The Pittsburgh Steelers’ latest “Asked and Answered” column addressed a range of topics from quarterback speculation to NFL traditions.
Responding to questions about Malik Willis, the column explained that his current appeal in free agency is due to several factors. Willis was initially projected as a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft but was selected in the third round by Tennessee. He spent two years as a backup in Green Bay under coach Matt LeFleur, who has experience optimizing quarterbacks. Willis had limited playing time during his first three seasons but delivered a strong performance when called upon as a starter late last season. Despite this, his team lost an important game and missed out on advancing further in the playoffs.
The columnist noted, “With this unrestricted free agency period due to open at 4 p.m. on March 11, Malik Willis is the only under-30 QB not rehabbing a major injury on any of the pundits’ top-10 lists. There are teams that develop an infatuation and become willing to do crazy things early in free agency, and a lot of those teams have QB-needy rosters. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if Willis ends up with way more than Justin Fields got on a contract from the Jets a year ago.”
On whether the Steelers will use their franchise tag this offseason, it was stated: “I cannot imagine that happening, because the Steelers only have 5 players who started multiple regular season games set to become unrestricted free agents, and the franchise tag 1-year tenders are listed below… None of those numbers make any sense for the Steelers.”
A reader reflected on changes within NFL coaching staffs over time, noting smaller staff sizes during Super Bowls IX and X compared to today. The response highlighted how professional football has evolved both physically and technologically.
Questions about potential realignment of NFL divisions were also addressed: “I don’t think geography means that much to NFL ownership, not when it would come at the expense of preserving traditional rivalries, which contribute to ratings for their broadcast partners… My suggestion would be to stop trying to fix things that aren’t broken.” The importance of traditional rivalries such as Cowboys vs. Eagles was emphasized.
Regarding former player Mike Wagner’s career with Pittsburgh, readers were directed to an online tribute available through the team’s official website. The organization has honored many figures like Terry Bradshaw and Joe Greene through its Hall of Honor program (source), while also maintaining historical exhibits at Acrisure Stadium’s Hall of Honor Museum (source). These efforts reflect ongoing community engagement by celebrating past achievements.
On Aaron Rodgers potentially returning for another season with Pittsburgh, it was stated: “If Aaron Rodgers doesn’t return, who is the starting quarterback? And who is the leader on offense? Remember, this is on a team where the idea is to try to compete in 2026. I believe Rodgers gives the Steelers the best chance at getting winning play from the quarterback position in 2026, and having him there also as an example/mentor for any young QBs on the roster has value as well.”
The process for Pro Football Hall of Fame induction was clarified: “When it comes to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, individuals are inducted as being in one of three categories – player, coach or contributor. There are no team affiliations attached. Those individuals then can subsequently choose to align themselves with a particular team…”
In discussing draft prospects like Drew Allar and Will Howard from Penn State—both considered mid-to-late round options—the answer provided detailed statistics about Allar’s college performances against top opponents and suggested selecting both may be redundant given roster constraints.
Finally, when asked humorously about predicting future drafts or lineups: “Thanks for noticing. People have no idea how many Magic 8 Balls I go through every offseason.”
The Steelers remain one of football’s most decorated franchises with six Super Bowl championships (source) and continued recognition through honors such as Hall of Honor inductions (source). As part of their tradition within the National Football League, they maintain active engagement with fans through historical celebrations (source).
