Teresa Varley

Thursday, May 21

Detail oriented:The Steelers are wrapping up their first week of OTAs with more answers than questions this year, as quarterback Aaron Rodgers is in the fold.

And having the all-everything veteran back is something that sits well with receiver DK Metcalf.

"Another year in the system with him as a quarterback means a lot," said Metcalf. "Another year of chemistry. So, just looking forward to it."

Metcalf said he is already getting comfortable in Coach Mike McCarthy's offense and welcomes the first time in his career he has a head coach with an offensive background.

"It just excites me just having an offensive-minded head coach," said Metcalf. "I've always had defensive-minded head coaches. So, there's something different.

"They're very detailed on the installations and everything that they do on offense. Everybody's on the same page route wise, timing wise, open form of communication all across the board. That's one big thing that I've noticed."

One other thing Metcalf has noticed is how well rookie receiver Germie Bernard, the team's second round pick, has acclimated to things.

"Just how he is as a person," said Metcalf. "He's always willing to learn. Always says yes sir and just keeps pushing. From a guy of his stature coming into the league, that's all you can ask for."

Having Rodgers at OTAs, after he reported last year only for the team's minicamp, does nothing but help Metcalf, but also is a benefit for Bernard and Michael Pittman Jr., who was acquired this offseason via a trade.

"Last year was a late start for everybody but having him two weeks before mandatory means a lot," said Metcalf. "We get a lot of reps under our belt."

Hitting the playbook:Offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio is one of the many people who have been singing the praises of rookie receiver Germie Bernard, the team's second round pick this year.

Angelichio likes the way Bernard is quick to pick up on things, and never afraid to put in the extra work.

"I think (receivers coach) Adam Henry's done a great job with that, moving those guys around," said Angelichio. "We talk about conceptual teaching, and we want to push the envelope early. We want to see where Germie can move and what he can handle, and he's done a good job with it.

"I think his approach and how he studies outside the building, I think that showed up because we're able to do those things, but we want to push all of them and just kind of see where they go with it."

Bernard appreciates what his offensive coordinator has to say, but knows he has plenty of work to do.

"Coming in and knowing what to do and being challenged is something I take wholeheartedly because that means that they trust me," said Bernard. "They want me to have some type of role within the team. I'm making sure I'm doing everything that I can to learn everything and learn from everybody and execute to my best ability.

"If I mess up, I'm doing it full speed and then I'm asking questions and I'm not going to make the same mistake again."

Bernard understands the extra study time is something that comes with the territory of being a young player and has fully embraced it.

"I'm just making sure I'm going over the stuff that they send you," said Bernard. "Making sure that you're getting the mental reps, the physical reps. So, it's just taking notes, walking through things by myself. Just making sure that I'm confident when practice comes."

And that confidence is something he wants not just the coaches, but he also wants his quarterbacks to have in him.

Including Aaron Rodgers, who he has been thrilled to work with this week.

"It's a blessing to be able to work with him," said Bernard. "I get to learn just asking him as many questions as I can. Taking all the cues and learning from him so I won't make the same mistakes and so we can build that trust."

Taking his time:Broderick Jones, the Steelers first-round draft pick in 2023, said "I feel fine" after working out Wednesday at OTA No. 2 as he continues his comeback from what he termed "my first serious injury," a neck injury that sidelined him for the final seven games last season.

Jones said he's only been working during individual periods, but not during team scrimmaging.

"Just getting back to it," he said. "Glad to be back around the team. That's always a plus for me. I'm just trying to get better."

When asked about a return to full health, Jones said that "I really don't have a timeline. They don't. They never gave me a timeline. They're monitoring it day by day and go from there."

Jones injured his neck in the fourth quarter of last season's Week 12 game in Chicago.

In February, Steelers General Manager Omar Khan called Jones's injury "significant" and "certainly something that we're monitoring."

In April, the Steelers drafted offensive tackle Max Iheanachor in the first round, and, when asked if the choice was a reflection of Jones's status, Khan said, "It's a little bit of a concern" and added that "We have options."

One of those options appears to be right tackle Troy Fautanu, who has moved over to Jones's left tackle spot this spring. Fautanu, entering his third season, started every regular-season game and then the playoff game last season at right tackle after starting 29 games at left tackle at the University of Washington.

Jones, who has started at both tackle positions during his three seasons with the Steelers, said, "Yes," when asked if he's open to working at either tackle spot upon a return.

