The Pittsburgh Steelers are at a crossroads. At 5-4 and coming from a 25-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, questions of head coach Mike Tomlin‘s long-term future have started to intensify. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer shed some light on the situation during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, suggesting Pittsburgh’s leadership could finally consider a change after the season.

“I haven’t heard there’s going to be a trade on the table yet,” Breer said. “But I have heard in past years that like teams were going to check in on that over the last five years, I’ve heard of a few teams going into hiring psychos being like, “Oh, we ought to check in on that like and see if there’s a way to work something out.” Like all things run their course, right? This is his 19th year, which is crazy.”

Breer’s take captured what many around the league have wondered: if the Steelers might be prepared to let go of their long-time head coach. The relation between Tomlin and the Steelers, at least after 19 seasons, two Super Bowl appearances, and one championship ring, could be nearing its natural end. He’s most probably hinting at an off-season trade.

For years, the Steelers have tried to patch their offensive issues. But the same problems-stalled drives continue to define the team. Despite defensive excellence, the imbalance has begun to erode even Tomlin’s trademark composure.

Breer’s comment about Tomlin’s potential exit gets some weight when there is speculation about Tomlin’s future with the New York Giants after they fired coach Brian Daboll. According to The Athletic’s Ian O’Connor, the Giants could be a potential trade partner if Pittsburgh were to move on from Tomlin.

“The Maras are the Rooneys, and the Rooneys are the Maras,” O’Connor wrote. “You don’t need to be Rooney Mara, the award-winning actress and great-granddaughter of both teams’ founders, to understand that the franchises would make for agreeable business partners in a compensation deal. Tomlin would be worth the price.”

Since 1970, eight NFL coaches have been traded, with a number of those deals involving first-round picks. The most recent came when the Denver Broncos sent two high-value picks to the New Orleans Saints for Sean Payton. Should the Steelers pursue a similar path, a first or second-rounder could be on the table.

However, we can’t conclude anything until it’s done. Because with Tomlin, the trade speculations are common. In fact, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported earlier this year that the Chicago Bears attempted to explore such a deal before the Steelers swiftly dismissed the idea.

Still, if the offensive stagnation in Pittsburgh persists and postseason hopes fade, the stance could very well change. The question is no longer if Tomlin can coach but whether he can still connect, inspire, and evolve with a franchise seemingly stuck in its own tradition.

While Tomlin’s job security leads the headlines, another prime focal point in Pittsburgh has become the performance of its veteran quarterback, Aaron Rodgers.

Mike Tomlin rescues Rodgers from mounting doubts

Following the 25–10 loss to the Chargers, QB Rodgers faced some sharp criticism for what was one of his worst outings in recent memory. Yet, Tomlin was quick to defend his quarterback, brushing off any calls for a benching.

”Sunday night was what it was,” Tomlin said. ”But I have no long-term reservations about his ability to play the position and play the position at a high level for us.”

He was openly supporting his quarterback. Games with great defensive performances have been offset by sputtering offense, and while the Steelers remain atop the AFC North, the surging Ravens are rapidly nearing them.

An attack once supposed to bring fireworks with Rodgers as its pilot has become a point of concern. Still, Tomlin remains resolute:

”I’m not lacking confidence,” he repeated. ”We stunk it up. We’ll be back. I’m not trying to frame it in any way. I’m just telling you guys what happened. You guys write the narrative.”

Rodgers will start going into Week 11 against the Cincinnati Bengals.