My Hottest Take: Hide This Report Card From Our Parents

The NFLPA released its yearly report cards containing player feedback regarding their experiences within each organization. Pittsburgh came in dead last. Players had major issues with the team facilities, giving locker rooms and the playing field the harshest grades possible. Treatment of families and team travel also received failing grades, with overall ownership coming in at a D-. The team’s highest ratings came from their head coach and their special teams coach, but both (Mike Tomlin and Danny Smith) left the organization at the end of the season.

If Pittsburgh is serious about winning football games, they need to make a serious financial commitment, and not just to player salaries. While the team does share Acrisure Stadium with the Pittsburgh Panthers, the space itself needs a massive overhaul for the benefit of both teams. The organization already announced that it will resurface the field in the offseason, but given how much traffic the field sees during the fall, it won’t be long before it returns to the hazardous conditions from last season.

The Steelers aren’t good enough to convince elite players to ignore the flaws within the organization; other teams have storied histories, quality coaching, or talented rosters alongside acceptable facilities. As the free agency market begins next week, look to see if big name players consider these report cards as they make their decisions. If they do, it could be a bleak March for Pittsburgh.

What You Need To Know: Kyler On the Market

The Arizona Cardinals announced on Tuesday that they will be releasing former first overall pick Kyler Murray at the beginning of the league year. A Heisman-winning quarterback at Oklahoma, Murray showed signs of stardom in Arizona but struggled to find a true fit as the Cardinals cycled through head coaches throughout his tenure. Many league personnel believe that Kyler immediately becomes the biggest name on the QB market upon his release, leapfrogging Malik Willis due to his sky-high upside and game experience.

I’ve spoken at length about Pittsburgh’s QB search over the last few weeks, out of all of the realistic candidates for the job, Kyler would be the best. At the time, my biggest concern was the price tag involved in trading with Arizona and honoring the remainder of his contract. As a free agent coming off a low point, Murray could be a bargain on a short-term contract while still having the potential to be "the guy" in Pittsburgh if the team builds around him appropriately.

Before You Go: Broderick Jones’ Future

It was reported that LT Broderick Jones had fusion surgery on his neck after sustaining an injury in Week 12 which sidelined him for the rest of the season. Jones will miss significant time, likely the entire 2026 season, which throws a wrench into Pittsburgh’s offseason. The Georgia product is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and his future in Pittsburgh depends on his recovery as the team considers activating his fifth-year option.

In the meantime, the Steelers need a replacement at left tackle for one season at minimum. This year’s draft class features an abundance of tackle prospects, while the free agent market is highlighted by Rasheed Walker and Cam Robinson. Jones’ health will be something to monitor as Pittsburgh moves throughout the offseason.