Let's get to it:
DAVID HAYES FROM HARTSELLE, AL: We have heard a lot about the details of Najee Harris' contract because of the Steelers' decision not to exercise his fifth-year option. What is the current contract status with Jaylen Warren? Also, who is projected to be our No. 3 running back?
ANSWER: As an undrafted rookie in 2022, Jaylen Warren signed a 3 year, $2.57 million contract that included a $12,000 signing bonus. Warren's salary for 2024 is $985,000, and he will become a restricted free agent in March 2025. As for a "projected" No. 3 running back, there are only candidates at this point, and that group includes undrafted rookie Daijun Edwards from Georgia; third-year pro La'Mical Perine from Florida; first-year pro Aaron Shampkin from Harvard; fifth-year pro Jonathan Ward from Central Michigan who was signed after attending Rookie Minicamp on a tryout basis; and maybe Cordarrelle Patterson, the veteran unrestricted free agent signed primarily for his ability to return kickoffs.
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GARY CONAWAY FROM DALLAS, TX: You've talked about the Frank Lewis trade to Buffalo, and that when Bills tight end Paul Seymour failed his physical, the Steelers ended up with nothing. How was that possible? Why didn't that void the trade?
ANSWER: After the trade was made, the Steelers discovered Paul Seymour had recent surgery on his foot, and after he failed his physical they returned him to the Bills. But when the issue was reviewed by the NFL office in New York, the league allowed the Bills to keep Frank Lewis.
JOE ASHER FROM TAMPA, FL: With the additions of Patrick Queen and rookie Payton Wilson, I'm really excited about the inside linebacker lineup for the Steelers. Seems if we could get Cole Holcomb back, that position could be next-level awesome. Was Cole at any portion of OTAs? If not has he been seen anywhere near the facility that might hint at a return timeline?
ANSWER: Cole Holcomb spends his days at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, but what he's doing is continuing to work on his rehabilitation. He is not participating in the football-like drills along with his healthier teammates. "It's been a grind. It's gonna be a grind," Holcomb told Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about his rehabilitation. "But it's one of those injuries that all you've got to do is just [expletive] work. I can do that. I have no problem doing that. I'll do whatever I gotta do to get back. I've dealt with injuries before. I'm not at all worried or anything like that. I know I'll come back and I'll play football." There is no timeline yet for a return to play for Holcomb.
RICHIE SNYDER FROM HARRISBURG, PA: With the 2026 NFL Draft being held in Pittsburgh, how will that work for people who want to attend? Will tickets be sold? When you're talking about approximately 500,000 people attending, I was wondering how someone even has a chance of being in attendance? And where would it be hosted?
ANSWER: It's great that you're excited about the 2026 NFL Draft coming to Pittsburgh, and I'm sure you're very interested in a lot of the details and want to be a part of what should be a very fun three days. But there are almost two full calendar years of planning and work ahead before hosting that draft, and everything you're asking about now has not been determined. I don't even know that the NFL has even set dates for that draft as of yet.
MARSHALL POLICICCHIO FROM WAYNESBORO, PA: If a player signs a contract with the Steelers, and he does not make the 53-man roster, does he still get paid? Is there a clause in the contract pending payments until making the active roster?
ANSWER: The Collective Bargaining Agreement calls for players to receive a stipend during training camp and the preseason based on years of service, but the typical NFL contract only allows salary to be paid in 18 weekly installments over the course of an NFL regular season (17 games plus the bye). Different individual contracts may contain clauses guaranteeing payments to certain players, but for the most part players are paid the salaries listed in their contracts only during the course of a regular season. If those players are not on the active roster during the regular season, they are not paid.
CHARLES DEMUMBRUM FROM MADISON, WI: With the pass rush being what it is today in the NFL – players rushing the passer from every spot – and defensive tackles pushing the pocket – some fans and media still talk about the blindside tackle in mythical proportions. Do coaches and players still consider the blindside offensive tackle the most important piece on an offensive line?
ANSWER: Because defenses like to bring pressure from the quarterback's blind side, and because most quarterbacks are right-handed, the offensive tackle on the left side is going to be an important component of protecting the passer. But also because of some of the factors you explain in your submission, protecting the quarterback has become very much a team effort, and that effort also extends to the receivers running their routes and the quarterback himself being aware of what's coming and from where.
JOHN PUHALA FROM SPRINGFIELD, VA: I have an ongoing argument with a friend. I know you can settle this with your wisdom. He insists that Frenchy Fuqua holds the Steelers' record for the longest run from scrimmage in a game, and that it covered 90-plus yards. I said that he was wrong. I believe the longest Steelers run was done back in the 1940s or 1950s by a guy named Gage. Who is right?
ANSWER: You are. The longest run from scrimmage in franchise history belongs to Bobby Gage, who went 97 yards for a touchdown on Dec. 4, 1949, in Chicago against the Bears. The second-longest run from scrimmage in franchise history belongs to John Henry Johnson, who went 87 yards for a touchdown on Dec. 11, 1960, vs. the Philadelphia Eagles. Frenchy Fuqua's 85-yard run for a touchdown on Dec. 20, 1970, at Philadelphia is the third-longest run in franchise history.
DAVID LUPREK FROM JOHNSTOWN, PA: With the change in the kickoff rules and so many unknowns, have the Steelers announced any plans to bring in subject-matter experts (like former XFL special teams coaches, perhaps) in a consulting capacity, or would they likely provide little insight beyond what game video offers (particularly with the many differences in the level of competition from the XFL to the NFL)?
ANSWER: You answered your own question.
DAVE KITLAK FROM UHRICHSVILLE, OH: Is it known yet if any players will elect to wear the guardian caps in-season?
ANSWER: Not to my knowledge, and my sense is that nothing would be considered/decided along those lines until the preseason.
