Amidst a three-game losing streak and mounting turmoil within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization, the future of head coach Mike Tomlin is being called into question. According to reports from The Athletic's Dianna Russini, there has been speculation circulating around the NFL that the Steelers may explore the possibility of trading Tomlin to teams with coaching vacancies or those expected to have openings, such as the Washington Commanders, Chicago Bears, or Carolina Panthers.

The discussions about potentially trading Tomlin stem from his contract situation. Tomlin is currently under contract with the Steelers for just one more season, and a trade would allow Pittsburgh to acquire additional draft assets in return. This development has raised eyebrows around the league, as Tomlin's tenure as head coach in Pittsburgh has been marked by stability and success over the past 17 years.

The 2021 season, however, has proven to be one of the most tumultuous for Tomlin. The coach faced months of pressure from fans and analysts urging him to make changes to the offensive coaching staff, particularly regarding offensive coordinator Matt Canada. Finally, on November 21st, Tomlin made the decision to relieve Canada of his duties, reflecting the growing frustrations with the team's performances.

The unrest within the Steelers' roster has been amplified by recent controversies surrounding player effort. Wide receiver George Pickens found himself in the spotlight this week as he defended himself against criticism for failing to block on a crucial running play against the Indianapolis Colts. The missed block potentially cost running back Jaylen Warren a scoring opportunity, leading to further scrutiny of the team's overall commitment and effort.

This incident followed another incident a few weeks prior when wide receiver Diontae Johnson faced criticism for his lack of effort during a Warren fumble against the Cincinnati Bengals. Both incidents have added fuel to the fire of discontent surrounding the team's on-field performances and have further underscored the challenges facing Tomlin and his coaching staff.

As the Steelers continue to grapple with their three-game losing streak, the rumors surrounding a potential trade of Mike Tomlin only deepen the uncertainty surrounding the team's future. With Tomlin's contract expiring at the end of next season, it remains to be seen how the Steelers' front office will navigate the challenging decisions ahead, and whether a new chapter could be on the horizon for one of the league's most respected head coaches.