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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 03.16.26
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Brian Batko
2:00
Hey everyone, gonna get the chat started now but we might have to hit pause at some point when Jaquan Brisker arrives here in the Steelers media room. For now, though, have at it.
Stairway to seventh seed
2:01
Brian: by my calculations the Steelers have agreed to just over $70 million of average annual value contracts this offseason before the draft class (which maybe will add $6-8m above replacement) and before Rodgers takes say $15m.  They had $50m of cap space so their spending will be at least $40m more.  Now this can be easily handled by backloading cap charges to kick the can down the road.  Also the media often gives the standard "the cap is going up" rationale for this, but of course it goes up for every team and having more cap space relative to others can give an advantage in future years.  Anyway, do you think this is wise for a non contending team to steal from the future or do you think a big salary dump (like a trade of Watt) is still coming?
Brian Batko
2:03
The Steelers would probably stop you at "non contending team" but wherever you land on that, the piece of the puzzle you're underestimating is the draft capital. It'll be interesting to see how or whether Omar Khan can move resources from this year into next year, but they pretty much maxed out the strategy last offseason.
Fluff
2:04
Are the Steelers going to sign a guard or address in the draft?
Brian Batko
2:05
Both is my guess. And, assuming they sign one, it should probably be a guard who can also play center and back up Zach Frazier at that spot.
Bob
2:06
Why not sign Hoffman to replace Semaelu at OG? Hoffman played for McCarthy with the cowboys and is only 26.
Brian Batko
2:06
Brock Hoffman is still unsigned so it's entirely possible the Steelers will sign him, despite the false alarm late last week.
NC_Fan
2:06
Is it wise to discount picking WR #1? They still need tons of help at the position.
Brian Batko
2:07
No, that would be unwise. I'd say it's a little less likely now that they've made the Michael Pittman Jr. trade but still very much an option, in my opinion.
chuckster502
2:07
who will be the 4th Qb in Latrobe this summer?
Brian Batko
2:07
You, chuckster
2:09
OK folks, Jaquan Brisker just walked in here. I'll be back with you shortly once we talk with him.
2:11
So far, he's said he's willing to play anywhere in the secondary to help the team. Chris Carter asked him about playing deep safety, in the box, slot, etc.
Mountain Gus
2:12
Can you provide us a synopsis of the Brisker conversation?
Brian Batko
2:12
Brisker said he already gets chills thinking about playing at Acrisure Stadium, Renegade pumping, Terrible Towels waving. "I can't wait to play in front of them. It's gonna be amazing."
Sparky in AZ
2:23
All these guys that sign for one year, then get all excited in front of the press, you guys roll your eyes right?  I mean we hear this multiple times every off season now.  Miss the old days,  Drafted here, grow here, stay here.  Versus no one signing more than a year lease.
Brian Batko
2:23
Funny you say that, Brisker just said he views this as even more reason to have a chip on his shoulder, that the Bears let him get away from Chicago.
2:25
Brisker grew up going to Ben Roethlisberger's youth camp, Mike Tomlin's youth camp, and called Tomlin a mentor for him back then. He said he could never afford to go to Steelers games as a kid.
Wide Right
2:29
Brian, which position group do you think will benefit the most from having a new coaching staff?
Brian Batko
2:29
OK, back to our regularly scheduled chat programming. Thanks to Mr. Brisker.
2:30
I'd say it's the inside linebackers. You look at the struggles the Steelers have had at that position, really since Ryan Shazier went down, and at some point it has to at least be somewhat tied to what that scheme was asking them to do ... right?
Takoma Tom
2:31
I like the FA signings so far but no more Rodgers.  At some point you need to develop at QB.  When will that happen?
Brian Batko
2:32
That might be why they keep pumping Will Howard's tires, Tom. The idea that Aaron Rodgers can start again while mentoring Howard on the fly. Not saying it'll work, but at least it's something.
