The Steelers are no strangers to drama. Interestingly, it’s not just about the game this time. Whispers emerge amid a rocky postseason outlook, and they are developing about key components of the Steelers’ current scheme of things.

Whispers about trading away head coach Mike Tomlin have taken center stage. Tomlin is a Steelers institution, someone who has been there for almost two decades. But speculations are rising. At least one NFL team has already inquired about trading for the Steelers’ veteran coach, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. However, Tomlin’s contract includes a no-trade clause. And this puts the decision squarely in his hands.

The Bears are reportedly among the teams interested in bold moves, potentially including Tomlin. Sadly for the Bears, his no-trade clause and Pittsburgh’s loyalty present significant obstacles. Although Tomlin is one of the most respected figures in the NFL, he couldn’t lead the Steelers to a playoff win since 2016. That’s a long gap! And that drought casts a long shadow as the team faces the red-hot Ravens in the wild-card round.

Analysts are divided. Dan Orlovsky called trading Tomlin “the dumbest thing” he’s heard. “I think it’s the dumbest thing I’ve heard in the NFL this season, that the Steelers should entertain moving on from Mike Tomlin,” Orlovsky said, emphasizing the coach isn’t the problem. And perhaps the problem lies with the Russell Wilson-Justin Fields’ confusion. However, Stephen A. Smith floated the idea of Pittsburgh needing “a new voice and vision”. The tension underscores Pittsburgh’s struggles since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement.

The Steelers rarely part with head coaches. Tomlin is only their third since 1969. That’s 3 in five and a half decades. But if they lose on Saturday, will the organization consider an unprecedented move? And is the HC the only one under the fire?

Russell Wilson’s rocky road ahead

While Tomlin dominates headlines, Russell Wilson’s struggles might be the bigger story. Wilson showed promise early after joining the Steelers last offseason. But his performance has faltered during the team’s current four-game losing streak.

Wilson has thrown 16 touchdowns to just five interceptions this season. While he has completed 63.7% of his passes. Still, critics like Mike Florio suggest his “toxic positivity” is grating on teammates. “He can’t not be that way,” Florio said on 93.7 The Fan. But added that it might be wearing thin during this losing stretch.

Wilson is set to hit free agency in March. And Saturday’s performance could seal his fate. In December, Russell Wilson claimed he wanted to play for another five to seven seasons. But Florio speculates that a poor showing could mean the end of Wilson’s NFL career. “No one’s going to hand him a starting job, and he’s not going to go the Joe Flacco route, where he takes whatever spot he can on the depth chart. He’ll just walk away,” he said. Now, the Steelers find themselves at a crossroads.

A playoff win against Baltimore could quiet the noise around Tomlin and Wilson. However, a loss might force the organization to reassess both leadership and the quarterback position. Saturday’s game could shape the future of the Steelers’ franchise. Whether it’s Tomlin, Wilson, or both, change might be on the horizon.