"I'm ready, man," Jones said. "This is my first serious injury. I hadn't missed football here, so it's all new. I'm just ready for camp to come around and get back out there with the guys and get back a moment."

Jones was asked if the injury was "scary."

"Because this is my first serious injury, it's all new to me. Just trying to figure it out," he said. "But I've got a great support system around me with the Steelers, with my family, so I've just got to continue to do what I can do to get better and heal up, and then eventually get back on the field."

Has he or the team set any milestones to mark a healthy return to the field?

"I really don't know," he said. "Just trying to continue to get stronger every day in the weight room, building that confidence back up just because it was such a serious injury and stuff like that. But I feel like that's all it is, just staying consistent in the weight room, don't try and get in your head too much, and you know, just stay the course."

-- Blog entry by Jim Wexell

Wednesday, May 20

Happy to be back:Quarterback Aaron Rodgers signed a one-year contract to return to the Steelers on Monday, the first day of the team's OTAs.

After taking the field for the team's first two sessions, he talked to the media on Wednesday and shared there was in fact doubt this offseason as to whether he would play another year.

"There was some doubt for sure. But I had some good conversations with (Coach) Mike (McCarthy) going back to when he was hired," said Rodgers. "It's nice to come back. It felt different than last year because I knew some of the guys and some of the people that work here. So, it felt good coming in.

"I had a lot of conversations with Mike and (General Manager) Omar (Khan) for a while. I had a lot of conversations with my wife about it. After the draft, I came to the conclusion that I wanted to play, I wanted to come back."

One thing Rodgers doesn't have any doubt about is beyond the 2026 season.

When asked if this would be his final season, his answer was short and to the point.

"Yes," said Rodgers.

Rodgers said one of the conversations he had with Khan in the offseason was encouraging him to consider McCarthy in the hiring process for the Steelers head coaching position after Mike Tomlin stepped down.

"I had a conversation with Omar in the last year," said Rodgers. "I encouraged him for an outside perspective to interview Mike. Not thinking that he even would, honestly, because the way the league goes and the trend, it's kind of whoever worked with Sean (McVay), Kyle (Shanahan) or Matt (LaFleur) now, one of those guys, now gets a lot of looks, and multiple guys in those trees have.

"But then when it became more serious, I was thinking, wow, that would be a really interesting thought to come back and play with Mike.

"And it's more than just Mike. It's James Campen, he's been a close friend since he was coaching Green Bay with me for 14 years. Mark Lovat, same thing. Grant Thorne, I've been around him a long time. Obviously, I know (Jason) Simmons and Joe Whitt, Pat Graham from my time in Green Bay. So, a lot of familiarity with those guys."

McCarthy said walking onto the practice field at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex with Rodgers for the first time this week was special, and for Rodgers it also brought back some good feelings of their 13 seasons together in Green Bay.

"I love Mike," said Rodgers. "Mike and I spend a lot of time together. A lot of great highs over the years. A lot respect for him. It's pretty amazing, the guy has coached at three iconic franchises now with Green Bay and Dallas.

"It was surreal, honestly, sitting in a meeting, the first 8 o'clock meeting on Monday. It took me back to being a 22-year-old kid sitting in Green Bay, listening to Mike's first meeting in 2006. It's like a pinch-me moment. It's been happening the last few days. Getting to sit next to James Campen in the meetings is fun. Jahri Evans was a teammate of mine. He's on staff now, should be a Hall of Famer. So that's pretty cool too, a lot of connections."

Being signed in time for the OTAs is something that was important to Rodgers to get acclimated once again with McCarthy's system and any changes in his play-calling since the two were last together in Green Bay in 2018.

"Just familiar with some of the changes that Mike has made to the offense over the years," said Rodgers. "We haven't been together since 2018, so there's some terminology we're working through.

"I think it's just the next generations of the West Coast offense. It went Bill Walsh, to what Mike was doing with Paul Hackett, and then it's grown from there. It's incorporated some of the schematic stuff from the offenses around the League, and some of the motion stuff that you see so much of the (Kyle) Shanahan tree doing. I think from a real fundamental level, it's all about the quarterback's timing. There's been good detail on all the route concepts of when you need to be open and how important the depth is.

"As a quarterback, you used to say, you should be able to throw balls blind knowing guys are going to be in certain spots. So, can we get those guys on the same page and knowing the timing and the spacing of the passing game.