TODave
2:33
Hi Brian. Do you see any remaining signings talking place before the draft and based on this, what position(s) do you think the Steelers will draft in the first two rounds? Thx
Brian Batko
2:34
Yeah, I figure there will be a minor one here and there. Interior offensive lineman is still pretty much vacant on this roster outside of Mason McCormick, Zach Frazier and Spencer Anderson. Need an insurance policy there. As for the first two rounds, my sense as we sit here today March 16 is WR and G in some order.
Tessa
2:36
Hi Brian.  What do you think of the Steelers trading up to draft Kenyon Sadiq?  He’s a good blocker and would have the advantage against most cornerbacks and safeties on pass routes.  Thank you.
Brian Batko
2:36
Hi. I like Kenyon Sadiq a lot but just don't see it as a fit for the Steelers, what with Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington already here.
TorturedFan
2:37
Is Aaron Rodgers that non self aware that he is stringing the Steelers and Art 2 out on a decision? Does he not care about the success of the Steelers.  Why would Art 2 allow this to happen - yet again.  This franchise is not being run by someone who knows what they are doing in my opinion.
Brian Batko
2:38
It's strange, I'll give you that. But to think the Steelers and Rodgers aren't in communication is probably naive. Now, does that mean they've had "progressive talks" as Rodgers put it on the Pat McAfee Show? I'm not even really sure what that entails, but hey, they obviously liked having him around last season. Otherwise, they'd have just gone in a completely different direction.
epiballo
2:39
I fully expected the Steelers to trade up for one of the top WRs, but with all their additions, I don't know if they will trade up or down. What do you think will happen? Trade picks for 2027 picks?
Brian Batko
2:41
Trade down seems kinda wild considering I don't even know how they're gonna use the 12 picks they already have. Now, moving into next year could be appealing, given the on-paper strength and depth of that QB class. And I still would not be surprised if they do trade up for a WR. Personally, I have Carnell Tate and Jordyn Tyson in a tier of their own at the top of this WR class.
Leemarvinwannab
2:42
Stillers are crazy thinking a 6th round draft pick is the answer.
Brian Batko
2:43
Who said they think he's the answer? They say they like him, they want to try to develop him, and maybe if that goes well he can be an answer.
Gary
2:43
Bats how’s the family & how was the weekend sir
Brian Batko
2:44
Hey Gary. The family and I had a nice weekend, thank you for asking. A lot of fun hangs with the neighbors, aunts and uncles and cousins, and we made it through without WiFi for about 48 hours so that's a plus.
JPinVA
2:45
Rather than spending a late pick this year on a QB, would it be worth tossing that pick to the Colts and taking a flyer on Richardson? Risky but with great reward.
Brian Batko
2:47
Sure, you could talk me into that. Of course, the big difference there is contract situation for a 2023 first-round pick versus a rookie in whichever round you grab him in next month. Saw some speculation online that the Packers would enroll Anthony Richardson in the Malik Willis Quarterback Finishing School, which would make sense. And how about Justin Fields getting flipped from the Jets to the Chiefs for a sixth-rounder in 2027?
Seattle Steeler
2:49
Brian...love your chats and the focus you place on the players personal stories. Pittman - great pickup all round.  Great FA signings and hopefully some good rookies come out of the draft. But this team will not be super bowl ready. However, add this year to another great FA and draft next year it could be within reach. Now the question - He's my all-time Steeler top 10. But we will never get close to anything more for TJ than we can right now.  Why not trade and build higher draft options again for next year. We may not get a 1, but maybe a 2+3rd round pick? I think this team can compete with Highsmith and Herberg this year.  I would say it is even more important if AR does not return this year. Convince me why we shouldn't trade TJ.
Brian Batko
2:51
Well thank you, that's mighty kind to say. Hope all is well in Seattle. Rattlesnake Ledge, Carlson Block, lots of great memories when my wife and I visited there a few years back.

As for the case to hang onto T.J. Watt, it boils down to believing that he's still really good. And in his defense, he did make some game-wrecking, game-changing plays last year. Colts, Bears, Ravens interception. But yes, purely from a roster management standpoint, I agree with you that it isn't outlandish.
junior high
2:52
Playing the speculation game: If both Rodgers and  Derek Carr are available (and they are, correct?), who do you sign?
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