The Pittsburgh Steelers are 1-0 after a 20-13 victory against the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 13 at Acrisure Stadium.
The stars played a big part in getting them there. T.J. Watt returned a fourth-quarter interception for a touchdown to provide the game-winning points. Veteran receiver Michael Pittman Jr. – the headliner of the team's 2026 free agent class – caught three passes for 58 yards. And Alex Highsmith knifed through Atlanta blockers to record two sacks of his own.
Add it all up, and the positives were plentiful for first-year coach Mike McCarthy in his debut.
Here's a look at some of the highlights and lowlights through the eyes of Pro Football Focus evaluators, who study every play on film to grade each player individually. For context, players are graded on a 0-100 scale.

#atlanta #stadium #veteran

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced their first 11 cuts on Friday night and on Saturday added two more as the team works to trim down to 53 players by the Sunday deadline. One of Saturday's cuts was outside linebacker Jamin Davis, a former first-round pick of the Washington Commanders.
Davis had been working as the team's No. 5 outside linebacker since the team signed him but faced stiff competition with a stacked group of edge defenders locked in on the Steelers roster. Pittsburgh is projected to keep T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer, with no room for a fifth outside linebacker.
In addition to Davis, the Steelers also released wide receiver Levi Wentz. Like outside linebacker, wide receiver is mostly set for the Steelers with DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., Germie Bernard, Roman Wilson, Ben Skownorek and Kaden Wetjen rounding out the depth chart.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any preseason news and injury updates, follow us on X TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers release 2 including former first-round pick LB Jamin Davis

#jamin

By Sunday evening, the Pittsburgh Steelers will trim their 90-man training camp roster down to just 53 players. We decided to ask AI to make a roster prediction to see if it can get it right and where the algorithm stands on the idea of the Steelers keeping four quarterbacks on the roster. In this simulation, the AI
Offense (25)Quarterbacks (3): Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Drew AllarRunning Backs (3): Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle, Travis HomerWide Receivers (6): DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., Roman Wilson, Germie Bernard, Ben Skowronek, Kaden WetjenTight Ends / Fullback (4): Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Robert Tonyan, Riley Nowakowski (FB)Offensive Line (9): Troy Fautanu, Broderick Jones, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, Spencer Anderson, Dylan Cook, Brock Hoffman, Gennings Dunker, Max IheanachorDefense (25)Defensive Line (6): Cameron Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, Yahya Black, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Gabriel RubioOutside Linebackers (4): T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack SawyerInside Linebackers (5): Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Elandon Roberts, Cole Holcomb, Carson BruenerCornerbacks (6): Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey, Jamel Dean, Asante Samuel Jr., Brandin Echols, Daylen EveretteSafeties (4): DeShon Elliott, Jaquan Brisker, Rayshawn Jenkins, Robert Spears-JenningsSpecial Teams (3)Kicker (1): Chris BoswellPunter (1): Cameron JohnstonLong Snapper (1): Christian Kuntz
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Asking AI to predict the Steelers 53-man roster

#steelers #line #sunday

Michael Scotto: JUST IN: The Phoenix Suns are re-signing Haywood Highsmith to a deal, league sources told hoopshype .
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: The Phoenix Suns are re-signing Haywood Highsmith to a …

#highsmith #signing #deal

Shams Charania: Free agent F Haywood Highsmith has agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Phoenix Suns, his agent Jerry Dianis tells ESPN.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Haywood Highsmith to re-sign with Phoenix Suns on one-year deal

#deal

Q: Ira, I remember we used the Duncan Robinson trade exception to take in Bobby Portis Jr. Are there any plans to use the Haywood Highsmith trade exception before that expires? – Dan.
A: For those unaware, the Heat hold a $5.6 million trade exception from last summer's salary dump of Haywood Highsmith to the Nets, an exception that expires on Aug. 17. The reality is that because the Heat are hard-capped by virtue of the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, they have more exception money at the moment than they can use, now just about $10 million below that hard cap. In addition to the Highsmith trade exception, the Heat have almost $9 million remaining from their mid-level exception and the $5.5 million bi-annual exception. Plus, they can sign players to the veteran minimum without regard to exception money. Worth noting, however, is that exceptions cannot be aggregated. The Heat have multiple means to spend, just not much in total to spend.
Submit your "Ask Ira" question here!
Q: Ira, there is all kinds of stuff all over the internet concerning a three-way trade involving Nikola Jovic, Klay Thompson and a third player. I know I shouldn't believe the internet, but if something like that did happen, would the Heat still be able to add DeMar DeRozan or someone similar? – Rich, Plantation.
A: Yes. In fact, currently at 12 players under standard contract, the Heat, by NBA rule, have to add at least two more players under standard contract (they can, in fact, add three, with the regular-season roster limit of 15 players under standard deals).

