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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 03.09.26
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Pittfan
2:24
Hi Brian. The Steelers now have 2 X receivers. Does this open the door for Roman Wilson to take over the slot?
Brian Batko
2:26
Hoo boy, who knows what to make of Roman Wilson anymore? In theory, he's an ideal player to run out there alongside Metcalf and Pittman. My main issue with him when they drafted him was would he be a slot-only option, and I can't say he's done much to alleviate my concern there.
Jim Bow Dean
2:26
Pierre got a relatively small contract from the Vikings and only slightly more the Steelers gave Samuel. Are you surprised they didn’t sign both?
Brian Batko
2:27
No, I figured it'd be one or the other (or neither). Remember they still have Brandin Echols, Jalen Ramsey, and Joey Porter Jr. looks deserving of a hefty new deal between now and Week 1. Add in a potential rookie, and that's a perfectly fine cornerback corps.
Rooney
2:28
Good trade for another big receiver. They still to draft a WR and hope Wilson can fill a role. I think best player available in their needs now in the first round    
like Corner or DT or OT/OG. Agree? Thank you !
Brian Batko
2:28
One prospect who has me liking him more and more the more I look into him is Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman.
Jabba
2:29
I'm hopeful and excited to see Kaleb Johnson get more opportunities. Do you think there is still a chance for him to be a steady 1st and 2nd down option, or do you foresee another investment into the RB position in the draft?
Brian Batko
2:30
There better be, Jabba, or that's a waste of a premium pick. If he was in Mike Tomlin's dog house, perhaps this new offensive staff will give him a clean slate and like what they see. But I also don't think it'd hurt to use a Day 3 pick on another guy there. I'll probably be saying that a lot as long as they have 12 choices at their disposal (which could change between now and 4/23, of course).
MBarski
2:31
Brian, who is the odd man out (for our top 3 edge rushers), knowing that Nick wants more playing time. TJ, Alex or Nick?
Brian Batko
2:32
Well I don't envision Nick Herbig eclipsing either of the starters, but they might be able to take care of him with an extension anyway if they really get creative and shed salary elsewhere.
martian
2:32
Hey Bats, any word if the Steelers are targeting and OL/DL in free agency or via trades? Love the Michael Pittman pick up!
Brian Batko
2:35
Adding veteran help on the lines would be a logical move, yes. You've got guys in place to start just about everywhere, many of them young and on rookie deals, but depth is needed too with the likes of Isaac Seumalo, Calvin Anderson, Andrus Peat, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Daniel Ekuale, Dean Lowry possibly moving on.
Jersey JR
2:36
let Broderick Jones hang around this year as a Swing back up and then let him walk. It seems like a bad first round pick on a guy who seems uninterested and competing and getting better. Agree?
Brian Batko
2:38
It doesn't look like it's gonna be a good first-rounder in the long run, but accusing him of not wanting to compete or get better seems like a stretch. He just didn't improve as much as you'd have hoped for the 14th overall pick. The neck injury now makes it even tougher on him. So yeah, I agree that I wouldn't invest in him beyond this year given what we know now, but I don't necessarily agree that he was uninterested or anything like that.
Tim from Canada
2:39
Jamel Dean CB to Steelers
Brian Batko
2:41
Indeed, as we come down the stretch of the chat I'm now seeing the Steelers agreed with Bucs CB Jamel Dean for 3 years, $36.75 million. Probably pretty close to the going rate for someone who's 29 and has become a proven starter with Tampa Bay.
ericjones4611@gmail.com
2:43
What do you think about the Dean pickup?
Brian Batko
2:44
So their outside options now are Joey Porter Jr., Jamel Dean, Asante Samuel Jr., Brandin Echols and, I suppose, Jalen Ramsey. But you'd have to think this further signals Ramsey to slot/safety full time, maybe Echols to the slot full time.
SbaileylandNC
2:44
I hope they package a few picks to move up and get a difference making defender
Brian Batko
2:46
Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs are blue chip guys in this draft at inside linebacker and safety, respectively.
George T
2:46
Brian, let’s hope the Steelers do not go after K Murray.  He too short to be a franchise QB. He can not see over the line to see what the defense is doing.  We need to wait until next year for a franchise QB.
Brian Batko
2:47
A 67.1 career completion percentage isn't bad for not being able to see receivers over the line. I hear you, George, but I sorta think the hate has gone too far on Murray. He's still an electric playmaker, too. Not sure he's the right fit here, though.
Mago
2:47
Tomlin was so resistant to draft a true NT.. might McCarthy think differently?
Brian Batko
2:48
He might, yes. Him and DC Patrick Graham, although Omar Khan has to see the value in that type of player and Andy Weidl has to find the prospect(s) they like.
epiballo
2:49
Hi Brian! Thanks for the chats. I am sure this will be asked by many, but just in case, what are your thoughts on the Steeler moves thus far, especially trading for Pittman. No one saw that coming.
Brian Batko
2:49
Yeah I don't think I saw his name floated very much, if at all, amid the endless speculation over the last however many days, weeks, months.
ElderCmar
2:50
Hi Brian.   Are the Steelers looking more at later round QB prospects,and does one stand out as a possibility? I like Cade Klubnik from Clemson, based on his preseason analysis, and his performance at the combine.. His arm strength and throws seem more suited to NFL play, and I wonder if Clemson as a whole must had a down year in 2025.. Thanks..
Brian Batko
2:51
I believe they are, yes. All things being equal, I'd put Cade Klubnik, Drew Allar, Garrett Nussmeier in a similar tier. Then maybe the wild card types such as Taylen Green and Cole Payton.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
2:51
Is it penny wise and pound foolish not signing Gainwell to a 2-year 14 mil contract? I know he would be paid more than Warren but not THAT much more for the Steelers MVP last year!
Brian Batko
2:52
Right. And he can basically be a slot receiver for you, too. Maybe they feel like he was an Aaron Rodgers quick game merchant to some extent, Sunner. But I am a little surprised.
Zamo
2:52
Tomlin hand picked so many free agents and loved the older guys. Let’s hope this new regime does/sees things differently.   Thanks for all you do BB!  Cheers buddy.
Brian Batko
2:54
Thanks, Zamo, you too my guy. Indeed, we will see. Keep following along with us as we track the fee agency moves, both online with our written content and over on the YouTube/podcast channels. Have a nice week, everyone.
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