Steelers insider explains if Giants could trade for Mike Tomlin after firing of Brian Daboll
Shortly after the New York Giants confirmed on Monday that they had parted ways with head coach Brian Daboll, some members of the NFL community linked the Giants with Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Tomlin signed a three-year contract extension in June 2024 that reportedly pays him around $16M per year, meaning the Steelers will still hold his rights following the ongoing season. During a Wednesday appearance on Pittsburgh sports radio station 93.7 The Fan, Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette discussed whether or not the Giants could land Tomlin's services via an offseason trade.

Would Steelers consider trading Mike Tomlin to Giants?
"In years past, the Steelers would never do that," Fittipaldo explained, per Ross McCorkle of Steelers Depot. "They would never even listen to the offer. They wouldn't even take the phone call. I can't sit here and tell you that it's 100 percent gonna be that way again, but I would tend to think it would be."
Rumors about Tomlin's future hovered over the Steelers last winter, even though there was never any real indication that Pittsburgh considered making a change. The Steelers have a history of not firing head coaches, as they've employed just three since 1969.
That said, Pittsburgh hasn't notched a playoff victory under Tomlin since the 2016 season. The 2025 Steelers won four of their first five games but have since fallen to 5-4. Meanwhile, it's unclear if quarterback Aaron Rodgers will retire after this season. Pittsburgh's current QB1 turns 42 years old in December.
Have people within Steelers lost faith in Mike Tomlin?
"I don't think they've lost faith in that building just because of a rough month here," Fittipaldo added about how the Steelers view Tomlin. "I think something really bad would have to transpire in the last two months of the season for them to even consider that. From the Steelers' perspective, I still don't think that would be in play."
That "something really bad" could involve the Steelers losing their hold of first place in the AFC North standings. The suddenly hot Baltimore Ravens are at 4-5 and are closing in on Pittsburgh, but the Steelers will have an opportunity to earn a win over a division opponent when they host the Cincinnati Bengals (3-6) this Sunday. As of Thursday morning, ESPN BET had Pittsburgh as a 5.5-point favorite for that matchup.
NFL Legend Jon Batiste Unexpectedly Defends Geno Smith Amid Intense Backlash: “What’s Happening to Geno Smith Is an Injustice to Football” – His Statement Immediately Sends Raiders Nation Into an Uproar

Las Vegas, Nevada – November 13, 2025 – Amid swirling controversy surrounding Geno Smith’s potential return to the field, a powerful and unexpected voice has risen to defend the embattled quarterback. Renowned musician Jon Batiste, a figure not typically associated with the Las Vegas Raiders, has become an unlikely champion for Smith at a time when the veteran signal-caller's future with the Raiders hangs in the balance.

Smith, who has been sidelined with an injury, has faced mounting criticism regarding his readiness for the upcoming game against the Kansas City Chiefs. As the debate intensifies, a significant portion of Raiders fans and analysts are skeptical about his return. Questions surrounding his full recovery have been raised, with many wondering if he is truly fit to lead the Raiders back into contention. The team’s backup quarterback, QB2, has also impressed during Smith’s absence, earning the trust of both the coaching staff and fans. With this in mind, some fear that Smith’s return is being driven more by the weight of expectation than actual physical preparedness.
Enter Jon Batiste, the larger-than-life musician who has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind, even on issues outside of his usual domain. In a rare statement regarding Smith, Batiste expressed his support with a powerful message that instantly resonated across the sports world.
“What’s happening to Geno Smith is an injustice to football,” Batiste declared, his voice filled with passion and conviction. “People forget that this man has battled back from the brink of obscurity, proven himself time and time again, and now faces unjust scrutiny. You don’t judge a warrior just because he’s faced setbacks.”
Batiste’s words quickly reverberated through social media, sparking a wave of support for Smith from Raiders fans and analysts alike. The statement was shared thousands of times, with many fans thanking Batiste for his bold defense of their quarterback. It was a reminder of Smith’s resilience, his journey from backup to Pro Bowler, and his unwavering commitment to the Raiders’ Super Bowl aspirations.
The timing of Batiste’s remarks could not have been more crucial. With uncertainty hanging over Smith’s return, his injury, and the team’s playoff hopes, Batiste’s impassioned defense has altered the narrative. The conversation has shifted from skepticism to loyalty, with Raiders Nation rallying behind Smith, not just as a player, but as a symbol of perseverance and leadership.
As Batiste aptly put it, “This is not the time for blame — this is the time for loyalty.” His words have not only helped shift the perspective on Smith’s injury but have also galvanized a fan base that was once divided.
The upcoming game against the Kansas City Chiefs has now become much more than a simple football match. It is a test of Smith’s physical readiness, yes, but also a deeper test of faith. The Raiders will face their division rivals with more than just playoff implications on the line. They will be fighting for the belief in their leader, and as Batiste’s stirring words suggest, this battle is about far more than X’s and O’s—it’s about loyalty, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of a quarterback who has proven time and time again that he is more than capable of rising to the occasion.
With Batiste’s unexpected support echoing through the halls of Raiders Nation, one thing is certain: this team stands united behind Geno Smith. The rest, as they say, will be history.