#players #expires

The start of August marks the beginning of training camp in the NFL. At Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA, the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2026 training camp looks different. New head coach (and Pittsburgh native) Mike McCarthy brings a whole new staff and personal camp wrinkles to the team.
"Tempered" is how McCarthy described this year's training camp, harkening back to the city's industrial roots and the steelmaking process, according to Brook Pryor from ESPN.
"More than talented… More than tough… Tempered," read the shirts the Steelers gave to staff members.
The first week of training camp has brought a lot of optimism for Steelers fans. The usual stars like T.J. Watt, DK Metcalf and Alex Highsmith have handled their business while learning the new schemes. Other players needing to prove themselves have shined in these early practices.
While it is only August, the excitement for this group is palpable and somewhat refreshing.

#tempered #staff

Another potential Pittsburgh Steelers trade partner has emerged following a devastating NFL injury update at training camp.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Atlanta Falcons 2025 first-round edge rusher James Pearce is feared to have suffered a torn ACL at training camp. If the Falcons are hoping to keep their defense competitive in 2026, Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith makes for an intriguing trade candidate.
Highsmith, who has served as a standout edge rusher over the past several seasons, is facing an uncertain future with Pittsburgh. Highsmith is set to become a free agent following the 2027 season, and with the Steelers unlikely to offer him an extension following Nick Herbig's $100 million deal, a trade seems like the best route for both sides.
The NFC South has quietly emerged as an interesting trade destination for Highsmith, as the Carolina Panthers have already lost a starting edge rusher in training camp, and now the Falcons have joined the mix. However, one could argue that these recent injuries could actually prove why the Steelers prefer depth over trade capital.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any training camp news and updates, follow us on X TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.

#edge

Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers saw T.J. Watt take a few steps back last season. Well, the rest of the NFL apparently saw his regression, too.
On Friday, Watt was revealed as No. 41 in the peer-voted NFL Top 100 Players of 2026, falling 30 spots from his No. 11 placement in 2025.
In the hype video for the No. 41 selection, fellow NFL players complimented Watt's level of play, including guest speakers like Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins, Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II, and Steelers teammate Alex Highsmith.
Watt didn't have the 2025 season he was hoping for after landing a historic $123 million extension with Pittsburgh, recording just seven sacks and 10 tackles for loss in 14 games.
Still, when healthy, Watt is capable of completely wrecking the game plan of opposing offenses and will be looking to turn back the clock in DC Patrick Graham's new defense.

#steelers #Friday

The Pittsburgh Steelers could have a much more versatile look on defense in 2026.
Speaking on Tuesday at the first day of training camp, star linebacker T.J. Watt said fans should expect to see not only himself, but fellow edge rushers Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig lining up at multiple spots across the defensive front rather than staying in traditional roles.
"I know I say it every year, but I truly mean it," Watt said. "We all are going to be moving around."
The comments offer another glimpse into what new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham is building. Known for deploying creative fronts and disguising pressure packages throughout his coaching career, Graham appears intent on maximizing the Steelers' trio of premier pass rushers by creating favorable matchups and making it more difficult for opposing offenses to identify where pressure is coming from.
While Watt has primarily rushed from the left side and Highsmith from the right during their time together, both have shown the ability to switch sides when needed. Herbig has also emerged as an explosive rotational pass rusher, earning a larger role after flashing his ability to pressure quarterbacks in limited opportunities.

#pressure #herbig #pass #ability

The top priority for new Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy was to come in and improve a struggling offense. The jury is still out as to whether or not this happened based on our offensive grades but we do feel like the Steelers defense is ready to take the next step under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
Here are our grades for the Steelers defensive positional units heading into training camp next week.
Even if Cameron Heyward is trending down in his career, he's still an excellent player. You pair him up with young star Derrick Harmon and they have the best pair of 3-4 defensive ends in the AFC. This unit would get an A if we had more confidence in a consistent season from nose tackle Keeanu Benton but the depth of Yahya Black and Sebastian Joseph-Day keeps this grade up.
The trio of T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig are the best trio of edge defenders in the NFL. Bar none. It's just a matter of getting them all of the field. All the focus is on them but Jack Sawyer is a great No. 4 edge.
This group is untapped potential and overrated salaries. Patrick Queen hasn't lived up to his contract, Payton Wilson is still a work in progress and no one else on the depth chart really matters.