"He's changed some stuff when he was in Dallas with Dak (Prescott). I'll battle on a couple things that I'll be stubborn about, terminology-wise. I think part of the process is just growing. Me having to adjust some of the stuff that I've done or terminology I like. So, it's a fun learning experience right now. There were a couple times today he's calling plays in the huddle and I'm asking, what does this mean? It's stuff that we used to run, but he's just called it something different now. So, it's a good part of the learning process."

More from Rodgers:

What he likes about the Steelers roster:

"I think we were close last year. I think we added some good pieces. I felt like we needed a lineman probably at some point, drafted a guy in the first round that I like. I thought we needed somebody who could work in the slot. Obviously, Germie (Bernard), being picked there, is a guy they think can do it. Bring in (Michael) Pittman, was obviously a good addition. Rico Dowdle, Jamel (Dean) on defense. (Jaquan) Brisker as well, so a lot of good pieces added to the mix."

On if how he felt physically after last season played a role in him returning:

"That was a big part of it, I just wanted to see how I responded once we got into the offseason at least a month or so as my body started to recover. Obviously I broke multiple bones in my arm and wrist, so I just want to see how that would heal up after not getting it wrapped and hit every single week. Then you got to see how you feel when you respond to working out, but I feel good. I've been training and staying in shape. I love the strength staff here, again Mark (Lovat), and they kept Justice (Galac), who's a big favorite of all the guys in the locker room. So, it's a really good training staff and I've enjoyed the workout so far."

On working with the receivers, including Pittman, D.K. Metcalf, and Bernard, in McCarthy's offense:

"I mean every offense, I think, wants to focus through the quarterback. The way that we were trained is true West Coast, and the West Coast offense is about time and spacing. The origin of quarterback from the offenses is the West coast offense. So obviously, it's easy for me to slip right back into that. I'm excited about the guys. You've got to temper expectations and judgements because we're out here in helmets and shorts. I'll tell you one thing I really am excited about is going back to Latrobe, I can't wait for that."

On what he likes about Latrobe:

"Besides Meadows, I just love the opportunity for camaraderie and for that team chemistry. Mike (Tomlin) used to talk a lot about capturing that, and it cannot be quantified. That's what Latrobe gives you, the opportunity to spend time with each other every night time, on the breaks and stuff. You're staying in the dorm, sharing a bathroom and a shower with a teammate. There's some great team-bonding opportunities for that. I just think it's invaluable."

Tuesday, May 19

Embracing the expectations:If there is one thing defensive coordinator has learned in the first few months of his new position, it's that Steelers Nation isn't shy.

They have an opinion, and they will share it, no matter where you are.

"The benefit of being here with the Steelers is there's a clear standard in terms of what the people of the city expect," said Graham. "I know we made mention to the Steel Curtain. I mentioned this before. There's no need for any gimmicks, for me as a coordinator to come up with any gimmicks. The people in this town, and just having time to be around town and meet the people, it's clear. The funny thing is, they'll make it clear to you in terms of what they expect. I think it's kind of cool. It's a challenge.

"I've said it before that we're trying to figure out and earn our way in this tradition of the Steelers defense. And there's lofty goals there in terms of the teams that have come before us. All the great coaches that have been here before. We're just trying to earn our place in this tradition. And I know thiswe are far away from that. But we've just got to work hard, put in the work, build day by day, and go from there."

Graham said he has already been approached by fans who have no issue sharing their thoughts.

"I'm being serious," stressed Graham. "It doesn't matter, gas station, out for dinner, the airport. They are very serious about it. But it's fun to be in a town where people are passionate about football like that. Here I am a kid from Waterbury, Connecticut, who wasn't a good football player. God allowed me to become a coach, have a knack for being able to coach this game and being here with one of the more storied franchises in American sports.

"It's a privilege, it's an honor and people take it seriously here and I love that about it."

Graham, who is entering his eighth season as a defensive coordinator in the NFL, was the first assistant coach hired by Coach Mike McCarthy this offseason. He has interviewed for various head coaching positions in the past, but is happy to be wearing the Steelers name that was emblazoned across the front of the sweatshirt he wore while talking on Tuesday.

"This league has provided so much for me, the teams and the experiences I've had with different teams have provided so much outside of football in terms of growth as a man, growth as a teacher," said Graham. "It's been so important to me. When your opportunities come and you're interested in the head coaching opportunities, I've been fortunate I've had several head coaching interviews and I've learned from every single experience. I didn't get one of them and that's fine. You've got to get over that. The initial shock sometimes will get you. I lost out to a lot of good coaches. Mike (Macdonald) at Seattle, Liam (Coen) at Jacksonville. These are all men I know and have a lot of respect for, and they've had a lot of success. I remember meeting Jeff Hathley when he was coaching at Albany, and I was at Wagner (attending) Villanova's football camp. I'm happy to see these guys where they're at right now.

