The 2025 preseason has been a ride for the Steelers, and especially with Aaron Rodgers throwing in black and gold after that surprise flip from the Jets, brought about by that longstanding bromance between him and Coach Mike Tomlin that grew into a joining forces. They’re 1-1 so far, had a tough one, lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17-14 Sunday, but hey, there are bright spots in the backups showing some heart and the offense showing sharpness at times. It has people thinking playoffs, but one thing is keeping people on pins and needles. Stay tuned as we head into how these moves are testing Steeler Nation’s loyalty.

Mike Tomlin had praised Rodgers’ intelligence and leadership for years, setting the stage for his return to Pittsburgh. Don’t recall those post-game hugs when he was scorching defenses playing for the Packers? This off-season, the Steelers went all-out in overhauling the team around him, drafting veterans and rookies to create a contender, and camped at Saint Vincent College with that Mike Tomlin passion. Camp was charged, especially with young guns breaking into the fray, adopting a glittering new era wherein experience clashes with innate talent.

And so that’s the news everyone’s talking about: the Steelers made a whole bunch of moves with this one tweet on their Twitter handle, “We have signed DB Kam Alexander, LS Jake McQuaide, and OT Julian Pearl & released LB Devin Harper, WR Roc Taylor, and DT Breiden Fehoko. @BordasLaw.” Taylor, the Memphis undrafted free agent who had made an impression in camp with his 6-foot-3 frame and back-shoulder catches, was developing a rapport with Rodgers and looked like a secret weapon. Mike Tomlin’s decision to cut him? Their angry brethren summed it up best with this tweet from beat writer Mark Kaboly: “Steelers release WR Roc Taylor.” But what’s going on?

Taylor wasn’t just camp cannon fodder. In college, he had 163 receptions for 2,375 yards and showed big-play ability in Steelers camp, even against backups like Will Howard. To cut him now, following the reporting of bringing in veteran WR Gabe Davis to see a visit, looks to be a plan to appease players. It’s vintage Mike Tomlin: big and dependable.

Mike Tomlin’s roster choices are designed to surround Rodgers for a deep run, but cutting Taylor is the cold math of NFL cuts. Only 53 spots, and there can be no room for sentiment. It’s a reminder that even with a star QB, chemistry involves risks. Talking about risks leads us right into the fan reaction to this bombshell.

Steelers’ fans are not happy with Roc Taylor’s release

The Taylor cut came out of nowhere like a blindside sack. Especially since he was getting billed as Rodgers’ favorite target in camp practices. The outrage leads directly back to concerns it’ll disrupt the QB’s timing. One of the reporters nailed it: “Yinzers aren’t happy,” and the replies poured in with all the way from shock to calls for Mike Tomlin’s decision.

Expounding on that, social media was burning faster than Acrisure Stadium on gameday with tweets like “ROC TAYLOR?!?!” and “You cut Roc Taylor while Connor Heyward still on the team,” encapsulating the raw emotion. Folks pointed to Taylor’s preseason flashes and said he deserved a chance over vets, and some even speculated he’d make the practice squad, though there are never any guarantees with waivers looming. These fan reactions in the end prove the point: Mike Tomlin’s bold choices, like cutting a piece to Rodgers’ puzzle, enhance each ripple effect in a city where football is religion.