Has the time finally passed where Mike Tomlin needs to be let go? It seems more possible than ever, but it might not mean a contract termination or firing. Maybe both sides are ready to move on and that could mean Mike Tomlin could be traded.
It's not crazy or unimaginable for a Head Coach of a football team in the NFL to be traded away. It would surely be something crazy for Pittsburgh to do, but it might help boost their team right now. Some reports are coming out claiming this outcome could be possible, and the Steelers aren't in a position to ignore trade routes.
Mike Tomlin could be traded to Las Vegas
One of the best places for sports right now is Las Vegas. That entire city is buzzing and they want the Raiders to be better. Their team has a lot of holes to fill, but the destination alone is enticing.
Tomlin could see a place like Vegas as an opportunity to turn a struggling team around. They will have a high draft pick and could go after one of the many talented quarterbacks coming out of the upcoming draft this year. The compensation could be vast too for Pittsburgh.
They could ask for their top pick in the upcoming draft or they could get a top second round pick this year and a first in 2025. So many options to go with, or maybe even a roster player could be part of the return.
Tomlin could always be traded back to Tampa where it all began
Mike Tomlin had plenty of his formative years as an NFL coach in Tampa Bay with the Buccaneers. He was their secondary coach before finding promotion elsewhere. I'm sure both he and his family would love to go back to Tampa and move to Florida.
It could make sense as the Bucs seem likely to move on from Todd Bowles after this year. If word comes out that Tomlin is available via trade then many teams like would come calling. The Steelers could get some quality compensation from them too.
Pittsburgh makes a great trade here even though they do give up on some of their draft picks gained. They are still able to get a first this year and a third this draft too. But they also get a solid starting safety with Antione Winfield Jr.
Tomlin would be secure in Tampa and has pieces to work with down there. One would imagine he'd have to entertain that idea and so would the black and gold. Tampa also gets a solid return here with a couple of picks going back their way. This would make a lot of sense for both sides and the Bucs have a past with making trades at their top coaching job in the past.
Tomlin being traded to the Carolina Panthers makes a lot of sense
David Tepper has not been doing great as the owner of the Panthers ever since departing as a minority owner of the Steelers for years before that. There are plenty of Pittsburgh connections with the Carolina organization nowadays. Tepper wants a quick turnaround and he could see Tomlin as the answer to his team's many issues.
Perhaps shipping Tomlin to the Panthers would be disrespectful with how poor the Panthers are and how Tepper runs that place. But it could also be a place where Tomlin has complete control of the team operations and big decisions. It's unknown if Tomlin dislikes sharing those big responsibilities but having complete control would surely be attractive to him.
Carolina Does not have their first-round pick this year but they will have one of the top picks in the second round. The Steelers could very well get the top pick on day two of the draft with this exchange. Because of the Panthers not having a top pick this year they had to pay the price in 2025.
Mike Tomlin would likely hate the idea of losing a lot of these picks, but Carolina has a lot of pieces in place for the future. The Steelers would be thrilled with a haul like this as they will get top picks in each of those rounds they gain. Carolina is years away from contention and will likely struggle. Tomlin will help right the ship but that won't be enough to make them playoff contenders in year one. A great value of draft picks here.
A move to LA could electrify the NFL world with a Tomlin Trade
Many will see the LA Chargers Head coaching job as a premiere destination. They share a lot of their facilities with the LA Rams and are seen as the little brother in that football town. The Chargers just cleaned house and some top names in the coaching ranks could be interested.
Names like Bill Belichick, Jim Harbaugh, and others could be contacting the Chargers for the top gig. Tomlin could be an interesting name to watch for in that role. The Steelers could get a nice return and send Tomlin somewhere he could enjoy life and football all at once.
There is a lot going on in this mock trade as both teams get plenty in return. The Chargers get Mike Tomlin and a top receiver in this move. Trading away Diontae Johnson would be a crazy move for Pittsburgh. The Steelers do get a big return from this that would be hard to pass on.
Pittsburgh gets Johnson's replacement with a top guy like Keenan Allen to be a top receiver who can play anywhere on the field. They also get two first-round picks back, which not be high selections since the Chargers do have talent. LA needs a leader and someone to get their talent onto the field. Tomlin would be a great fit and the Steelers add tremendous value here with a swap of receivers and two top picks.
A homecoming to Washington could bring a new meaning to the job for Tomlin
Washington is rumored to be moving on from their coaching staff after the season. Tomlin grew up in Virginia and one of the closest NFL teams to him was Washington. A new owner there wants change in a hurry and it seems like they could be willing to pay a hefty price if needed. They could get desperate in a trade scenario.
Tomlin could actually welcome this move as it would get him closer to where he grew up. With his kids all gone to college now, it's possible that he will make a life change to move elsewhere. The Commanders are a fresh team right now and the timing could work out for all parties involved. Keep an eye on Washington this offseason.
Washington gets their guy here with Tomlin. The owners demand a home run hire at their Head coaching vacancy and they pay a hefty price. The Commanders are in a bad place right now as a team with tons of holes needing to be filled. Tomlin would be able to bring in a steady force as a coach, but the club would need a lot of help this offseason and over years of time.
The Steelers get a great value here with Washington as they get two top picks in the first two rounds this year. They also get an extra third-round pick next year as well. Washington does get a couple of picks traded their way but nothing of significance. Pittsburgh would surely have their ears perk up if they got a trade call offering something of this value.