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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 03.03.25
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Brian Batko
9:59
Good morning, everyone. This is the last week of the slow time between the Super Bowl and free agency, which effectively begins at noon a week from today. We can discuss that, the combine, perhaps which Steelers player/coach would be best suited to win an Oscar someday, or whatever else is on your mind.
RV
10:00
Morning.   I appreciate that Omar is patient and doesn’t want to overpay.  He and Steelers will set a value on a player and won’t move.  That approach left us empty-handed when trying to land a much needed WR last year.  Will that same mindset leave us without a QB once free agency starts , and we’ll be scrambling for whatever scraps are left?  I’m starting to worry….
Brian Batko
10:02
It did, but would the 2024 Steelers have been drastically different with Brandon Aiyuk in the fold? Even if he hadn't gotten injured. Good player, but this team needed more to truly contend for a title, so I think that was part of the calculus. Now we see the 49ers potentially moving on from him again this offseason. Omar Khan actually handled the QB situation much better this time last year. He got great value on both guys and had to move swiftly to make the Justin Fields trade happen.
Linus
10:02
In light of the real need on the DL, is it realistic for the Steelers to pick a QB, WR, or a RB in the first round of the upcoming draft?
Brian Batko
10:03
Yes I still say it's realistic, though to varying degrees. My guess is WR is most realistic, followed by QB, followed by RB. The case for not picking a D-lineman right away is simply the perceived depth at that position in this class.
George
10:04
It's funny that we once referred to Steeler GM as the Khan Artist. Doesn't seem like that's appropriate anymore. Maybe he is just a numbers guy, and they need an actual GM. His lack of moves is alarming.
Brian Batko
10:06
Last I checked, he's the same guy who traded Chase Claypool for the 32nd overall pick in 2023, maneuvered around the draft board to land players the Steelers were high on and acquired Justin Fields for a 6th-round pick. I'm not gonna say he's been perfect but let's not act like he hasn't made his share of shrewd moves. Plus it's just a cool nickname.
Steeltree
10:07
I’ve been taking advantage of a couple of draft simulators and it seems that if there was ever a draft for the Steelers to trade back -maybe more than once - trying to get extra day 2 and early day 3 picks, this would be that draft.   There’s 15-20 d-line guys capable of starting, probably 12-15 wrs, and a good dozen rbs who’d make a difference for somebody.  I know it takes 2 teams to make a trade ,but boy oh boy this sure seems like the way to go to address multiple needs; maybe even allow a double dip at wr and or dl.  What’s your thoughts
Brian Batko
10:09
My thoughts are the Steelers are far from the only team in that position. And with this class, the value seems to lie in those middle rounds where there's solid depth more so than a lack of top-heavy surefire talents. So of course it makes sense to trade down and accumulate picks. But like you said, it takes two to tango. It takes another team wanting to move up and sacrifice draft capital. And more and more GMs are realizing how much you can get accomplished by stockpiling picks as opposed to splashy trades to move up.
Tony
10:09
So what do the Steelers do about their quarterback situation quarterback situation sign Fields and draft one or sign one in free agency.
Brian Batko
10:09
Wish I knew, Tony!
WestCoast Steeler
10:11
After watching the combine Dart and Milroe are the best qb/athletes that MT and Khan covet....thoughts?
Brian Batko
10:12
Don't sleep on Will Howard's athleticism. I know he didn't run the 40, but neither did those two. Those three were my top-ranked QBs for the Steelers on our big board: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2025/02/28/nfl-draft-comb...
artie bridge
10:13
Brian, I have a favorite rb in this year's draft class:  Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech.  300lb bruiser workhorse.  His most amazing stat:  in 4 years with 879 carries, 0 fumbles.  My question:  why isn't there more buzz about this guy?  What a nice match with Jaylen.
Brian Batko
10:15
Wait, what? Tahj Brooks is indeed a bruiser but he's not 300 pounds, Artie! He's definitely physical despite being 5-9, 214 at the combine, though I assume he slimmed down to run faster. Love the ball security. Just not sure about the big-play ability and that should be a priority for the Steelers in their next RB. But hey, if they wait til Day 3 to replace Najee Harris, Brooks is a solid option.
