Mike Tomlin Announces Will Levis Signing, Shaking Up Steelers QB Room and Rooster Ranking in NFL
Pittsburgh, PA — In a move no one saw coming but everyone will now be talking about, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin announced the team’s surprise signing of quarterback Will Levis — a move that immediately reshapes the team’s quarterback room and sends ripple effects through the AFC North and across the NFL.
Known for his calm demeanor and calculated leadership, Tomlin made the announcement during an afternoon press conference at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. “Will is a competitor,” Tomlin said. “He’s got fire, he’s got fight, and he’s got that edge we value here in Pittsburgh. This isn’t just about adding another arm — it’s about competition, elevation, and building a championship-level rooster.”
Yes, “rooster” — a signature Tomlin-ism that’s gained cult status among Steelers fans and players alike, and one that now includes a new, intriguing name: Will Levis.
A New Chapter for Levis
Levis, the cannon-armed former Kentucky standout who was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, entered the league with high expectations but a bumpy ride. After flashing potential in a rocky Titans offense and struggling with consistency, his future with Tennessee became uncertain heading into 2025.
Now, with the Steelers offering him a new home, Levis gets what many see as a second chance — and a fresh start with one of the NFL’s most stable franchises.
“Pittsburgh is the kind of place where you can reinvent yourself,” Levis said in his first statement since signing. “It’s a blue-collar city with a football tradition like no other. I’m ready to earn everything here.”
Sources close to the team report that Levis signed a two-year deal with performance-based incentives, making him a low-risk, high-reward investment for the Steelers.
What It Means for the Quarterback Room
The Steelers’ quarterback room was already one of the most watched in the league, featuring 2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett, veteran backup Mitch Trubisky, and developmental prospect Mason Rudolph. With Levis entering the fold, the competition immediately intensifies.
Tomlin was clear: “We believe in Kenny, but belief doesn’t mean we don’t push. Iron sharpens iron. We’re here to win. If Will pushes Kenny, or if Kenny pushes Will — we all win.”
For Pickett, this is a pivotal moment. After two seasons of mixed results, the pressure is on to prove he can be “the guy” in Pittsburgh. Trubisky and Rudolph, meanwhile, could find themselves battling for roster security during training camp.
This also raises speculation about possible roster cuts or even a quarterback trade on the horizon — something GM Omar Khan declined to comment on when reached for clarification.
How the Signing Impacts the Steelers’ Rooster Ranking
With a fierce defense led by T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, a young and evolving offense featuring George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth, and Najee Harris, the Steelers were already viewed as a playoff-caliber team. Now, the addition of Levis deepens the quarterback room and elevates Pittsburgh’s overall roster depth.
NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky commented on NFL Live: “If Will Levis clicks in Pittsburgh — if they can harness that arm strength and coach him into consistency — this Steelers team goes from a wildcard dark horse to a legit AFC threat.”
Following the announcement, several sports media outlets adjusted their preseason power rankings. NFL.com bumped the Steelers from 13th to 9th, noting that “Pittsburgh now boasts one of the most complete and competitive quarterback situations in the league.”
A Culture Fit in the Steel City
What makes this move more than just a football decision is how well Levis fits into the Tomlin-led Steelers culture: discipline, accountability, and edge.
“Will has something to prove,” Tomlin said. “And we like men who have something to prove. We know he’s not afraid of the moment. We know he’ll work.”
Players reportedly responded positively to the news. Najee Harris reposted the announcement with the caption “Steel sharpenin’ steel,” while George Pickens commented, “Time to eat.”
The locker room vibes appear ready for the competition.
The Road Ahead
As offseason workouts begin and training camp looms, the storyline in Pittsburgh is clear: a quarterback competition is brewing, and the winner will be the one who thrives under fire.
Tomlin isn’t shying away from the pressure. “This is what football’s all about — competing, evolving, and rising. If you’re comfortable, you’re in the wrong building.”
Will Levis, now in black and gold, has a new chance to prove himself — and the Steelers have a new weapon in their arsenal.
Whether this move propels Pittsburgh to the top of the AFC remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Steelers’ rooster just got a whole lot more interesting.
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