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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 03.15.21
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Brian Batko
1:53
Hi everyone, boring start to free agency, eh? I know it's only been a little less than two hours, but not a whole lot of movement, in Pittsburgh or anywhere. Let's go ahead and get this started.
V. Fontaine
1:54
Is it possible that both Mike Hilton and Cam Sutton could leave via free agency? I figured one would leave and one would resign.
Brian Batko
1:55
Yes, I think it's possible, but would still guess at least one returns. Seems like one of the prime areas of the team where Ben Roethlisberger's pay cut can help out.
Joe G
1:55
If all our high priced UFA's get signed by other teams as expected, that must translate into a major haul in compensatory picks for the 2022 draft.  If we lose JuJu, Al, Feiler, Bud, Connor, and Hilton, sign only a few minimum salary bodies from other teams, do you have an idea of what the formula would yield for picks?  You'd have to think this would be at least 2-3 3rd round selections plus others, no?
Brian Batko
1:57
The formula is complex, and it does take into account all 32 teams, and it can't award more than 32 picks for FAs lost, so if a bunch of other teams lose more guys than normal as well, that will factor into it. But sure, as of right now, on paper, you'd have to think the Steelers are sitting pretty for 2022 comp picks. The Cowboys led the way this year with 4, but only one in the third round. Rams and Saints are the only teams with two third-round comp picks.
Eric Carr
1:58
Brian,  I know it would be a negative for me but with the much lower price, would you entertain a reunion with Lev and do you think it's on the teams radar at all?
Brian Batko
2:00
I suppose if the price is right I'd be willing to consider it. It's not like he left here on the same terms as Antonio Brown. But to me, the best way to revamp this run game is a dynamic rookie back with a lot of juice. I'm not sure the man who calls himself Juice has a ton of it left.
Hey, some news fresh off the press: Kevin Colbert agrees to a new one-year contract to stay with the Steelers through NEXT year's draft.
Utah Jim
2:02
I know their deadline isn’t until the start of the season, but why not extend Watt now and free up more cap space? He’s due $10M in salary this year which could be turned into a bonus and spread out over the contract.
Brian Batko
2:03
Not a bad idea, and you're seeing a lot of renegotiated deals/extensions around the league right now, but the guess here is that the Steelers just want to get their ducks in a row for building the 2021 roster first before they move on to what will likely be the biggest they've ever given a defensive player.
Javi
2:04
Hey Bats. If Steelers are under 500 at half way mark of season do you think Ben gets benched so they can at least take strong look at Rudolph and Haskins and consider who the QB of future will be?Or do they just ride all season with Ben no matter what?
Brian Batko
2:05
It's really hard to envision them ever benching Ben. Put me in the "I won't believe it (or predict it) until I see it" camp on that one, same way I was with whether they would cut him this offseason.
CanadianSteelersFan
2:06
Aw yes. Free agency time is soon upon us. The most boring time to be a Steelers Fan. Can you realistically see them signing a free agent Center? I wouldn’t want the Steelers to sign a mid tier player and I’m not sure if they can afford a good one. What route do you see the team taking with this position?
Brian Batko
2:08
Not now that they've signed B.J. Finney. I don't think that addition will preclude them from drafting a center, maybe even in the first few picks, but I do think it probably takes them out of the running for any other vets at that position.
2:09
Plus you gotta keep Pouncey's seat warm in case he decides to come back, right?!
TPHunter
2:09
Hi Brian. I like Al V. as a person and he has been a good LT for most of his career, but isn't it time to move on? Why does this team have such a hard time moving forward?
Brian Batko
2:10
I think they are moving forward, TPH. Seems that writing has been on the wall since before last season, really. They need to get younger on the line, better at run-blocking and, overall, cheaper, which means that's a departure that just makes sense all around. He'll probably get one last hefty contract before retirement.
Jerry
2:12
Wouldn’t it make sense to sign Williamson and cut Williams?
Brian Batko
2:14
Sure, but that's not apples to apples or even Williams to Williamsons. As a guy who has played and been productive in a few different schemes, and is three years younger, Williamson is gonna make more in free agency than Williams anyway. And the Steelers might have to part ways with Vince as is.
