On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
The Pittsburgh Steelers don't have a quarterback under contract for 2025. After completely turning over its quarterback room last offseason, general manager Omar Khan could do the same thing this summer.
Last offseason, Khan dumped Mitchell Trubisky, Mason Rudolph and Kenny Pickett, and signed free agent Russell Wilson to a one-year deal and traded for Justin Fields, who played out the final year of his rookie deal last year.
Neither Fields nor Wilson really separated himself from the other, and there's a good chance both have new teams in 2025.
One possibility for a team looking for a veteran presence under center is Aaron Rodgers, who will not return to the Jets next year. Rodgers has been linked to several teams including the Steelers.
But at least one current Steelers defensive player knows where he stands with Rodgers joining the team. Defensive back DeShon Elliott commented on an Instagram post that suggested the former Packer and Jet might join the Steelers to make it clear he wants no part of Rodgers in Pittsburgh.
"Leave his a** at the retirement home," Elliott posted.
Elliott and the Steelers defense got to see Rodgers close up last season in a 37-15 win in Week 7. Rodgers, 40, threw for 276 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in front of a national audience on Sunday Night Football.
Whether it's Rodgers or someone else, it looks like the Steelers will have a new starting quarterback in 2025, and Elliott knows who he doesn't want for the role.
More must-reads:
- Five best NFL offseason value signings on offense: Bills get great deal with RB extension
- Dolphins humiliated by Lions at joint practice
- The '2023 NFL AP second-team All-Pro' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
TODAY'S BEST
Green Bay Packers 4th Round Rookie Heralded As Steal Of The Draft
The Green Bay Packers’ front office has made a habit of unearthing underappreciated talent in the NFL Draft, and rookie Barryn Sorrell might be their latest gem. A fourth-round pick out of Texas, Sorrell has turned heads in training camp and delivered a standout performance in the Packers’ preseason opener against the New York Jets. It’s early, but the buzz is building—Sorrell could be the steal of the entire 2025 NFL Draft. Here’s a closer look at Sorrell’s impressive week, why coaches are raving about him, and what his role on the team could look like as the season unfolds. Green Bay Packers Barryn Sorrell: Preseason Debut Though the Green Bay Packers fell short against the Jets in their preseason opener, Sorrell’s debut was nothing short of promising. Lining up on the defensive edge, the rookie flashed the explosiveness and technique that made him a standout for the Texas Longhorns in college. Pro Football Focus gave Sorrell a team-best pass rush grade of 87.9 for the game, showcasing his ability to generate pressure. While Green Bay didn’t record a sack as a team, Sorrell came close on multiple occasions, recording two quarterback hits and two pressures. On one notable snap, he effortlessly tossed Jets tackle Max Mitchell aside before delivering a clean shot on quarterback Brady Cook, demonstrating a pass rush technique well beyond his years. “He looked sharp out there—really sharp,” Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley said after the game. “For a young guy stepping into this environment, his ability to impact the game with consistent pressure is what we want to see moving forward.” The Work Ethic That Sets Him Apart What has impressed coaches just as much as Sorrell’s on-field performance is his relentless effort and commitment to improvement. Practice reports continually highlight his hustle during drills and scrimmages. From chasing down plays to perfecting minor details in his technique, Sorrell has demonstrated the kind of mindset that coaches love to see in young players. “He’s got a motor that doesn’t stop,” linebackers coach Sean Duggan said. “When you see a guy like Barryn putting in that level of effort, it elevates the whole group. That’s been his reputation since he arrived in Green Bay.” That reputation has driven Sorrell to stand out during training camp and preseason, setting him apart despite a crowded defensive rotation. Why Sorrell Is Being Dubbed a Steal Draft analysts have been quick to call Sorrell one of the smartest picks of the 2025 Draft, though hindsight reveals just how much of a sleeper he was going in. Coming out of Texas, Sorrell had been productive at the collegiate level, showcasing a knack for disrupting plays in the backfield. However, concerns about his relatively modest size (6-foot-4, 255 pounds) for an every-down edge rusher caused him to slide to the fourth round. It’s now becoming clear that those concerns were overstated. General manager Brian Gutekunst, who has built a reputation for finding value in the mid-to-late rounds, once again seems to have struck gold. Sorrell’s early success highlights why many now believe that he should have gone much earlier in the draft. “There’s zero reason he should’ve fallen that far,” said one AFC scout. “The Packers got a guy with Day 2 talent in the fourth round, and it won’t take long before he proves it.” Eyes on the Future The Packers’ philosophy of building through the draft has rarely been more evident than in their approach to Barryn Sorrell. With veteran leadership guiding him and coaches invested in his development, the rookie appears to be in a near-perfect situation to succeed. For a team looking to solidify its defensive identity, finding a player like Sorrell is invaluable. His work ethic, playmaking ability, and high football IQ give him every chance of being a long-term cornerstone for Green Bay’s pass rush. Final Thoughts It’s far too early for definitive conclusions, but Barryn Sorrell’s introduction to the NFL has Green Bay Packers fans excited. His performance in camp and the preseason has already exceeded expectations, offering a tantalizing glimpse of what could be an immensely bright future. If his current trajectory holds, Sorrell won’t just be a steal of the draft—he’ll be a key piece in the Packers’ ongoing pursuit of greatness.
Cubs catcher lost to horrific-looking injury on same day he returns from IL
After working to return to the Chicago Cubs' lineup following an oblique injury, Miguel Amaya suffered a gruesome-looking injury in his first game back with the Cubs on Wednesday night. Running to first base, Amaya just beat out an infield single on a slow dribbler to shortstop when his left foot landed forcefully on the base, causing his leg to buckle and sending Amaya flying down the first base line. Following the injury, Amaya was carted off the field in Toronto with a towel over his face. The emotions shown by Amaya as he was carted off indicated he knew already he would miss more time in a season that has been marred by injuries. After the game, Cubs manager Craig Counsell confirmed Amaya would be going back on the injured list with what was diagnosed as a left ankle sprain. X-rays, however, were negative. The 26-year-old Amaya had just told reporters after being activated from the 60-day injured list that he was thankful he was healthy. Just three at-bats later, Amaya was once again injured. Amaya's three at-bats against the Blue Jays on Wednesday represented his first game action since May 24, when he recorded just two at-bats against the Cincinnati Reds before leaving the game with an oblique injury. In just 96 at-bats this season, Amaya is slashing .281/.314/.500 with four home runs and 25 RBI. Amaya's injury is another blow for the Cubs, who have seen their lead in the National League Central evaporate as the Milwaukee Brewers have now won 12 consecutive games and are 20-4 since the All-Star break. As has been the case in Amaya's absence, Carson Kelly and Reese McGuire will continue to be the dominant presences behind the plate for the Cubs. Joining with Amaya, the duo has helped the Cubs record a 2.8 Wins Above Average (WAA) at catcher, the highest mark of any MLB team. After Amaya's injury, the Cubs would go on to post a 4-1 win over the Blue Jays.
Justin Jefferson Injury Update Leaves Minnesota Vikings Fans With A Mixed Bag Of Emotions
The Minnesota Vikings are gearing up for the 2025 NFL season, with fans eager to see how the team will perform under JJ McCarthy’s leadership. However, one storyline dominating training camp is Justin Jefferson’s hamstring injury. Arguably the best wide receiver in the league, Jefferson has been sidelined with the hope of a full recovery by Week 1. While updates on his rehab bring positive news, there are still concerns about how this will affect the Vikings’ season, particularly his chemistry with the team’s new quarterback. Here’s a deep dive into the positives, the challenges, and what it all means for the Vikings. The Good News: Justin Jefferson Is Progressing Head coach Kevin O’Connell recently provided an update on Jefferson’s recovery, noting that the receiver is progressing well and will be reassessed next week. For Vikings fans, this is the silver lining. The organization appears to be taking a cautious approach to ensure Jefferson is fully healed, as lingering issues with hamstring injuries have derailed seasons for even the best NFL players. O’Connell’s deliberate pacing suggests the team is focusing on the bigger picture—a healthy Jefferson navigating a 17-game season. After missing seven games in 2023 with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, the emphasis now is on preventing a repeat of that scenario. Leaving Jefferson out of practice and preseason games may seem frustrating, but it’s the smarter move considering his value to the team. With his track record of success, Jefferson doesn’t need extra reps to get up to speed and should be as dominant as ever once he returns to the field. The Concerns: Lingering Effects of the Injury Hamstring injuries, while often non-catastrophic, can be notoriously tricky. The soft tissue requires a delicate balance of rest and strengthening to avoid re-aggravation. The fact that Jefferson has dealt with hamstring issues before raises questions about whether this injury could linger. Given the missed time in training camp, Jefferson’s absence could even extend into the opening weeks of the season if the Vikings feel the need to be extra cautious. The team has a tough early schedule, and missing Jefferson against formidable defenses would significantly impact the offense’s explosiveness. Another concern is how Jefferson’s recovery might affect his usual sharpness. For a player who relies heavily on quick bursts, precise route-running, and agility, even slight discomfort could have an impact on his performance. Jefferson’s ability to separate from defenders makes him elite—any limitation in that department could be costly. The Chemistry Question with JJ McCarthy This offseason marked a monumental change for the Vikings with JJ McCarthy stepping in as the team’s quarterback. Developing chemistry between a quarterback and wide receiver duo is crucial, and every lost practice rep makes that process harder. McCarthy is a dynamic young talent, but he’s coming off a season-ending injury in 2024 and is still adjusting to the speed of the NFL game. While early preseason snaps have shown promise, the connection between McCarthy and Jefferson hasn’t been stress-tested enough to give fans full confidence yet. With Jefferson on the sideline and rookie receiver Jordan Addison suspended for the first three games, this puts even more pressure on McCarthy to adapt. Doubling down on their connection during training camp was a priority, but Jefferson’s absence forces a delay in that process. For now, McCarthy will build rapport with other playmakers like tight end TJ Hockenson, but it’s undeniable that Jefferson is the centerpiece of the offense. The earlier McCarthy and Jefferson can get meaningful reps together, the better the Vikings’ chances for a seamless start to the season. Why the Vikings’ Cautious Approach Is the Right Move While the concerns are real, this situation showcases the Vikings’ long-term thinking under Kevin O’Connell. Hamstring injuries demand respect—rushing back too soon can trigger setbacks that derail seasons. By prioritizing Jefferson’s long-term health over preseason scrimmages, the team is protecting its most valuable offensive asset. O’Connell has reiterated that the Vikings intend to compete for postseason success, not just early-season wins. This strategy, though frustrating for fans hungry to see Jefferson dominate, could help the team build toward sustained success over the course of a grueling season. Final Thoughts Justin Jefferson’s hamstring injury is a double-edged sword for the Vikings. On one hand, the careful management of his health inspires confidence that he’ll be ready to deliver highlight-reel performances when the games matter most. On the other hand, the lack of chemistry-building reps with JJ McCarthy raises questions about how quickly the offense can hit its stride. The Vikings are playing the long game, and that’s the right call. If Jefferson returns at 100% for Week 1, this moment of preseason adversity will feel like nothing more than a brief hiccup. If the injury lingers, however, it could magnify challenges for an offense that’s already adjusting to new leadership. For now, patience is the name of the game. Vikings fans should trust the organization to strike the balance between caution and urgency, as the ultimate goal remains deep postseason success with Jefferson as the team’s unstoppable playmaker.
Max Johnson reacts to Bill Belichick going to transfer portal for new QB
North Carolina's Bill Belichick has found himself in a very interesting situation as he gears up for his first season as a college football head coach. On one hand, he has what every new coach covets: An experienced quarterback with an NFL pedigree. That would be Max Johnson, the son of former NFL quarterback Brad Johnson. Johnson missed a majority of the 2024 season after suffering a broken femur in the season opener, but he's healthy heading into this 2025 season and has 22 starts under his belt between stops at LSU and Texas A M. One would think Johnson would be UNC's clear starter, but he is coming off a catastrophic injury and only just recently got back to full-strength. On the other hand, one of Belichick's first moves at UNC was going into the transfer portal to bring in redshirt sophomore Gio Lopez from South Alabama to compete for the starting job. That's a move that could have easily rattled Johnson, but in an in-depth look at his recovery from that terrible femur injury by Andrea Adelson of ESPN, the sixth-year quarterback explained that he understood why Belichick did what he did. "I get it. You have to go in the portal," Johnson says. "I didn't know if I was going to be ready. They didn't know. They asked me those questions. I'm telling them I'm going to be ready, because I know myself. But it's tough from their point of view because it's like, 'OK, we've got to make a business decision.'" Belichick made a business decision and it's worth noting that while Johnson is saying the right things about the introduction of Lopez into the equation, he's also walking the walk. "I transfer in, we're both competing for the spot, and people paint this narrative like they must not like each other. Me and Max are actually great friends," Lopez explained. A starter has not yet been named by Belichick, but one gets the sense that if Johnson gets the call, he'll be ready to pick right back off where he left off with no reservations. And as Lopez tells it, if he ends up winning the starting gig, UNC can expect to have a more than supportive backup in Johnson. "He's been super helpful with the offense. There's no second agenda with him, where he's trying to throw me off. He's been great," Lopez said.
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