Chuck for Coopersburg
10:17
With the potential draft capital and the salary cost of acquiring a nonfranchise starting QB, should the Steelers settle for a bridge QB (Winston, Jones...) in 2025 and spend their resources on the DL and OL?
Brian Batko
10:18
I feel like that's probably Plan C or D, Chuck. And you can make the case that'd be good for them in the long run. But in the meantime, it'd be very uninspiring, obviously. Reminiscent of the Raiders giving Gardner Minshew a three-year deal last offseason. I'm still scratching my head over that one.
TVC15
10:19
Hi Brian, Is there any chance that Tomlin gets another extension after these next 3 years? Or will the Steelers let him ride off into the Hall of Fame sunset with playoff wins in just 4 of his 21 seasons as head coach?
Brian Batko
10:21
Well, I imagine it depends on how the Steelers do this year and possibly next year. We all joke about Mike Tomlin essentially having a lifetime contract, but the results on the field have to matter to Art Rooney II to some extent.
wake_up_sleepy-art2
10:22
we have no QB
Brian Batko
10:22
Skylar Thompson erasure will not stand.
Bat’s Bruisers
10:22
Bats, why do all of the so called draft experts still project qb”s or rb”s for the Steelers in the first round, that has no chance of happening in reality does it?
Brian Batko
10:23
This isn't a knock on anyone but national media is rarely going to be as in-tune with the Steelers' draft needs/tendencies/etc. as those of us who cover the team year-round - at least not this early in the process.
Pittfan
10:25
Hi Brian. I'm hoping the Steelers sign Fields simply because he's younger and has pedigree. Frankly, if Russell Wilson was 30 years old I would want him over Fields. My question is, will you or have you written your opinion on what names not quarterback you think the Steelers should pursue in free agency?
Brian Batko
10:25
Not yet, Pittfan, but look for that this week. If not from me, one of our other beat writers will have a free agency primer.
Henry Hill
10:26
TJ, Cordarelle Patterson, Cam Sutton, 4th round pick for Myles Garrett?
Brian Batko
10:26
Don't bet on it.
Tim
10:26
Why no Deebo?
Brian Batko
10:28
Because it would be an affront to James Harrison's Pittsburgh legacy
10:29
Just kidding. Deebo Samuel will have a cap hit of almost $16 million this season. Add to that the Steelers probably see a lot of areas to rebuild this roster through this draft. Add to that Deebo might be washed.
Tom M.
10:29
The Steelers clearly need to address DL since they’ve avoided it for years. I assume first pick will be DL or WR. If their pick comes up and the best DL on their board is 10 spots lower than best WR, do they stick with best available or reach for the DL?
Brian Batko
10:29
I don't entertain hypotheticals.
10:30
Just kidding. That's pretty much entirely what we do here. I'd take the WR in that scenario and think they would too given how much of a need that position is, as well.
Lou
10:31
Brian, what is taking so long with the Steelers QB decision?  If it’s Russ vs Justin, seems like they would have decided long ago. So maybe they are cooking up some big trade?
Brian Batko
10:33
Those two seem to be preferred, based on the Steelers brass public comments and how much they value continuity in the organization. But there are other players out there, there are other teams that could be interested in those two, and so on. It's not a binary decision for either side.
Coach15
10:34
Why so much INK that Steelers will draft WR/QB EARLY, when DL should be top priority---
Brian Batko
10:34
Because maybe they'll draft a WR/QB early
GPT
10:35
What would GM Batko's priorities be this offseason in free agency?
Brian Batko
10:36
Quarterback at the top in a tier all its own, because while I won't stand for Skylar Thompson erasure, he's just a guy. Then cornerback in its own tier. Then re-signing Ben Skowronek.
Atlanta Dan
10:37
Hi Brian Thanks for the chat. Can whoever is signed as the starting QB for next season get any binding assurances that Mike Tomlin and Arthur Smith will open up the offense or, perish the thought, at least give the QB the discretion to audible out of a play.  Or is the standard going to continue to be players play & coaches coach, so any QB who wants to be in an offense that is not run dominant with little authority given to the QB should look elsewhere for a job?
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