Recently I was thinking about my time writing about the Pittsburgh Steelers. Throughout my career doing so, I’ve essentially done it all.

Commentary, news, breaking stories, features and even took a stab at simple film room breakdowns.

The one thing I’ve never done is work on just a random thought type format.

I can’t speak for you, the reader, but I am always thinking about writing and the Steelers. Thinking about different aspects of the team and game. Thanks to reading Myron Cope’s biography I decided to put a unique spin on this type of feature.

Now, for the name of the article, anyone who is familiar with the Styx song “Renegade” should know where it came from. If not, this is where it came from…

The jig is up, the news is out
They finally found me
The renegade who had it made
Retrieved for a bounty
Nevermore to go astray
This’ll be the end today of the wanted man

The jig is up…time for some randomness.

Welcome to the NEW Steel Curtain Network

It’s almost been a week since we debuted the new-look Steel Curtain Network, and I truly hope all our readers know we are continuing to work out the kinks. I’m thankful we got most of the commenting issues out of the way, but are continually working on improving this platform to make it the best it can be.

Unlike at our old stomping grounds, the comment section is not something we created, but simply a service we selected. Therefore, we are bound to some of their limitations when it comes to what we can, and can’t, do in terms of functionality. Hopefully you stick with us through these growing pains, and feel free to give us recommendations on improvement in the comment section here!

Russell Wilson “Reports”

The biggest “news” of the week was the Gerry Dulac report of Russell Wilson and Arthur Smith butting heads over Wilson’s ability to alter the play at the line of scrimmage. Some have come out and publicly rebutted this report, while others say it was legitimate. When reading these type of reports, it’s important to remember these typically come from someone with an agenda. The question here is who leaked the information, and what is the agenda? Who would benefit from placing the blame of the 5-game skid to end the season on the coach, and not the quarterback? I’m not saying I don’t believe Dulac’s report, but for the quarterback who was named to the Pro Bowl, even as an alternate, and is slated to hit free agency in March, he and his team have more to gain from the coach who is trying to figure out what quarterback he’ll be coaching in 2025.

Trade Talk

Trade talks will heat up as the new league year begins, but there are many people who are looking at the Steelers and wondering if a blockbuster trade is on deck. Will they trade a player like Minkah Fitzpatrick? George Pickens? Or maybe even T.J. Watt?!

In theory the return from players like this could be massive, but you have to ask yourself if the return would be even close to the contributions of the players leaving the roster.

Sure, Minkah has had 1 INT in the last two years, but it isn’t as if he is useless in the secondary. Watt is a Defensive Player of the Year finalist, and the haul would have to be a king’s ransom to see his services shipped elsewhere. Pickens might be a headache, but he’s also the only true playmaker the offense has at this point. Without a Plan B, that might see hasty.

It’s important to consider these factors, even when just proposing such ideas.

Cooper Kupp to the rescue?

Speaking of trades, the Los Angeles Rams have made it public they are prepared to part ways with Cooper Kupp. Kupp has had a rough couple of seasons with injuries, but when healthy he absolutely still has some juice left in the tank. Kupp’s contract will be tough to manipulate, but the Rams made it seem as if they are willing to eat some of the contract to help Kupp find a new home.

Steelers fans are already photo-shopping pictures of Kupp in a black-and-gold uniform, and while I’m not against them placing a phone call, I can’t help but think the team might want to figure out a quarterback to throw any receiver, even Kupp, the football before entertaining a trade for his services.

Remember, Free Agency Comes First

With the Senior Bowl officially in the rearview mirror and the NFL Scouting Combine on the horizon, it is natural to get excited for the 2025 NFL Draft. It’s natural to start wondering what positions the team will target in the 7 Round selection process. However, something I always have to remind myself, so I’ll also remind the readers here, is how NFL Free Agency comes first.

What does that have to do with the draft? It means team needs will change. For example, if the Steelers go out and get a dynamic defensive lineman in free agency, that team need probably will decrease heading into the draft. Not that they wouldn’t then draft a defensive lineman, but all those draft boards will change. So, to all those draftniks out there, hold off on your draft boards until you see what the team does when the new league year starts in March.

Calvin Austin III provides hope for Roman Wilson

As I recently did my Rookie Recap article on 2024 3rd Round Pick Roman Wilson, I couldn’t help but feel for the player. He played in one game, and then spent the rest of the season eventually on Injured Reserve (IR) as he couldn’t get back on that “moving train”. While the story might be different, I think it is fair to see Calvin Austin III’s story after his rookie season ended before it ever began, and have hope for Roman Wilson.

Wilson is already being viewed in the same light as Austin was after his foot injury ended his rookie season. People are saying it is like having another rookie on the roster next year. While we don’t know if Wilson will make an impact, there is a reason to be hopeful in 2025 for the former Michigan Wolverine.

Super Bowl Sunday Is Still Special / Halftime Show Nonsense

This Sunday is the Super Bowl, and I still find the Super Bowl to be a special event. Do I wish the Steelers were playing? Absolutely, but it is also an opportunity to get everyone together to watch some football. Last year our family did a squares board for the quarter, halftime, and final score numbers. This year I think I’m going to make some BINGO cards to keep even the smaller kids engaged in the game. Enjoy the Super Bowl, it is the last football game we’ll see until August/September.

As for the halftime show, I have no problem with Kendrick Lamar, but it has been a while since there was an artist announced I was actually excited to see perform. I’m not as much into the Rap/Hip-Hop music scene, but the last halftime show I can remember truly enjoying was likely Bruno Mars. I’d love to see the halftime show be someone who can play a wide array of music/genres to keep as many fans engaged as possible during the performance.

Super Bowl Pick

Currently the Chiefs are (-1) with a total of 48.5 vs. the Eagles. Time for my pick:

Philadelphia Eagles: 27
Kansas City Chiefs: 24

I’m not sure how this will end, but I like the Eagles to win and for the OVER to be the pick. Let me know your predictions in the comment section below!

That does it…the jig is up, they’ve finally found me. This renegade is outta here…be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the offseason.