#defensive #grades #best #depth

Jerry Rice talks 49ers: Mike Evans addition, De'Zhaun Stribling, 2026 expectations
"Just throw it up," Rice said. "Throw it up because he's got that big frame. He's going to be able to go up and attack the football. So, once you're in the end zone, just throw that thing up, like 'Alley-Oop' (R.C. Owens) back in the day. Just throw it up and let him go get it, and he's capable of doing that."
Andrew Whitworth questions 49ers' confidence in drafting an offensive tackle
"I think, to me, it does scream that maybe they just don't have a lot of confidence in their ability to select the right one," Whitworth told Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area this week at the American Century Championship in South Lake Tahoe.
When you're going to allocate a first-round pick or a second-round pick on an offensive lineman, a lot of people love that theory, but you better be ***** good at picking it," Whitworth said. "Because when you hit on an offensive lineman, it could be unbelievable for your franchise early in the draft, because a great offensive line, a great D-line is the story to successful football teams….You draft an unproductive lineman, you are cooked because now you're getting a second-, third-, fourth-tier lineman who's going to have to play because the money you allocated for this guy is worthless," Whitworth said. "And now, your team is going to struggle because you're not going to get quality reps out of a guy. So, you can both shoot your team forward and really set yourself back when you miss on offensive linemen."
Alex Highsmith to the 49ers? Steelers reporter suggests trade proposal
"Highsmith's absence from mandatory minicamp coupled with Nick Herbig's massive extension have led many, including myself, to believe the Steelers could look for a trade partner sooner than later," Vasquez explained. "The 49ers could desperately use another edge rusher to pair with Nick Bosa, and the Steelers may be one of the few teams with talent at the position to spare."
Why 'There's no logical reason to expect the 49ers' injury plague to extend into a third year'
"The 49ers added bigger bodies at receiver in Mike Evans and De'Zhaun Stribling. The same is true for defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, who comes in with as clean a health bill as it gets for a pro."

The Detroit Lions have already seen their defense undergo significant changes this offseason, but one new trade proposal suggests general manager Brad Holmes may not be done adding talent.
According to Max Dible of Heavy.com, one intriguing possibility would send Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith to Detroit, giving the Lions another proven pass rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
Dible pointed to comments from ESPN's Bill Barnwell, who recently identified Highsmith as a logical trade candidate.
The Steelers have committed major money to both T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig, leaving Highsmith in an interesting position despite having two years remaining on his current contract. Because much of the money left on his deal is not guaranteed, Pittsburgh would have flexibility if it decided to move him.
Barnwell believes that combination of contract structure and the Steelers' financial commitments elsewhere could make Highsmith available either before the regular season or ahead of the NFL trade deadline.

From the moment Mike Tomlin stepped down as Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, the team was in a state of flux. In is new head coach, Mike McCarthy and his whole new staff, Aaron Rodgers decided to come back and play for his old coach and the front office added multiple new players. But with less than a month to training camp, we don't feel like every move the Steelers made has been the right one, and there have been some serious mistakes made that could cost the team in the regular season.
Here is our breakdown of the three biggest mistakes the Steelers made this offseason.
Last season, Rodgers was a very average quarterback and a shell of his former self. He didn't show his trademark poise and wanted to get rid of the football as quickly as possible on every play. So of course, the Steelers would bring him back and double his salary. If Rodgers was the final piece of a contender, that would be fine, but Rodgers over one of the other quarterbacks on the roster means 9-10 wins and a middle-of-the-round draft pick.
When it was reported that McCarthy would be the new head coach, we knew the offensive coordinator would be nothing more than a figurehead for the offense and this offense belongs to McCarthy. This will definitely be the case with Brian Angelichio. He's basically said the game plan will all be finalized by McCarthy, so instead of a young, innovative offensive mind who could eventually be a head coach, the Steelers get this.
If the Steelers had traded either T.J. Watt or Alex Highsmith, giving Herbig a $100 million contract extension might not have seemed like a big deal. But now the Steelers have $82 million on the books for the three of them in 2027 and in the meantime, cornerback Joey Porter Jr. patiently waits for his own huge contract. If the goal wasn't to trade another edge defender, the front office should have signed Porter Jr. first.

The Heat could try to lure impending free agent LeBron James with its full midlevel exception, but a James return is considered a long shot. The Heat also has available a $5.5 million biannual exception as well as a $5.6 million exception from the Haywood Highsmith trade with Brooklyn. That exception expires Aug. 17.
Miami Herald
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: The Heat could try to lure impending free agent LeBron …