"And it hasn't worked out for me. But again, everything's pointed to this moment. I have this (Steelers name) on my chest right now. I'm in a great town. Have a chance to earn my way in this tradition. It's special. The game's been special to me, and I'm really pleased with being here and everything that led up."

Graham's goal is to make the Steelers name proud with the type of defense he puts on the field.

"The immediate task is to get on the same page, everybody getting on the same page with the vision we have for the defense this year," said Graham. "Starting with the building blocks this spring. Communication is big. Conditioning is a big part of it. Getting familiar with our terminology and how we are going to speak to one another to make sure we are as efficient as possible in terms of communication.

"The big thing about the spring, two things I see it as once you get to the OTA phase in terms of how we're going to train, get used to the different systems we have in place in terms of how we train and go about teaching our system. And then on top of that, just getting a good idea of the timing for the drop back passing game and how to defend the drop back passing game. So those are two major things right there.

"I would anticipate physical, playing fast. Getting the ball off the offense and doing it consistently. That's what you really see when you look at the great teams that have been here defensively, is being consistent. In order for us to be consistent, I think we've got to build our conditioning. We got to make sure our communication is on point. We've got to get to know one another so we can have those hard conversations when it doesn't look great.

"I've been pleased with what the coaches have been doing, what the players have been to help build that. It's been positive."

Don't look for Graham to be a rah-rah guy on the sideline, celebrating when players create turnovers and make big plays.

His belief is that is the way it should be, and he will be happy with the effort as well as the result.

"What we've got to do is celebrate the habit," said Graham. "A lot of people get caught up in the results. We've got to celebrate the habit, the process. So, for me, it's constantly evaluating, okay, here's an opportunity. You guys punch the ball. The ball didn't come out, well keep punching. We're playing trap coverage here, you had the right read. Didn't get the ball this time, but this is the way to react to it. From my standpoint, what I do to help contribute to that is celebrate the habit, and then when it does happen, we will reward it somehow, some way. But definitely my role is probably more to celebrate the habit."

Getting to know you:On Monday, linebacker Payton Wilson spoke highly of defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, stating that relationship building is one of the first things that stood out in getting to know his new coach.

And there is a good reason it stands out, as it's something Graham highly values.

"The best advice I ever got was my first spring in the NFL," recalled Graham. "(From) a legendary coach. I came from college and all of a sudden, you're coaching all these guys you see on TV and stuff like that. He said, Pat, remember this, if I give you any advice, the good players want to be coached. And so, for me, what I do is study them. I get to know those guys.

"On the field, off the field. I study them and I'm looking for how can I help them improve one thing. Especially as a coordinator, how can I help them improve one thing and then try to use my expertise to help guide them on that.

"Then always being honest and truthful with them. That's the best advice I've ever got, and it's served me well throughout my career. A few times where I've probably swayed from that way of thinking, that's probably when it got me in trouble and I regret those moments. But the best players, they want to be coached."

Graham knows that coaching doesn't always happen between the white lines on the field. It goes far beyond what is expected and it has required Graham to share a little of himself with the players.

"The process to get to know them, I just spend time with them," said Graham. "I spend some time texting them. I try to open up and let them know about me a little in terms of, this is the music I listen to. I have a weekly project every Thursday. Somebody has to do a little report on old-school hip-hop music. I'm letting them know who I am, so in turn they'll feel comfortable talking to me.

"And then from there is just the side conversations, whether it's football or checking on them, the situation they might have with their family. That's not my nature. By nature, I'm more introverted, I would say. But when you're in this position, and I try to get them to be comfortable, you've got to do what the job was required of you. So, if you don't like to talk, you might have to talk. If you don't like to sit down in the cafeteria and have lunch with everybody, that's what's required of us to get this thing done. So, I try and show that sacrifice, because I would be perfectly fine sitting in my office by myself watching tape."

Graham gave a bit of a window to the type of music he likes and what he is asking the players to provide.

"I've got to make sure it's something I will listen to," joked Graham. "I'm more 90s, early 2000s hip hop, that's what it's like. I like different music. De La Soul, of course their story is near and dear to my heart. We did De La Soul, we did The Dungeon Family, which is OutKast, Goodie Mob, and all those guys. We did that. Right now, we're doing Native Tongues, which includes Q-Tip and A Tribe Called Quest. Queen Latifah, De La's in there, Black Sheep, a whole bunch of stuff. All the stuff that I grew up as a kid, stuff I listened to before the games."

