Tomlin can shed light on Steelers at annual meeting
A lot of attention in the football world is geared toward draft preparation this time of year, and for good reason. The draft is the crown jewel of the NFL offseason.
But, for the next few days, attention will shift from free agency and draft prep to focus to the owners' meetings, or officially dubbed the NFL annual meeting.
This year, all 32 owners and many high-ranking figures from each franchise will spend Sunday through Wednesday at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla. Outside of any unofficial meetings on the golf course, this is the time of year when the owners and competition committee take care of business that can affect the on-field product for the upcoming season.
However, all of that will take a back seat to just about everyone in Pittsburgh. In case you've been living under a rock, the Steelers have been in wait-and-see mode with Aaron Rodgers, leaving them still without an unquestioned starting quarterback for the 2025 season.
Art Rooney II's presence is obvious since this is the owners' meetings, and he's expected to address local reporters at the conclusion of Tuesday's meetings. Rooney will address questions on the voting process for rule and bylaw changes, and I'm sure another poor report card from the NFLPA will come up, as well. However, Mike Tomlin will be part of the Steelers' contingent at the meetings, and not only because he's a part of the competition committee.
This is the time when Tomlin will break his silence with the media. The last time he spoke with reporters was his end of season press conference in January. Since then, the Steelers have traded for DK Metcalf, upgraded the cornerback position by signing Darius Slay and Brandin Echols and addressed a few other needs in free agency. More importantly, all three quarterbacks that were on last year's roster are now with new teams.
It was no surprise that Kyle Allen went elsewhere, signing a one-year contract with the Lions. And once we learned nearly two months ago that the team had moved on, it was also no surprise that Russell Wilson found a new home, signing with the Giants. Given the way Tomlin spoke highly of him in January, it was a bit of a shock that Justin Fields opted for greener pastures.
Thus, when Tomlin addresses local reporters Sunday afternoon and the media at large early Monday morning during the AFC coaches' breakfast, he'll certainly field several questions regarding the franchise's view of the quarterback position over the past few months. If Rodgers remains unsigned, will Tomlin say anything about him or the meeting they had with him a week ago at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex? What will Tomlin say regarding Mason Rudolph? Is he just a backup, or is there a pathway for him to be the starting quarterback?
Those questions will also be pointed at Omar Khan, who will also be addressing local reporters on Monday afternoon. Even though Khan spoke publicly as recently as four weeks ago at the Combine, the Steelers have made several significant moves in free agency. That'll prompt a multitude of new questions, especially a follow-up to his comments on how they planned to address quarterback.
"In an ideal scenario," Khan said in Indianapolis, "you'd like to have this done before the start of the league year."
Of course, Khan should and will also field questions regarding the upcoming draft. The Steelers only have six picks after the Metcalf trade, and there are still needs to address such as defensive tackle and running back, along with potential depth at wide receiver and the offensive line. While Khan won't tip his hand, we should get some insight into how the Steelers are prioritizing things moving forward.
Both Tomlin and Khan should provide some clarity to the Steelers' current mindset and how they intend to make 2025 a better season than its predecessor. But, there is actual business to take care of over the coming days, as well.
Headlining the rule change proposals is banning the 'tush push,' perfected by the Eagles as a near-automatic solution to converting third- and fourth-and-1 situations. The Packers proposed the change, citing player safety and pace of play as reasons for the rule change.
Currently, Rule 12.1.4 states no offensive player may:
• Pull a runner in any direction at any time;
• Use interlocking interference, by grasping a teammate or by using his hands or arms to encircle the body of a teammate in an effort to block an opponent; or
• Push or throw his body against a teammate to aid him in an attempt to obstruct an opponent or to recover a loose ball.
The proposal would add a fourth subsection to the rule, stating no offensive player may "immediately at the snap, push or throw his body against a teammate, who was lined up directly behind the snapper and received the snap, to aid him in an attempt to gain yardage."
The penalty for violating Rule 12.1.4 is a loss of 10 yards. Should the proposal pass, the 'tush push' would fall under the same penalty.
The Steelers are among teams that made proposals. They want teams to have permission during the two-day free-agency negotiation window to have one video or phone call with a prospective unrestricted free agent and his agent, as well as arrange for the player’s travel upon agreeing to terms.
As things currently stand, travel cannot occur until the beginning of the new league year.
