The Pittsburgh Steelers are just one week away from training camp, and as the players prepare for Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA, there is a lot of news to get out there before the team, and fans, invade Chuck Noll Field.

Luckily for us at Steel Curtain Network, our source inside the facility has been busy getting those informative nuggets for the fan base as it pertains to how the team has been doing as the ramp up for camp is getting real.

So, with our Training Camp Confidential slated to start on Monday, it’s time to empty the insider notebook.

Here we go…

Mike Tomlin

The Steelers and Mike Tomlin are working on a contract extension, but don’t think there is a delay in the process. Also, don’t assume there are differences between both parties. In fact, anyone who suggests there is any type of beef between Tomlin and the front office, couldn’t be further from the truth. This isn’t an “if” situation, but a “when” situation. Check out the full story which I wrote about Monday,

Kenny Pickett

Many people are expecting the Steelers to be a run-heavy team in 2023. According to our source, that couldn’t be further from the truth. With Kenny Pickett entering his second season, there is nothing holding back Pickett from having the full playbook at his disposal.

When you compare Pickett in Year 2 to Ben Roethlisberger in his final year of his contract, the first in Matt Canada’s tenure as the offensive coordinator, Pickett doesn’t just know the entire offense, but can do it. Roethlisberger’s limited mobility restricted what the team could do, but Pickett has full command of the playbook.

The Steelers front office has always been sold on Kenny Pickett, and are more and more impressed with his overall grasp of the offense. This offseason his teammates have been the one to jump on the Pickett hype train, and are all-in as him being the quarterback moving forward. Per our source, there is nothing in 2023 the Steelers won’t do because Pickett doesn’t know it. He knows it, and can do it.

“There’s nothing Kenny can’t do.”

James Pierre

Pierre’s special teams ability has most feeling he is a lock to make the team, but don’t be so certain. Pierre is in a battle to make the roster, especially after the team drafted two cornerbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft and also brought in Chandon Sullivan.

As a gunner, Pierre provides tremendous value to the team, but he’ll have to show worth on the defensive side of the ball before he is considered a shoe-in to make the team.

Pat Freiermuth

When it comes to players who have put their best foot forward this offseason, it’s Pat Freiermuth. The Steelers have been really impressed with him this offseason, and you can expect an increased role in the offense in 2023. With the addition of Darnell Washington in the draft, the Steelers could move Freiermuth out in the slot more, and less as an in-line blocker.

The team moving Freiermuth to more of a Travis Kelce role in the offense could mean big things for the tight end. Fantasy Football owners, as well as fans of the black-and-gold, should take note.

Alex Highsmith

Obviously the new of Highsmith signing a 4-year contract extension Wednesday morning was great news for Steelers fans everywhere, but some might have been wondering what the hold up was with the deal getting done. After all, I was the one who quoted the same source who said the deal was all but done over a month ago. Let’s just call it last-minute negotiations and leveraging to try and maximize their situation.

At this point it doesn’t matter. The deal got done, and it seems to be fair for both sides.

If you want to know more about the financial details of Highsmith’s contract, check out the breakdown of the numbers HERE.