Back together again:The opening of OTAs reunited Brian Angelichio and Aaron Rodgers for the first time since Dublin. Angelichio appreciated being on the same side this time.

"It's good to be on his team, is my thought, because certainly any time you go against him you're just hanging on until that (scoreboard) says 'zero,'" time remaining, Angelichio maintained. "Every other spot I've been in, that game's not over until it's 'zero' with him.

"He's such a great competitor and can make any throw and, you know, can will his team from any circumstance."

Angelichio was in his third season as Minnesota's tight ends coach and passing game coordinator last Sept. 28, when Rodgers helped lead the Steelers to a 24-21 victory over the Vikings in Ireland. The two are on the same team again for the first time since Angelichio, the Steelers' new offensive coordinator, worked as the tight ends coach in Green Bay from 2016-18 and Rodgers quarterbacked the Packers. The Rodgers that Angelichio saw at the Rooney UPMC Sports Complex on Monday was recognizable from those days, and from Angelichio's NFL stints on the staffs in Tampa Bay, Cleveland, Washington and Carolina, as well as in Minnesota.

"I think Aaron's played at an elite level for all his career," Angelichio continued. "His arm, his arm talent, the throws he makes, I mean, those are things that he's done since he's been in this league. It truly amazes me and it's remarkable, the way the guy throws the football."

Angelichio also marveled following OTA No. 1 about the presence Rodgers provides.

"It's unbelievable," Angelichio insisted. "Aaron's such a great mentor, teammate, his feedback and the information he provides, you can't beat that. How he's done it and what's worked for him and what hasn't worked and him just sharing. And he does share, he's very willing to help the players, all our players.

"That's certainly is a big plus for us."

The quarterback room grew to four upon Rodgers' arrive. He joined veteran Mason Rudolph, second-year pro Will Howard and rookie third-round pick Drew Allar,. The latter two are players the Steelers are committed to developing this season as they go about their standard business of competing for championships.

Angelichio is adamant four quarterbacks aren't too many for the Steelers to work with in their pursuit of both goals.

"I think it's great," he said. "I think you can never have enough quarterbacks. The one thing (head) Coach (Mike) McCarthy talks about is the development and training of the quarterbacks. With the system that's in place here, I think it's great that we have four quarterbacks. It's something that we're really excited about. We have a good plan of how we're going to get those guys reps so they can all continue to develop."

How the offense evolves remains to be seen. The Steelers were ultimately more reliant on quick completions and yards after the catch last season than they were down-the-field throws. But that was then, and much has changed since then.

"Every year is different," Angelichio emphasized. "I don't really want to comment on last year. This is this year and we're gonna work through the OTAs and training camp to see what the offense is going to look like.

"I think we're ultimately all trying to hunt explosives."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

Happy to have him in place:Kicker Chris Boswell agreed to a new five-year contract to remain with the Steelers last week, and his new special teams coordinator Danny Crossman is happy to have him return to the black and gold.

"It's great to have Chris in the building, obviously, even for a day," said Crossman. "Anytime you get good players, it increases your probability of winning games, and he's a good player. So, we're happy to have him."

Crossman respects Boswell's process, including him waiting to start kicking until June.

"There's a great sliding scale in this worldif they've been highly productive, I'd be a knucklehead to change that," said Crossman.

Another piece of the process is pregame preparations, but Crossman emphasized that there are some things you can't control.

"Successful kickers are usually successful everywhere," said Crossman. "I coached in Buffalo for six years, so one thing I learned from Monday to Saturday, I wasn't following the weather, because you're going to get what you get, and you don't get upset. You may have 50-mile-an-hour winds on Saturday and maybe a beautiful day on Sunday.

"The key is just understanding the nuances of the wind and how the stadium handles the windand the great thing about [Boswell] is Boz doesn't worry from one kick to the next. He's not worried about anything. He's just looking to make good contact with the football, and then what's going to happen is going to happen, which is a great mentality to play and to use, especially in our division."

It's not just Boswell who's been impressive; kickers around the NFL are improving year by year. Last season, Jacksonville's Cam Little set the record for the longest field goal in league history with his 68-yard kick on November 2, passing the record of 67 yards set by Baltimore's Justin Tucker, which stood for four years.

So, what factors into the increased distance and accuracy?

