The 2024 offseason is rolling on! After teams have set their 90-man rosters ahead of the six-week hiatus before training camp, the Steelers were on the field for team activities for the final week of offseason activities in the form of mandatory minicamp. After hearing from him briefly after the first day of Phase Three of OTAs three weeks ago, Tomlin spoke to the media to answer questions. With plenty of questions asked by those in attendance, it is once again time for a players mentioned article. Remember these are current members of the Pittsburgh Steelers where a specific question was asked during the Q&A period (with the exception of the first player).

Najee Harris

At the end of his opening statement, Coach Tomlin addressed the topic of Najee Harris and his absence from the first day of mandatory minicamp.

“We had all in attendance today except for Naj [Najee Harris]. He had a prior appointment that was approved by me. We expect him back tomorrow. Everything else has been really good.”

Joey Porter Jr. & Keeanu Benton

Coach Tomlin was asked about the confidence of getting things done in Pittsburgh that he wants to get done. In his response, Coach Tomlin talked about getting better with experience and the associated expectations. In doing so, he mentioned Joey Porter Jr. and Keeanu Benton.

“I meant what I said, you know. I’ve gotten better with experience. It’s not always reflected in the outcome of games, but that can be said about a lot of components of what it is that we do. You better get better with experience. I expect these guys to get better with experience. I expect our second-yearplayers to take a significant step, for example. And so, I’m leaning in on guys like Joey Porter, Jr, and [Keeanu] Benton and others and so it’s the same in coaching. I’m excited about Aaron Curry in his second year within the program. I’ve been in this program a lot of years, so it better be reflected in the quality of my work.”

Cam Sutton

Coach Tomlin was asked about conversations he had with Cam Sutton that made him feel comfortable about bringing him back.

“There are not any conversations that we had recently, it’s the totality of our relationship. I met this guy in Knoxville man six, seven years ago, whatever it was, when he came out of school. He’s a great guy. He loves football. It’s probably the totality of our relationship and I probably represent the sentiment of the organization and saying that it’s less about specific conversations, particularly of late, and it’s about the relationship established over a longer period of time.”

In a follow-up question, Coach Tomlin was asked if Sutton’s legal situation that led to the end of his time in Detroit gave him pause about bringing him back.

“Certainly, certainly. That’s just due diligence. That’s what’s supposed to happen.”

In another follow-up question, Coach Tomlin was asked if he felt comfortable after doing that due diligence.

“Obviously, he’s here.”

Coach Tomlin’s complete time with the media can be seen here:

Coach Tomlin spoke to the media following the #Steelers first minicamp practice: pic.twitter.com/na4g6AbaoQ

— Steelers Live (@SteelersLive) June 11, 2024