A Steelers Depot daily segment. A quick hit of some Pittsburgh Steelers-related stories that may not require a complete article but nuggets worth mentioning and passing on to you guys.

Your Depot After Dark for Jan 31.

PAT FREIERMUTH THANKFUL FOR YEAR 5

It wasn’t the season that he envisioned with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, but it proved to be an enjoyable season for the veteran tight end nonetheless.

Freiermuth wasn’t a big enough part of the passing game all season long, but he still finished with 41 receptions for 486 yards and four touchdowns, establishing a strong relationship with Rodgers. Despite those struggles to be a big part of the offense and expressing some frustrations at the end of the season, Freiermuth remains grateful for it all.

The veteran tight end posted a clip on his Instagram of him hauling in a 68-yard touchdown from Rodgers in the Thursday Night Football shootout in Cincinnati in Week 7. That night, Freiermuth had five receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns.

The video also included photos from the throughout the season featuring Freiermuth. Hopefully with Mike McCarthy as head coach now, Freiermuth can get back to being a vital part of the offense.

‘EXCITING TIME’ TO BE STEELERS FAN, VINCE WILLIAMS BELIEVES

A lot of change is happening at the moment for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ franchise. They’ve prided themselves on stability historically, but after Mike Tomlin stepped down after 19 seasons, change has been immense.

Now, with McCarthy as the head coach and a largely new coaching staff coming into the mix, many are excited about the future of the Steelers. That includes former Steelers linebacker Vince Williams.

Williams posted his brief thoughts on X Friday night.

It’s an exciting time to be a Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

— Vince Williams (@VinnyVidiVici98) January 31, 2026

“It’s an exciting time to be a Pittsburgh Steelers fan,” Williams said.

It certainly is at the moment as McCarthy has injected some hope into many in the fan base. Though the hire was originally ripped due to the Steelers going with the 62-year-old on his third job, he’s an offensive mind that has been praised time and time again for his work with quarterbacks.

McCarthy has already raved about second-year QB Will Howard, and has stated he wants Rodgers back for another season. Plus, with the cap space the Steelers have and the plethora of draft picks coming, it’s certainly an exiting time to be a Steelers fan.

PITTSBURGH NATIVE LANDS JOB WITH FALCONS

Alex Van Pelt was once believed to be a candidate to join the new coaching staff of Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh. Instead, the Pittsburgh native will head south.

Van Pelt reportedly landed a job with the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday, joining Kevin Stefanski’s staff as the quarterbacks coach to work with Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins in 2026.

The Falcons are hiring Alex Van Pelt as their quarterbacks coach, per source.

Another reunion with Kevin Stefanski, who had Van Pelt as his offensive coordinator in Cleveland from 2020-23. pic.twitter.com/xcpVk54vud

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 31, 2026

Previously, Van Pelt was a senior offensive assistant with the Los Angeles Rams. In 2024, Van Pelt was the offensive coordinator in New England, but was fired after just one season. Now, he reunites with Stefanski, a coach he worked under in Cleveland from 2020-23, serving as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.