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Steelers Sign Gritty Linebacker ‘Workhorse’ with 52 Career Games and 44 Tackles to Practice Squad After Robinson Exit

Neuqua Valley graduate Jon Rhattigan, recovering from a torn ACL, is  excited about Year 2 with Seattle Seahawks: 'I've done it before.' –  Chicago Tribune

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Steelers didn’t waste time filling a void in their linebacker room. After Mark Robinson’s surprising move to the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh turned to a name forged in grit: Jon Rhattigan, a workhorse linebacker who has fought for every snap of his NFL career.

At 26, Rhattigan carries the discipline of his Army roots into the league. Undrafted in 2021, he carved out a reputation with the Seattle Seahawks before earning a role in Carolina last season. There, he played in all 17 games, making 12 tackles on special teams — the type of production that rarely makes headlines but wins respect inside locker rooms.

Over four seasons, Rhattigan has appeared in 52 games with 44 total tackles, proof that toughness and persistence can outlast raw measurables. At his pro day, he ran a modest 4.77 in the 40-yard dash, but what he lacked in speed he has always made up for with physicality and instincts.

For Pittsburgh, the signing is less about flash and more about continuity. The linebacker room has been reshuffled, and Robinson’s exit left the practice squad thin. Rhattigan arrives as a steadying force — a grinder who embraces special teams, fills gaps, and does the dirty work the way Steelers fans demand.

As one fan put it on X: “Not a star, but a worker — exactly what the Steelers need.” That line could just as well be a chapter in the team’s playbook.

This isn’t just insurance. It’s another nod to the franchise’s enduring values: toughness, reliability, and the next-man-up mentality. The Steelers know highlight reels don’t win January football. Workers like Rhattigan do.

With his arrival, Pittsburgh reinforces its defense with a player who mirrors the city’s own identity — blue-collar, disciplined, and relentless.

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Steelers Work Out Saints Superstar 5× Pro Bowler & 2× All-Pro — Pending Medical Evaluation
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – As the New Orleans Saints sink deeper with an 0-4 record through the first four weeks of the 2025 season, trade rumors surrounding star running back Alvin Kamara are heating up more than ever. The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly showing “special” interest in the 30-year-old, with reports indicating they are preparing a major offer that includes arranging a medical evaluation to assess Kamara’s health before moving forward with a deal. This could be a huge boost for a Steelers offense lacking depth at running back due to injuries and Jaylen Warren’s inconsistent performance. The Saints are facing a full-blown crisis, from a porous defense to financial woes with a projected $21.8 million cap deficit in 2026. Kamara, still a central piece of their offense with his elite rushing and receiving skills, could be placed on the trade block in exchange for draft capital—likely a late-round pick or a pick swap. Analysts from FanSided and Steelers Wire highlight Pittsburgh as the “ideal destination” for Kamara, as he could immediately strengthen the Steelers’ backfield and help them contend for the AFC North crown while the Ravens and Bengals battle injuries. Kamara, who signed a contract extension with the Saints in 2024, has never reached 1,000 rushing yards in a single season, but his versatility (hundreds of receiving yards annually) makes him an attractive target for playoff contenders. Under GM Omar Khan, the Steelers have become known for bold moves, and adding Kamara could be a strategic step to support QB Aaron Rodgers and capitalize on weakened divisional rivals. The Steelers’ “special” interest is underscored by their plans to conduct a thorough medical evaluation of Kamara—a standard step in blockbuster trades given his history of injuries, including groin and ankle issues from past seasons. If cleared, Kamara could quickly step in as the Steelers’ lead back and pair with Warren to form a powerful one-two punch. Sources from SI.com and Steelers Wire suggest the deal may only cost a late-round pick, making it very feasible before the trade deadline. However, Kamara has previously expressed his desire to remain with the Saints and even holds a no-trade clause. Still, the team’s disastrous situation could force a change. Other teams such as the Chiefs, Chargers, and Broncos have been mentioned, but the Steelers stand out due to their urgent need and track record of pursuing AFC stars. If the deal goes through, the Steelers could strengthen their Super Bowl push with a bolstered offense, while the Saints would gain draft capital to aid their rebuild. Fans on X (Twitter) are buzzing with “blockbuster” trade proposals involving other names like WR Chris Olave, but Kamara remains the most talked-about piece. All eyes are now on the medical evaluation—whether it seals the deal or not, this could become one of the hottest trades of the 2025 season.