Other proposed changes:
• Rule change: Make permanent the new form of free kick play implemented in 2024 designed to 1) resemble a typical scrimmage play by aligning players on both teams closer together and restricting movement to reduce space and speed and 2) promote more returns, subject to the following changes: (a) modifies the alignment requirements for receiving team players in the setup zone; (b) changes the dead ball spot after a touchback to the 35-yard line if the ball lands in the end zone and is downed in the end zone by the receiving team or goes out of bounds behind the receiving team’s goal line; (c) changes the alignment requirements for the kicking team on an onside kick; and (d) permits the kicking team to declare an onside kick at any time during the game if trailing its opponent.
• Rule change: Eliminate an automatic first down as a penalty imposed for defensive holding and illegal contact. (By Detroit)
• Rule change: Expand instant replay’s ability to advise the on-field officials on specific, objective aspects of a play and/or to address game administration issues when clear and obvious video evidence is present.
• Rule change: Align the postseason and regular season overtime rules by granting both teams an opportunity to possess the ball regardless of the outcome of the first possession, subject to a 15-minute overtime period in the regular season. (By Philadelphia)
• Bylaw change: Permit teams to designate two players for return at the roster reduction to 53 players. (By competition committee)
• Bylaw change: Permit teams participating in the postseason to receive two additional DFRs (players designated for return) increasing the maximum from 8 to 10. (By competition committee)
• Bylaw change: Insert point differential as the third tiebreaker for awarding contracts. (By competition committee)
• Bylaw change: Amend the current playoff seeding format to allow wild-card teams to be seeded higher than division champions if the wild-card team has a better regular season record. (By Detroit)
• Bylaw change: Exclude from the 90-player limit a player placed on injured reserve before or on the day of the roster reduction to 53 players, unless such player is designated for return. (By Detroit)
• Resolution: Permit teams to prepare kicking footballs before game day, similar to the process permitted for game footballs. (By Baltimore, Cleveland, Houston, Las Vegas, Minnesota, Philadelphia and Washington)
• Resolution: Permit teams that may qualify for the postseason to obtain scouting credentials for two consecutive games (Weeks 17 and 18) played by a potential postseason opponent. Also requires clubs hosting wild-card games to provide scouting credentials to all teams within the same conference who are participating in the postseason. (By Washington)
For any of these proposals to pass, a 75% vote from owners is required.
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THE ASYLUM
Chris Halicke
2:08 pm - 03.29.2025Palm Beach, Fla.Tomlin can shed light on Steelers at annual meeting
A lot of attention in the football world is geared toward draft preparation this time of year, and for good reason. The draft is the crown jewel of the NFL offseason.
But, for the next few days, attention will shift from free agency and draft prep to focus to the owners' meetings, or officially dubbed the NFL annual meeting.
This year, all 32 owners and many high-ranking figures from each franchise will spend Sunday through Wednesday at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla. Outside of any unofficial meetings on the golf course, this is the time of year when the owners and competition committee take care of business that can affect the on-field product for the upcoming season.
However, all of that will take a back seat to just about everyone in Pittsburgh. In case you've been living under a rock, the Steelers have been in wait-and-see mode with Aaron Rodgers, leaving them still without an unquestioned starting quarterback for the 2025 season.
Art Rooney II's presence is obvious since this is the owners' meetings, and he's expected to address local reporters at the conclusion of Tuesday's meetings. Rooney will address questions on the voting process for rule and bylaw changes, and I'm sure another poor report card from the NFLPA will come up, as well. However, Mike Tomlin will be part of the Steelers' contingent at the meetings, and not only because he's a part of the competition committee.
This is the time when Tomlin will break his silence with the media. The last time he spoke with reporters was his end of season press conference in January. Since then, the Steelers have traded for DK Metcalf, upgraded the cornerback position by signing Darius Slay and Brandin Echols and addressed a few other needs in free agency. More importantly, all three quarterbacks that were on last year's roster are now with new teams.
It was no surprise that Kyle Allen went elsewhere, signing a one-year contract with the Lions. And once we learned nearly two months ago that the team had moved on, it was also no surprise that Russell Wilson found a new home, signing with the Giants. Given the way Tomlin spoke highly of him in January, it was a bit of a shock that Justin Fields opted for greener pastures.
Thus, when Tomlin addresses local reporters Sunday afternoon and the media at large early Monday morning during the AFC coaches' breakfast, he'll certainly field several questions regarding the franchise's view of the quarterback position over the past few months. If Rodgers remains unsigned, will Tomlin say anything about him or the meeting they had with him a week ago at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex? What will Tomlin say regarding Mason Rudolph? Is he just a backup, or is there a pathway for him to be the starting quarterback?
