Steelers Add Dual-Threat Quarterback ‘Sensation’ with 12,000 Passing Yards and 100+ TDs to Practice Squad Just One Day After Browns Release Him
The Pittsburgh Steelers have executed another bold roster adjustment just ahead of Week 1, this time reinforcing depth at quarterback. With playoff urgency high, the team is mixing proven experience with developmental intrigue.
Aaron Rodgers, the 41-year-old four-time NFL MVP, was signed in June to a one-year, $10 million deal and remains the unquestioned starter. His experience and play-action expertise are valued, though age and durability spark ongoing concerns.
Mason Rudolph, re-signed on a two-year, $7.5 million contract, stands as the trusted backup. His late-season heroics in 2023 still resonate with Steelers fans, making him a reliable safety net if Rodgers struggles or is sidelined.
Enter Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Released by the Cleveland Browns just a day earlier, the dual-threat quarterback now lands in Pittsburgh, offering the athleticism, improvisational skills, and developmental upside the franchise was searching for.
At UCLA, Thompson-Robinson became one of college football’s most prolific passers, surpassing 12,000 yards and accounting for more than 100 touchdowns. His playmaking ability and mobility made him a highlight-reel fixture in the Pac-12.
His NFL start in Cleveland showed promise but also flaws, with five starts marred by ten interceptions. Still, evaluators believe his physical gifts warrant patience, and the Steelers are betting on his potential.
For Pittsburgh, his presence provides more than insurance. Thompson-Robinson gives defensive coordinator Teryl Austin a mobile look in practice, preparing the unit for AFC North rivals featuring quarterbacks who thrive outside structure.
Ultimately, the move signals Pittsburgh’s balanced approach. With Rodgers as the short-term leader, Rudolph as steady insurance, and Thompson-Robinson as a developmental project, the Steelers are aiming to cover every angle in their pursuit of playoff success.
Reed Blankenship's recommendation paved the way for former Eagles DB's return
Many characteristics go into being a true leader on a team, and Philadelphia Eagles safety Reed Blankenship is proving that time and time again.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni was speaking to the media on Sunday when he discussed the team bringing back safety Marcus Epps. Sirianni shared the story of how Blankenship made the recommendation for the team to sign Epps.
"One thing when we were talking about bringing Marcus back, Reed Blankenship would talk to us about how much Marcus helped him develop as a player and helped learn the scheme, so (Marcus Epps is) really sharp, and he's got great leadership qualities," Sirianni said via Eagles Wire. "t's awesome that that's the memory Reed has of Marcus, that he introduced him into this thing when he was a rookie and Marcus was in his fourth year, and he helped him grow.”
Blankenship was an undrafted rookie for the Eagles in 2022, while Epps was in his third year with the team. That would be Epps' first full season as a starter at safety, as he helped the Eagles make the Super Bowl.
More proof that Blankenship is more ready than ever to be a leader on the defense
There was so much veteran leadership that left the Eagles' defense in the offseason with Darius Slay, Brandon Graham, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Josh Sweat. It caused many in the media to worry about who would be able to step up, but Slay had told everyone to keep their eye on Blankenship.
So far, it has not been a disappointment with Blankenship. He's entering his fourth season in the NFL and has been a full-time starter for the last two. During his three-year career, Blankenship has racked up 225 tackles, 19 pass deflections, eight interceptions, two fumble recoveries, two tackles for loss, and one quarterback hit in 40 games.
This past week, he was named as one of the eight team captains for the Eagles. He and Zack Baun were the only defenders to earn the "C" on their uniforms.
Eagles fans can't be more excited to see Blankenship take a step up in his leadership as he's looking to prove to general manager Howie Roseman that he deserves a new contract with the team. With how he's playing, that might come sooner rather than later.
