The Pittsburgh Steelers will officially begin the 2019 campaign without to key members of the team's once-loaded roster. With veteran wide receiver Antonio Brown being traded to the Oakland Raiders, running back Le'Veon Bell then departed Pittsburgh in favor of the eager New York Jets. As a result of both departures, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was finally forced to speak on the matters to begin his week.

“I think it has been highly chronicled, and I think it has been too chronicled,” Tomlin said on Monday, via Mark Kaboly of The Athletic. “Some things have been said that may or may not have been true. All I know is neither one of those guys are members of our team anymore. Relationships run their course, and the fact that neither one of them are here speaks to that.”

Though both Brown and Bell no longer suit up in black and yellow, it is worth noting that the Steelers are currently in talks with longtime quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who appears primed to receive a new contract from the once heralded franchise.

Article Continues Below
More Pittsburgh Steelers News
Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) reacts after a catch against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
George Pickens replaced by Steelers star at Pittsburgh youth camp he bailed onBen Strauss ·
One mystery player in the middle, Aaron Rodgers, Alex Highsmith around him, Pittsburgh Steelers logo in the background
1 perfect Pittsburgh Steelers move to fill out roster before 2025 training campEnzo Flojo ·
steelers, steelers trade, pittsburgh steelers, cordarrelle patterson
1 obvious Pittsburgh Steelers trade candidate entering 2025 training campGarrett Kerman ·
Dec 15, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) warms up before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
DK Metcalf a ‘big reason’ Aaron Rodgers signed with the SteelersMike Gianakos ·
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks over his helmet during minicamp at their South Side facility.
Aaron Rodgers promises to disappear when he retires from NFLBen Strauss ·
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium.
Steelers’ Patrick Queen gets real on what’s motivating him this offseasonGuillermo Guajardo ·

“We can’t do this with hostages, man. We need volunteers,” Tomlin added. “We need good players, good guys who want to be here and if guys can’t check those boxes, it’s probably best for all parties involved to go our separate ways.”

The Steelers notably finished the 2018 regular season on the outside looking in on the postseason as the Baltimore Ravens became the lone team from the AFC North division to reach the playoffs.