PITTSBURGH -- Alan Faneca, a Pittsburgh Steelers legend, has publicly slammed the team’s front office, labeling their financial approach “corrupt” in an exclusive interview with ESPN on May 16, 2025. The Hall of Famer voiced deep frustration over the Steelers’ treatment of their star players.
Faneca, a Super Bowl XL champion with the Steelers, criticized the front office’s reluctance to pay top talent. “They’re always too stingy to keep the best players,” Faneca told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “I experienced it, and now they’re making the same mistakes.”
The departure of George Pickens serves as a prime example. Pickens, who tallied 900 yards in 2024, was traded to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2026 third-round pick after the Steelers refused to meet his $10 million per year contract demands, per The Athletic. Faneca called the loss unnecessary.
Faneca warned that T.J. Watt, who notched 11.5 sacks in 2024, could be next. Watt, seeking a deal exceeding $40 million per year, has received no firm commitment from the Steelers, despite their $32 million cap space, according to Spotrac. “If Watt leaves, the defense will crumble,” Faneca said.
This penny-pinching philosophy extends to major trades. The Steelers shy away from bold deals, like when they hesitated to offer more for Minkah Fitzpatrick in 2019 (luckily, the Dolphins settled). Faneca argued this lack of aggression costs the team chances to strengthen their roster, per Behind the Steel Curtain.
The results are evident: the Steelers haven’t won a playoff game in 6 years (2017-2022), with 2024 bringing another loss to the Buffalo Bills (4-13). Faneca predicted 2025 could mark a 7th year, especially with an offense ranked 24th at 186.1 passing yards per game, per PFF.
Fans on X erupted, with @Blitz_Burgh posting, “Faneca’s right, the front office is too cheap!” Ian Rapoport commented, “Faneca’s words are a wake-up call.” Despite having DK Metcalf and Mike Hilton, the Steelers need a financial overhaul.
As OTAs kick off, the Steelers stand at a crossroads. Faneca urged the front office to “invest in talent” to end the playoff drought, or risk sinking deeper into mediocrity.
