The Depot Dive - Episode 96 - April 2, 2026

Steelers Podcast - The Terrible Podcast40mApril 7, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

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.

Key Takeaways
1

Aaron Rodgers is likely returning to the Steelers, with Mike McCarthy confirming weekly contact and positive sentiment.

2

The Steelers appear committed to Will Howard as their backup quarterback, making veteran additions unlikely.

3

The 2026 quarterback class is widely viewed as weak, with no clear franchise-caliber talent, reducing the urgency to draft one early.

4

A potential first-round pick of tight end Kenyan Sadiq has emerged, but would require trading Pat Freimuth or Darnell Washington.

5

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

Chapters
0:00
1 min

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.

1:00
6 min

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.

Highlight
7:00
8 min

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.

Highlight
15:00
10 min

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.

Highlight
25:00
10 min

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.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
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.
Joe Clark12:14
Viral: 90.0
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.
Ross McCorkle18:02
Viral: 88.0
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.
Ross McCorkle4:31
Viral: 85.0
Speakers

Host

Ross McCorkle

Guest

Joe Clark
Topics Discussed
Aaron Rodgers Return95%Will Howard Backup Plan90%2026 Quarterback Class Quality85%First-Round Tight End Target80%Draft Strategy and Trade Possibilities75%Pro Day Attendance and Scouting Value70%Pat Friermuth Trade Speculation70%Omar Khan’s Draft Commentary60%
People & Brands

Aaron Rodgers

person

24xNeutral

Mike McCarthy

person

22xPositive

Will Howard

person

18xPositive

Pat Friermuth

person

12xMixed

Kirk Cousins

person

10xNeutral

Omar Khan

person

10xNegative

Kenyan Sadiq

person

8xNeutral

Darnell Washington

person

6xNeutral

Jerry Dulac

person

5xNeutral

Mike Tomlin

person

5xPositive

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