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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 05.20.24
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Brian Batko
2:43
Sure they could, but they won't.
PghFNinCALI
2:43
if J.Fields out plays R.Wilson in preseason, and looks like the guy, Do they start the season with Fields? or do the Trubisky thing all over?
Brian Batko
2:45
Feels closer to the Mitch Trubisky-Kenny Pickett situation than a legitimate competition. I mean, how much will Russell Wilson even play in preseason to realistically cement or risk the starting job? My guess is not enough that'll make Mike Tomlin move off his "pole position" guy.
Takoma Tom
2:46
Cam getting greedy and he’s going to end his career the same way Franco did in 1983.  If he can find another team willing to give him a 3-4 year contract go at it.  Time to move on and get the next man up.  It would be kind of ironic if Cam ended his career in Seattle just like Franco.
Brian Batko
2:47
One big problem with that is the Steelers have struggled to find that next man up. Keeanu Benton's early returns are good. His development could be the X-factor for how the Steelers approach Heyward's future.
Jake
2:48
Hearing some Michael Thomas rumors. At $5 million a year, I think it would be great value for the Steelers, and just hope he stays healthy.
Brian Batko
2:49
If the Steelers could then get a time machine to go back to 2019 this roster would be unstoppable. Even Najee Harris was probably already pro-ready back then.
the real guest
2:50
Brian, The Cam thing is getting weird. The conversation has moved from no haircut in 2024 to big $ extension. That's nuts. They desperately need young studs on the DL.... not an old lion. Your thoughts?
Brian Batko
2:51
Agreed. I even thought it was possible they'd cut Larry Ogunjobi this offseason because of the cap hit and meager production. Kinda tells you how they feel about the backups. Dean Lowry was an under-the-radar signing but he's an NFL dude.
TVC15
2:51
Who is the Steelers head coach in 2027? Is anybody on your radar yet?
Brian Batko
2:52
Cam Heyward?
Diane
2:53
Good afternoon.  I’m wondering if the Steelers have any interest in Justin Simmons.  I know it would be expensive to sign him, but I think it would be worth it.  Thank you.
Brian Batko
2:53
My sense is they would've done that already if they were really interested in a 30-year-old Simmons. But I guess I should note it wasn't until OTAs started last year that they made a move on Markus Golden, so you never know.
TX Pressure
2:54
Not just Cam, but Fields, Wilson, Harris, Muth, Daniels, Moore all in their last year of their contract.  Do you see any getting extensions?  Most of these are wait and see - maybe Muth?
Brian Batko
2:55
Ohhh let's rank it, shall we? In order I think most to least likely for a new deal before the season would be Freiermuth, Heyward, Harris, Daniels, Fields, Wilson, Moore
Jim K in Jax
2:56
Brian you threw me off saying no chat this week due to Memorial Day. I actually thought this was a holiday weekend, but realized yesterday late afternoon it wasn't. Enjoy the upcoming holiday weekend and a breather from the endless NFL offseason...70's and breezy here, hard to beat.
Brian Batko
2:57
Yeah I misspoke last week. My bad, JimK
Jim K in Jax
2:57
Forgot to ask my question. Will the new offensive coordinator help Coach Tomlin with challenges? Will he coordinate from the sidelines or from above? Tomlin clearly could use some input...
Brian Batko
2:57
I doubt that will be in Arthur Smith's job description
artie bridge
2:57
Bats, I don't buy the hand-wringing about our wr corps.  Wilson had an impressive college career at a big time program, Austin has blazing speed, Pickens has more or less established himself as a deep threat.  Plus assorted depth pieces.  What am I missing?
Brian Batko
2:58
Nothing much in my view
Franco
2:58
Hey BB, enjoy the chats. During this NFL downtime, I have an off the field questions. When the team travels  or during training camp, do the payers still share rooms? In the business world that would never happen, so why would teams expect large men to share small spaces?
Brian Batko
2:59
In camp, many players share suites, I believe. Not so much tiny, cramped two-bed rooms. As for on the road,  pretty sure they have their own rooms.
Richy
3:00
Is it premature for Steelers to be looking at next year’s potential free agent QBs and possible QB draft class?  They seem to be making decisions to clear a lot of cap space for next season.
Brian Batko
3:00
Not at all. That's exactly what your scouting department is paid to do. Interestingly, I've already seen some of the top analysts suggesting that next year's QB group won't be nearly as good as this year's. Steelers can't seem to align their QB needs with what the draft has to offer (though it's early to surmise that).
Kevin
3:01
Which of our picks round 4 or later/UDFA do you think will have the biggest impact this season ?
Brian Batko
3:02
I don't know if he'll make the biggest impact, but don't sleep on 6th-rounder Logan Lee being part of the DL rotation. He's someone I find myself forgetting about too often.
Lou
3:02
Thoughts on Michael Thomas as WR2?
Brian Batko
3:02
For the right price, bring him aboard
Bulldog
3:03
Do we start all over next year looking for a qb?
Brian Batko
3:03
Depends how Wilson-Fields 2024 ticket plays out. Nothing would surprise me that way.
OK folks, I'll talk to you all in two weeks on here. Mailbag(s) in the meantime and plenty of OTAs coverage, OK? Have a great rest of the week and hopefully a long weekend.
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