"I think it's a combination of players getting better, how they're training, they're getting bigger and stronger," Crossman said. "I mean, you look at the size of the kickers now in comparison to what it was 10 years ago. They were all 5'8", 5'9", 6-foot. Now these guys, a 5'11" guy is a short guy. They're 6'1" to 6'3", long-levered, and they can pound it.

"The increase of the record, I see it changing probably again in the next year or two, because teams are willing to take that opportunity and take that risk, and points are points. Take them anywhere you can get them."

Adaptation appears important to Crossman, especially for rookies who might not have been primary special teamers in college.

"Good football players find a way to make plays in whatever phase you put them in," said Crossman. "That's the National Football League. The more you can do, the better opportunities you're going to have to be on the field."

-- Blog entry by Grace McCarron

Monday, May 18

Making a connection:Receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is like all of Steelers Nation.

He learned that quarterback Aaron Rodgers was signing a one-year contract with the Steelers via social media.

"He never told me anything," joked Pittman. "I learned from Twitter before he told me."

He was hoping Rodgers would sign back with the team, and when asked if he was surprised he was back, his reaction was mixed.

"Partially, partially not," said Pittman. "I had the hope that he was coming back. I had a good feeling about it. But you never know. Aaron is going to do what Aaron is going to do. But I'm definitely happy to have him back."

Pittman had the opportunity to catch passes from Rodgers during the first day of Steelers OTAs at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on Monday, something that sat well with the veteran receiver who was acquired via a trade this offseason.

"Even in the first day, he made a couple of great throws, and I was like, wow, I'm really playing with Aaron, so it's great," said Pittman. "I get to play with another Hall of Fame quarterback, because I got to play with Philip Rivers. I'm going to say he's going to make it. This is my second, so it's great."

In 2025, Rodgers originally signed with the Steelers during the team's minicamp in June. This year, signing during OTAs, gives Pittman a greater opportunity to get on the same page with him early.

"You've got to know what certain quarterbacks like and what they don't like, and what they're thinking," said Pittman. "All of that is going to take time. So just getting to know him better and listening to the things that he's telling us. Just going out and spending more time.

"This is the first day, so we have now until our first game. We are going to get as many reps as possible."

One thing Pittman has learned from watching Rodgers from afar is he is going to let his receivers know if there is something that isn't working.

"Oh yeah, he's going to tell you,"said Pittman "It didn't happen to me specifically yet, but I've seen it from watching games and stuff.

"He's a vet, a super vet quarterback. He knows what he likes and what he doesn't like. You guys watched him play. If you're not doing what you're supposed to do, he's going to let you know. Which is good. I think it's good to have that leadership."

Pittman and Rodgers worked out together only once in the offseason, prior to any decision being made about Rodgers' return. He is now hoping that what he brings to the table makes the quarterback-receiver combo an ideal one.

"I've played a decent amount of ball, obviously not as much as him," said Pittman. "But just being able to read defenses and being on the same page. Being able to stop in those spots and knowing the situation. I feel like situational football is really what it comes down to. And just being on this same page and getting reps with him."

While adapting to a new quarterback, Pittman also had made an adjustment to a coaching staff that isn't just new to him, but everyone on the team.

And he loves what Coach Mike McCarthy has laid out for the offense.

"I think Mike's great," said Pittman. "That is one of the reasons that I came here, because he is an offensive coach. And obviously, I am on offense and I like to catch passes.

"So, his scheme and his system. He's been doing it for a long time. Being able to learn from him and his system, it's been great and I'm going to keep on learning it and get it dialed in."

Having to earn it:It's only Day 1 of OTAs, but many Steelers defensive players have been in town for almost a month now, working with new coordinator Patrick Graham.

And linebacker Payton Wilson loves what he has seen and experienced so far.

"It's been great," said Wilson. "First and foremost, he's a great person. He started with relationships and building relationships and trust. We all really respected that. He has a great scheme in the way that he's installing things. It's flowing really well. I've been super impressed with him and his scheme and how he coaches.

"I love the scheme that we played in previously, but the foundation of this scheme, the way he's installed it, we're all speaking the same language. We're all moving the same way. When they ask a question, we need to answer it with a certain language, if not, it's the wrong answer. So, making sure everybody's on the same page. I think he does a really good job of not assuming people know. We do have a lot older guys on the defensive side that have been around for a long time, but he still goes over it and he's still very detailed in his work and it's awesome to be under that as a player."

Wilson said the changes on the field aren't drastic, with the type of defense that is being played.

