New Linebacker Rejects Chargers’ $6M Offer: “I Only Want Steelers”

Pittsburgh, PA — September 17, 2025 — The Pittsburgh Steelers’ training facility was abuzz with speculation after NFL Hall of Famer and Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders, known as "Coach Prime," made an unexpected visit on Tuesday. The timing of his appearance, just days after offensive line coach Pat Meyer declared he would resign if the Steelers lose again, has fueled rumors of a potential coaching shakeup. With a 1-1 record following a 31-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2, the Steelers are under intense scrutiny as they prepare for a critical Week 3 matchup against the New England Patriots. Coach Prime’s visit comes at a tumultuous moment for Pittsburgh. Pat Meyer, who has coached the offensive line since 2022, took full responsibility for the unit’s struggles in a press conference, stating, “I love Pittsburgh, I love this organization. My offensive line guys give their all every single day. If someone has to take the criticism, it should be me—not them.” Meyer’s pledge to step down if the Steelers fall to the Patriots underscores the pressure on a team grappling with a porous offensive line, which has allowed seven sacks on quarterback Aaron Rodgers in two games, and a run defense that surrendered 117 yards to Seattle’s Kenneth Walker III. The Seahawks loss exposed multiple weaknesses, from a critical muffed kickoff by rookie Kaleb Johnson—leading to a Seahawks touchdown—to ongoing struggles by offensive linemen Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, and Isaac Seumalo. Injuries have further crippled the defense, with linebacker Patrick Queen (ribs), Alex Highsmith (ankle), Joey Porter Jr. (hamstring), and DeShon Elliott (knee) all sidelined or limited. Rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, expected to return in Week 3, may provide relief, but the team’s internal tensions, including Aaron Rodgers’ heated exchange with Calvin Austin, have added to the chaos. Sanders, who has never coached in the NFL but transformed Colorado into a college football powerhouse, offered a cryptic response when pressed by reporters: “I’m just here visiting, man. Nothing more, nothing less. But hey, I’ll never say never.” His presence has sparked debate about whether team president Art Rooney II is exploring alternatives to head coach Mike Tomlin, whose 18-year tenure without a losing season is overshadowed by a playoff drought since 2017. Fans on X are divided, with one post declaring, “Steelers Nation needs Prime’s energy! He’d put Pittsburgh back on top!” Others question Sanders’ lack of NFL coaching experience, especially given Tomlin’s respected resume. For now, the visit remains speculative, but with Meyer’s job on the line and the Steelers desperate to regain their “Steel Curtain” dominance in the AFC North, Coach Prime’s appearance has ignited a firestorm of intrigue. The outcome of Sunday’s game against the Patriots could determine whether this buzz fades or signals a seismic shift.