Apr 11, 2025 4 min read

By Dale Lolley

For the Observer-Reporter

newsroom@observer-reporter.com

The Penguins were eliminated from the playoffs last week, marking the third consecutive season in which they failed to qualify for the postseason.

The Pirates haven’t made the playoffs since 2015.

And yet, to hear some people talk, it’s the Steelers who have no plan, no direction and are a laughingstock of the NFL.

These are some of the statements being bandied about regarding a team that has made the postseason in two of the past three seasons since future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger retired.

Yes, the Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since the 2016 season, when they advanced to the AFC Championship. But the Penguins also haven’t won a playoff series since winning a first-round matchup in 2018. The Pirates, meanwhile, haven’t won a playoff game since 2013.

It’s been a tough period in Pittsburgh sports in general.

But it’s not as if the Penguins didn’t go into this season thinking they weren’t going to make the postseason. They were actually trying to get there.

Heading into Friday night’s game in New Jersey, they had 76 points – more than 30 behind the conference-leading Capitals – and were minus-52 in goal differential, the worst in the Eastern Conference. If that was trying, one can only imagine what the Penguins tanking would look like.

Yes, the Penguins traded away some players at the deadline to acquire future draft picks. But they only did that when it became apparent they weren’t going anywhere this season.

Those saying the Penguins have a plan to get better point to that, conveniently overlooking the fact the team has consistently traded away picks at the deadline in previous years to “go for it.”

The Steelers, meanwhile, actually made the playoffs last season and have taken steps to acquire multiple draft picks via compensatory selections, something the Rams, 49ers and Ravens have done in recent years to restock their roster.

Those picks won’t come until 2026, but knowing they are coming also gives the Steelers additional firepower in this year’s draft. They can project that they’ll get additional picks in 2026, so they can trade picks next year to maneuver in this year’s draft.

That didn’t happen by accident. It was part of the plan. The Steelers knew when they acquired quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, on what were essentially one-year deals, they would recoup compensatory picks for the two quarterbacks signing elsewhere.

They selected offensive tackles Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu in the first round of the past two drafts knowing they weren’t going to offer left tackle Dan Moore a long-term contract. As things currently stand, Moore’s signing with the Titans will net the Steelers a third-round compensatory selection.

They did the same thing with guard James Daniels, taking Mason McCormick in the fourth round of last year’s draft as his replacement. Daniels’ signing with Miami should net them another compensatory selection.

Those things didn’t happen by accident. That was part of the plan.

Now, they could have re-signed Wilson or Fields, but they decided the compensatory picks were more worthwhile than having the players, especially if/when they get quarterback Aaron Rodgers signed.

It remains to be seen if the plan will work. But to say the Steelers don’t have a plan while crediting the Penguins for having one for acquiring a bunch of draft picks is disingenuous.

The reality is that the Steelers’ plan isn’t all that different from that of the Penguins. The only difference is that the Steelers are retooling while also continuing to make the playoffs.

• Pitt safety Donovon McMillan, a Peters Township product, was brought in by the Steelers as a pre-draft visitor last week.

McMillan began his career at Florida before transferring to Pitt to play the past two seasons. At Pitt’s pro day, he measured in at 6-1⅝ and 205 pounds, running a 4.46-second 40-yard dash. He also did well on his jumps and shuttle runs.

McMillan could be a late-round draft pick, but ideally for him would be going undrafted and getting to pick where he lands once the draft is completed as a rookie free agent. Then, he can choose where he goes.

• The recent rainy weather has wreaked havoc on local high school baseball and softball teams. It won’t be any better for the area youth leagues, which also will be starting.

Not only has it been wet, but it’s been cold, not allowing fields to dry.

Here’s hoping we get some consistent, warm, dry weather soon.

Dale Lolley hosts The Drive on Steelers Nation Radio and writes a Sunday column for the Observer-Reporter.