Steeler in Virginia
2:15
Many mock drafts (I know, they shouldn't be taken seriously) have no RBs being taken in the first round. If that's the case and the Steelers get their OLine pick at 24, how far would you consider trading up in the 2nd to get one of the three main RBs?
Brian Batko
2:17
Hard to say. I'd maybe wait until the top two go and then try to make a move up high enough in front of the team most likely to want a running back. Because if Javonte Williams is the last man standing, he's not a bad consolation prize at all.
Scott
2:18
Which teams, if any, picking in front of the Steelers are likely to go RB in the first round? It seems likely that at least one of the top 3 will be available at 24. Correct?
Brian Batko
2:20
We'll know more after free agency, but at this point probably the Jets and Dolphins, but they have a lot of other needs too. Maybe the Cardinals?
Veejay C.
2:20
Keep Hilton or Haden?
Brian Batko
2:21
Joe Haden and it's not close for me. An outside corner, even an aging one, is a lot more valuable than a position where you just found one of the best in the game as an undrafted castoff.
Jim
2:22
All the Big Al talk about leaving, do you think he could really stay?
Brian Batko
2:23
Maybe if he tells the Steelers he'll play for free.
marty v
2:24
With Conner's history of injuries, I can't see any team signing him to a large contract.  His best shot may be coming back to the Steelers at an incentive laden contract.  Your thoughts?
Brian Batko
2:25
There aren't many teams with as much of an open competition at RB as the Steelers, but still, that doesn't mean James Conner even wants to be back here. The guy has played in Pittsburgh for the last eight years. And he was born and raised in what could broadly be described as Western Pa. Maybe he wants to see what else is out there!
LivingInMyFears
2:26
Any rumors around the facility regarding inbound FAs?
Brian Batko
2:27
No. But our Gerry Dulac tweeted this morning that the Steelers still have interest in trying to work out something to bring back Matt Feiler, Tyson Alualu, Mike Hilton and Cam Sutton. If you read between the lines, that probably means the rest of the big-name UFAs are all but gone (although I'd still be surprising if Zach Banner doesn't find his way back).
Gregg
2:28
Depending on what happens with free agency, would the Steelers have the salary cap space to afford trading down for more picks?
Brian Batko
2:29
Yeah, I can't imagine that would be an issue, but not sure I'd want to from a pure draft capital standpoint. Filling holes in your depth chart is good, but so is acquiring better talent, which you have a better chance of doing with higher picks. That's just me.
Tbone
2:30
With all the mock drafts I have seen, and all the holes the steelers need to fill and they are up against the salary cap,  would they consider trading down and picking up extra picks??  you drop down 5-10 spots you could  get an extra 2-3 picks in rounds 2-4
Brian Batko
2:32
Again, I think people overrate how the Steelers have ALL these many holes to fill. Uh, as it stands, even with one less comp pick than was projected, they still have eight draft choices. Yes, I know, two are in the seventh round, but that's still enough to get you, say: 1 RB, 2 OL, 1 TE, 1 DB, 1 LB, 1 DL, 1 WR
Latrobe Mike
2:33
I'm not trolling, but I am curious about something - A number of years ago, Lawrence Timmons threw-up on the field during a game.  I'm sure stuff like that happens a bit more than we realize.  Do grounds crews clean that stuff up in-between plays, or do players simply play through it?
Brian Batko
2:33
I don't know, Mike, but I like where your head is at.
Michael Mozart
2:35
Ron Rivera had some positive things to say about Dwayne Haskins. Mostly along the line of that he has the talent and ability but needs to commit and apply himself. Can you think of a player(s) that has done that? For example, first round choices that fail and get cut from the team that drafted them. Afterwards, they take heed of the wake up call and go on to become the player they were protected to be.
Brian Batko
2:37
Cris Carter is probably one of the more famous examples, though he wasn't a first-round pick, because he had some baggage even before the NFL. How about Tommy Maddox? Talk about a late-career rebound.
Jps717
2:38
Talk out there about resign for Big Al.  Why?  He won’t improve the run game.  What are your thoughts on better options at LT?
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