who may receive a contract extension this offseason.

Nick Herbig

Promising young Steelers player who may receive a contract extension this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“Will Joey Porter Jr. and Nick Herbig receive extensions this summer? Who are some cut candidates? How will the team approach free agency and the NFL Draft?”

— Zachary Smith, Co-host, Steelers Afternoon Drive (SteelersNow.com)

What’s next

The Steelers will need to make decisions on contract extensions, free agency, and the upcoming NFL Draft in the coming months to shape their roster for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

While the Steelers' roster construction has flown under the radar this offseason, these decisions will be crucial in determining the team's competitiveness and long-term outlook. The podcast hosts provide valuable insight into the team's potential plans and the key factors they will need to consider.