It's the approach where he is seeing a difference.

"Football is football, so a lot of it is similar," said Wilson. "Everybody says it's a copycat league and you see that everywhere. Everybody seems to run the same things. It's just how much of one thing we're running versus another. There's a ton of similarities. There's different verbiage and different vocab, but a lot of the same stuff."

What Wilson is hoping comes of the changes is something they strived for as a unit last year.

Consistency.

"I felt like my first two years, especially last year, there'd be a really good game on defense than the next game, not so much," said Wilson. "It's something that the whole defensive staff have done a great job of harping on, it's just consistency, and I think the way that Patrick Graham is installing things and the way the coaches are coaching it up, that we'll see more of that throughout this year.

"When we get to November, we want to be going up still, rather than this whole up and down thing. Just continuing to be more consistent."

Wilson didn't give a reason as to why they didn't find the consistency they desired last season but knows they can make it work this year.

"There's a lot of flying bullets and stuff," said Wilson. "But just always being on the same page, communication, and just continuing to run our base stuff that we've put in on day one and getting really good at those things instead of just throwing a bunch of stuff here and there, just continuing to outexecute the other team."

If they succeed in those areas consistency, communication, outexecuting opponents they might be able to align themselves with the defense that set the standard in the 1970s.

"Patrick Graham's been really clear," said Wilson. "He wants it to be the Steel Curtain. But we have to earn that right.

"That's not something that comes with being a part of the Steelers. You have to earn it. There were some great, great defenses that have earned that name. So, the identity is still the same. We're still in Pittsburgh. We want to be fast. We want to be tough."

One theme of this Steelers offseason has been change. Entering his seventh season in the NFL, Linebacker Alex Highsmith is embracing change in more ways than one.

"Things are different, things are changing, but we know that if we're going to be a successful team, if we're going to raise that trophy at the end of the year, everyone's got to buy into the culture, to Coach (Mike) McCarthy's culture," said Highsmith. "A lot of guys are doing that right now, and as we continue to progress into real football, minicamp and going into camp, I'm just excited to see where we're headed."

Highsmith highlighted improved communication and attention to detail as two things he wants to see the defense work on.

"You see times when we weren't a good defense last year because we weren't communicating like we should," said Highsmith. "It starts from now in OTAs, guys are coming in and learning the new playbook. Getting that communication down, that detail down, is so important.

While the Steelers have a new head coach, offensive and defensive coordinators, the starting quarterback remains the same. The Steelers signed Aaron Rodgers to a one-year contract. Rodgers was in the building and participated in workouts on Monday.

When asked how it felt seeing Rodgers return to the black and gold for a second season, Highsmith gave a glowing review.

"It's awesome having him back," said Highsmith. "He was out there, obviously, getting a lot of reps with the guys and whatnot, and so we're really excited to have him back leading our group.

"He's mysterious, but he's one heck of a teammateHe's a great dude."

Rodgers and Coach McCarthy will reunite this season after spending 13 seasons together with the Green Bay Packers. The pair made nine trips to the playoffs in that span, highlighted by a Lombardi Trophy. Rodgers won two MVP awards in Green Bay under McCarthy's tutelage.

"I know they have a really good relationship, and so it's going to be cool to see that up close and personal," Highsmith said. "Obviously they won a Super Bowl together, so they got a lot of experience together."

On the other side of the ball, Highsmith is confident in the defense's ability to live up to expectations of high levels of play seen during the "Steel Curtain" defenses of the 1970s.

"We know we have the talent and the players to be able to be that type of defense," said Highsmith. "That should be a realistic expectation for us to perform like that, so we've just got to go out and do it."

So what does being a Steel Curtain defense mean to Highsmith?

"I think it just means playing hard, fast, and physical, if you got three things to sum it up," he said. "When you look back, when you watch the film, you want to see a bunch of guys flying around, making plays, forcing turnovers.

"That's something we've got to pride ourselves on."

-- Blog entry by Grace McCarron

The new vets:The departure of veteran Isaac Seumalo, who started all 44 regular-season games he played in his three-season Steelers career, created a hole at left guard and a void in leadership for the offensive line. The Steelers are working to fill both during OTAs.

"You've got to grow up quick, man," offensive tackle Troy Fautanu observed.

Fautanu, center Zach Frazier and guard Mason McCormick are all entering their third seasons. Frazier and McCormick have started for two seasons and Fautanu one after his rookie campaign was lost almost entirely to injury.

"We're looked at as the vets," Fautanu said.

