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“First Call” for Wednesday features Mike Tomlin’s retirement obsession, DK Metcalf’s conspiracy theory and Sidney Crosby’s contract status. Plus, we navigate through the choppy waters of the National League wild card race and how the Pirates are trying to play catch-up. Contract conversation The Joey Porter Jr. saga is not the only contract negotiation worth monitoring in Pittsburgh sports these days. A looming extension for Sidney Crosby is also in play. The Penguins captain is entering the final year of his contract as well. Based on quotes from Crosby to Mark Lazerus at The Athletic, discussions are underway between his agent (Pat Brisson) and Pens general manager Kyle Dubas. Sidney Crosby at the NHL/NHLPA player media tour here in Vegas, on his next contract (he's eligible to sign an extension immediately): "Pat (Brisson)'s talking to Kyle (Dubas). It’s just a little bit more difficult at my age as far as trying to project where you’re gonna be. …… — Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) September 8, 2026 “Pat’s talking to Kyle,” Crosby said while participating in the NHL/NHLPA player event in Las Vegas. “It’s just a little bit more difficult at my age as far as trying to project where you’re gonna be. … I’d like to continue playing for a number of years. It’s just I don’t know what that number is. I guess your mind and body tell you that eventually. Right now I feel pretty good, though.” Crosby just turned 39 in August. The last time Crosby signed an extension, it was Sept. 16 of 2024. That was for $17.4 million. Crosby’s salary cap hit has been $8.7 million every year since 2008-09. He was 21 years old then. More sports • Tim Benz: Omar Khan, Mike McCarthy show intent to keep Steelers young while still relying on vets• Report: Joey Porter Jr.'s contract talks with Steelers 'an actual negotiation now' Gaining some ground The Pirates’ 9-3 win over the Chicago White Sox netted them nothing in the race for the National League’s last wild card spot. That’s because the Arizona Diamondbacks were also victorious Monday night. The D-Backs won 5-3 in Kansas City. That was an 11-inning game. A Lourdes Gurriel Jr. triple provided the go-ahead run. Hit it where they're not. pic.twitter.com/wNc4vFNdRs — Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) September 9, 2026 As a result, Arizona maintains its lead on the Pirates by 5 ½ games. That’s four straight wins for Arizona. The San Diego Padres also won a third consecutive game, clipping Washington 5-4. They’re a half-game back of the Diamondbacks. The Pirates, though, jumped in front of both St. Louis and Miami with that win over the White Sox. That’s because the Marlins lost 7-5 to the New York Mets and the Cardinals fell 2-1 in San Francisco. If the Pirates win in Chicago on Wednesday or Thursday, that’ll be a fifth straight series victory. According to the SportsNet Pittsburgh broadcast, that would be a first for the franchise since 2015. Metcalf musings DK Metcalf is a conspiracy theorist. That’s an admission in a story from Jonathan Jones at The Athletic. “I’m a big conspiracy theorist,” Metcalf told the outlet. “Shout out to my quarterback.” Many of Metcalf’s conspiracies seem to center around Antarctica. I’m not sure Aaron Rodgers would even go along with these. “I think it’s another world,” Metcalf said. “I think there is another civilization inside of Earth.” Sooooo, DK believes in Antarctic Fraggles??? Metcalf also seems to believe that something fishy is going on in that part of the world. “You can go to Alaska. You could go to the North Pole,” Metcalf said. “But why not Antarctica? Why can’t you just book a trip to Antarctica?… Why is there a meeting between every world leader of every country in Antarctica, specifically?” Well, that’s probably because 30 different countries have territorial claims in Antarctica … including Fraggle Rock, I believe. Maybe if the Steelers win the Super Bowl this year, the NFL will let Metcalf bring the Vince Lombardi Trophy to Antarctica for a day, as if it were the Stanley Cup. Mike’s Minecraft We now know something that Mike Tomlin is doing to keep himself busy in retirement. Minecraft. During a visit with NBC’s “Today,” Tomlin revealed he’s been obsessed with the video game for years. “I started playing Minecraft, man, when my kids were young,” Tomlin said. “I have a Minecraft city, I’m creative, that I’ve been working on for like 12 years.” Mike Tomlin revealed to @craigmelvin that he plays Minecraft and has been working on the same city for 12 years — and he’s thinking about sharing it with everyone. — Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 8, 2026 This might be the most unexpected Mike Tomlin fact ever. ???? (via 'Today Show') pic.twitter.com/6ox6QE55Lo Good for Tomlin. That’s a fun hobby. One question, though: How many playoff wins do the Cleveland Browns have in Tomlin’s “Minecraft” city over the last 12 years?