The Depot Dive - Episode 96 - April 2, 2026
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In Episode 96 of The Depot Dive, Ross McCorkle and Joe Clark dive into the latest Steelers offseason developments, with a strong focus on the team’s quarterback backup plan and the unexpected emergence of a potential first-round tight end target. The conversation begins with Mike McCarthy’s recent media appearances in Phoenix, where he confirmed ongoing weekly conversations with Aaron Rodgers, reinforcing the narrative that a return is increasingly likely. The hosts analyze the implications of Rodgers’ potential return, noting that with Kirk Cousins now signed by the Raiders, the Steelers are effectively locked into Will Howard as their backup plan. They debate Howard’s viability, citing McCarthy’s high praise and the fact that he believes Howard would have been drafted earlier than the sixth round. The discussion then shifts to the quarterback class, which scouts have largely dismissed as weak and lacking a true franchise talent, making drafting a high-upside QB a risky proposition. The episode takes a surprising turn with a report from Jerry Dulac suggesting the Steelers could target Oregon tight end Kenyan Sadiq with the 21st overall pick—a move that would require trading one of their current tight ends, likely Pat Freimuth. The hosts weigh the strategic and financial implications of such a trade, acknowledging the intrigue but skepticism around the idea. Finally, they address listener Brett’s question about the value of coaches attending pro days, concluding that while relationship-building is lost, modern scouting methods and deep front-office networks may mitigate that gap.
Aaron Rodgers is likely returning to the Steelers, with Mike McCarthy confirming weekly contact and positive sentiment.
The Steelers appear committed to Will Howard as their backup quarterback, making veteran additions unlikely.
The 2026 quarterback class is widely viewed as weak, with no clear franchise-caliber talent, reducing the urgency to draft one early.
A potential first-round pick of tight end Kenyan Sadiq has emerged, but would require trading Pat Freimuth or Darnell Washington.
The Steelers’ lack of pro day attendance under Mike McCarthy may not be a major disadvantage due to extensive scouting networks.
…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus
Opening: Joe Clark’s Royals Hoodie & Spring Cleaning
Ross opens the episode with a lighthearted moment about Joe Clark wearing a Kansas City Royals hoodie, joking about the Red Sox's poor start and Fanatics' massive sale that led to a wardrobe upgrade.
Aaron Rodgers’ Return: The Imminent Narrative
“He said something along the lines of, you know, there's been positive conversations. You know, if he feels really good about where they're at, I don't feel like he'd be saying that if it wasn't kind of leaning towards a return.”
Will Howard: The Backup Plan That’s Now Official
“If I was in charge, he wouldn't have lasted to the sixth round essentially. He said, um, you know, basically implying he would have drafted him earlier than that.”
The QB Class: Weak, Shallow, and Full of Risk
“This is really a bunch of backups. They are not starting caliber guys. It was horrible, weak and terrible words that were used to describe the class.”
The First-Round Tight End Surprise: Kenyan Sadiq Rumor
“If you have Pat Fryer, if you have Darnell Washington, both guys are capable of a pass catcher. Darnell Washington took a step last year, but he's still more of a true blocking guy.”
“If I was in charge, he wouldn't have lasted to the sixth round essentially. He said, um, you know, basically implying he would have drafted him earlier than that.”
“This is really a bunch of backups. They are not starting caliber guys. It was horrible, weak and terrible words that were used to describe the class.”
“He said something along the lines of, you know, there's been positive conversations. You know, if he feels really good about where they're at, I don't feel like he'd be saying that if it wasn't kind of leaning towards a return.”
Host
Guest
Aaron Rodgers
person
Mike McCarthy
person
Will Howard
person
Pat Friermuth
person
Kirk Cousins
person
Omar Khan
person
Kenyan Sadiq
person
Darnell Washington
person
Jerry Dulac
person
Mike Tomlin
person
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