In response, the group is looking to assistant offensive line coach Jahri Evans, a veteran of 12 NFL seasons and 183 career regular-season games played, all as a starter.

"Isaac was damn near a coach to us," Fautanu continued. "Whatever he said, he was like a third offensive line coach. Obviously, missing Isaac in terms of leadership and having him there but Jahri has kind of been that role for us, I feel like, with all the games that he's played. I asked him last week, I asked how many starts did he have in the NFL? He said 180-something, it's crazy.

"He has a lot of insight. I feel like he's kinda taken that role."

The roles up front are to be determined. The Steelers opened OTA No. 1 with Fautanu shifting from right to left tackle and McCormick moving from right to left guard.

Spencer Anderson took McCormick's vacated sport at right guard and Dylan Cook was at right tackle after having filled in at left tackle when Broderick Jones was injured last season. Jones was dressed for OTA No. 1 but his status remains uncertain as he continues to recover from neck surgery.

The Steelers also invested a first-round pick in Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, a third-round pick in Iowa offensive tackle Gennings Dunker, who will transition to guard in the NFL, and added guard Brock Hoffman in veteran free agency.

"Right now, it's still kind of up in the air," Fautanu said.

Fautanu emphasized he'd be capable of switching sides on a permanent basis if it comes to that.

"There were conversations and asking if I was comfortable doing it," he said. "I played it in college. I personally don't believe you really have a natural position. If you work hard enough at something, you have enough reps, you're going to get good at it. Obviously, I played right (tackle) for two years, and thousands and thousands of reps doing that. I got really comfortable there but if I'm being asked to move to the left I can do it."

And if such a move included a corresponding switching of sides for McCormick, so much the better.

"Me and Mason have chemistry, playing last year together," Fautanu said. "He's helped me out a lot in terms of being able to play fast and being very communicative. When things are loud and Zach's kind of dealing with all he has to deal with, Mason's right there to help me out.

"Any guard that's playing next to me, him, Brock, Spencer, you can go down the list. It's a new offense so we're all kind of adjusting but at the same time Mason has helped me a lot.

"Obviously, I would love to play next to him again."

The emphasis in the early stages of team development is on position flexibility.

The ultimate goal will be to get the best five on the field.

"They're leaning on us to be the best group on the field," Fautanu said. "I think we can do that and I think we have the potential to do that but we have a lot of work to do."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

Just for kicks:His contractual status, in terms of compensation and commitment, may have changed dramatically but Chris Boswell's job description has not.

"The money value doesn't pay any respect to how you do on the field," Boswell said. "Because of the contract doesn't mean I'm going to make or miss any more kicks. I still have to show up and perform every single week.

"My job's on the line every single kick every single week. I've got to keep that mentality and let the rest take care of itself."

Boswell, the Steelers' kicker since 2015, was rewarded with a five-year contract announced last Wednesday by the team.

"It means everything to me and my family," he continued. "Just to continue my career here meant a lot. I played a little bit before here but I don't really consider anywhere else but here home.

"Just to have my family, my boys grow up here, means a lot to us."

Boswell ranks second among kickers with at least 300 field goal attempts since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger with a success rate of 87.7 percent.

Among Boswell's franchise records with the Steelers are the standards for consecutive field goals made (25 from 2019-20), field goals made in a season (41 in 2024), points in a season (158 in 2024), and career game-winning field goals (15).

He's also connected on 52-of-63 field goal attempts from 50 yards or longer during his career, the most in franchise history.

Boswell's 82.5 percent conversion rate from 50-plus yards is the best in NFL history since the merger among kickers with at least 60 attempts. He attributes his consistency over the years to being "level-headed.

"Never get too high, never get too low and just that next-kick-up mentality," Boswell said. "Never dwell on the past. Never look ahead to see what could happen and just one kick at a time."

That's an approach Boswell tries to adhere to whether that next kick up is at the conclusion of a game-opening drive or in overtime.

"Don't think too much on a situation," he said. "The ball doesn't change. The kick doesn't change. No matter if it's at the end of the game or the first kick in the game, I mean, they're both as meaningful.

"I just keep that attitude and just whatever kick's up next I just hit that one and then the one after that and just roll into kick after kick."

Boswell made 27-of-32 field goal attempts last season (84.4 percent), including 19 of 22 from 40 yards or longer.

He ranks second in franchise history in career points (1,250) and field goals made (299) and has made 86 of 95 career attempts (90.5 percent) in a fourth quarter or overtime.

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta