Daily News & Links: Kenneth Gainwell on Wearing No. 14; Steelers Biggest X-Factor
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🏈 Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell is well aware of who wore No. 14 before him in Pittsburgh, even though he did not mention George Pickens by his name.
“It means a lot to me. I’m excited about it. I know it was a previous guy number, but that don’t mean nothing these days, but I’m excited to be back in 14 and continue that legacy,” Gainwell said.
🏈 Pro Football Focus named Aaron Rodgers as the Steelers biggest X-factor in 2025.
“The Steelers are the only team on this list whose X-factor isn’t even on the active roster. Aaron Rodgers is a free agent at the time of writing, but he has teased all offseason about signing with the Steelers,” PFF wrote. “The 41-year-old was still solid last year with the Jets, posting a 76.3 PFF passing grade that was a top-15 mark in the league. If he does indeed sign with Pittsburgh, the team could make the playoffs. If he doesn’t and the Steelers are forced to start Mason Rudolph, they could be picking near the top of the 2026 NFL Draft.”
🏈 Justin Fields said New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn is “one of the realest coaches” he’s ever played for.
🏈 DeShon Elliott feels at home in Pittsburgh.
“All I can do is thank God for the position that Mike Tomlin has given me, the opportunity to play this game because I’ve been to a lot of places but it’s the only place where I feel like home, so I appreciate them so much for the opportunity,” Elliott said, via the team’s website.
🏈 Ty Dunne of Go Long said the quarterback position had become Mike Tomlin’s ghastly blind spot.
🏈 The Steelers have had conversations with multiple teams about adding another offensive playmaker to pair with DK Metcalf, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
🏈 On the Christian Kuntz Podcast, North Allegheny alum Joey Porter Jr. discusses why he didn’t go to Pitt and how he feels Pitt doesn’t recruit their backyard enough. Porter starred at Penn State before being selected by the Steelers in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
🏈 Former Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison is in a new documentary with Peyton Manning and Josh Cribbs.
🏈 Warren Sharp of Sharp Football thinks Pittsburgh has completely mismanaged the quarterback position.
“One thing I agree with – the Steelers have been a failure with regard to their succession plan for Big Ben. He contemplated retirement in 2017 & 2018. The Steelers drafted ONE QB the next 6 years combined (from 2018) before round 7. That’s no way to find a new franchise QB,” Sharp wrote on X.
STEELERS NOW CONTENT FROM MAY 29
🏈 Steelers in Talks to Trade for Pro Bowl Tight End
🏈 Steelers Show Interest in Speedy Buccaneers Receiver
🏈 Justin Fields Reveals Thoughts on Steelers-Jets Week 1 Game
🏈 Russell Wilson Grateful for Time with Steelers: ‘Pittsburgh Was a Good Place for Me’
🏈 Unheralded Steelers WR Steps Up into Huge Opportunity
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