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.

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“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.