Those questions will also be pointed at Omar Khan, who will also be addressing local reporters on Monday afternoon. Even though Khan spoke publicly as recently as four weeks ago at the Combine, the Steelers have made several significant moves in free agency. That'll prompt a multitude of new questions, especially a follow-up to his comments on how they planned to address quarterback.
"In an ideal scenario," Khan said in Indianapolis, "you'd like to have this done before the start of the league year."
Of course, Khan should and will also field questions regarding the upcoming draft. The Steelers only have six picks after the Metcalf trade, and there are still needs to address such as defensive tackle and running back, along with potential depth at wide receiver and the offensive line. While Khan won't tip his hand, we should get some insight into how the Steelers are prioritizing things moving forward.
Both Tomlin and Khan should provide some clarity to the Steelers' current mindset and how they intend to make 2025 a better season than its predecessor. But, there is actual business to take care of over the coming days, as well.
Headlining the rule change proposals is banning the 'tush push,' perfected by the Eagles as a near-automatic solution to converting third- and fourth-and-1 situations. The Packers proposed the change, citing player safety and pace of play as reasons for the rule change.
Currently, Rule 12.1.4 states no offensive player may:
• Pull a runner in any direction at any time;
• Use interlocking interference, by grasping a teammate or by using his hands or arms to encircle the body of a teammate in an effort to block an opponent; or
• Push or throw his body against a teammate to aid him in an attempt to obstruct an opponent or to recover a loose ball.
The proposal would add a fourth subsection to the rule, stating no offensive player may "immediately at the snap, push or throw his body against a teammate, who was lined up directly behind the snapper and received the snap, to aid him in an attempt to gain yardage."
The penalty for violating Rule 12.1.4 is a loss of 10 yards. Should the proposal pass, the 'tush push' would fall under the same penalty.
The Steelers are among teams that made proposals. They want teams to have permission during the two-day free-agency negotiation window to have one video or phone call with a prospective unrestricted free agent and his agent, as well as arrange for the player’s travel upon agreeing to terms.
As things currently stand, travel cannot occur until the beginning of the new league year.
Other proposed changes:
• Rule change: Make permanent the new form of free kick play implemented in 2024 designed to 1) resemble a typical scrimmage play by aligning players on both teams closer together and restricting movement to reduce space and speed and 2) promote more returns, subject to the following changes: (a) modifies the alignment requirements for receiving team players in the setup zone; (b) changes the dead ball spot after a touchback to the 35-yard line if the ball lands in the end zone and is downed in the end zone by the receiving team or goes out of bounds behind the receiving team’s goal line; (c) changes the alignment requirements for the kicking team on an onside kick; and (d) permits the kicking team to declare an onside kick at any time during the game if trailing its opponent.
• Rule change: Eliminate an automatic first down as a penalty imposed for defensive holding and illegal contact. (By Detroit)
• Rule change: Expand instant replay’s ability to advise the on-field officials on specific, objective aspects of a play and/or to address game administration issues when clear and obvious video evidence is present.
• Rule change: Align the postseason and regular season overtime rules by granting both teams an opportunity to possess the ball regardless of the outcome of the first possession, subject to a 15-minute overtime period in the regular season. (By Philadelphia)
• Bylaw change: Permit teams to designate two players for return at the roster reduction to 53 players. (By competition committee)
• Bylaw change: Permit teams participating in the postseason to receive two additional DFRs (players designated for return) increasing the maximum from 8 to 10. (By competition committee)
• Bylaw change: Insert point differential as the third tiebreaker for awarding contracts. (By competition committee)
• Bylaw change: Amend the current playoff seeding format to allow wild-card teams to be seeded higher than division champions if the wild-card team has a better regular season record. (By Detroit)
• Bylaw change: Exclude from the 90-player limit a player placed on injured reserve before or on the day of the roster reduction to 53 players, unless such player is designated for return. (By Detroit)
• Resolution: Permit teams to prepare kicking footballs before game day, similar to the process permitted for game footballs. (By Baltimore, Cleveland, Houston, Las Vegas, Minnesota, Philadelphia and Washington)
• Resolution: Permit teams that may qualify for the postseason to obtain scouting credentials for two consecutive games (Weeks 17 and 18) played by a potential postseason opponent. Also requires clubs hosting wild-card games to provide scouting credentials to all teams within the same conference who are participating in the postseason. (By Washington)
For any of these proposals to pass, a 75% vote from owners is required.
Want to participate in our comments?
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Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
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