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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 07.27.20
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Lloyd have Mercy
12:44
Any chance they bring Barron back on the cheap? From what I've heard he's still available.
Brian Batko
12:44
Nah I don't think so. He is still available. But every indication is that the Steelers like their ILB corps enough to roll with it and see what happens. Vince Williams back to a bigger role, it would seem.
Sunner in the sunshine
12:45
Hilarious Pirate questions Brian! Folks this is a STEELER CHAT!  LOL! With the potential virus numbers being high, can the NFLPA and the NFL renegotiate the roster size as I think the positive tests are going to be in the 20's at any one time during the season putting a bunch of potential starters out for weeks at a time.
Brian Batko
12:46
Luckily I paid at least a little bit of attention to the first Bucco series. Anyway, the rosters already are expanding by two spots on game days this year. And practice squads are going up to 16, which will provide a deeper pool of replacement players. All good ideas, I think.
Chuks
12:47
So if I blew the scouts away with my tremendous upside, shouldn’t I have made a contribution by now?
Brian Batko
12:49
Yes. But instead, Matt Feiler proved to be a diamond in the rough. I won't think too much of Zach Banner getting TE snaps over you, because when push came to shove to start a game in 2019, you got the nod against the Rams. Now, though, your time is here. Unless of course the team keeps Feiler at RT. Then maybe it's July 27, 2020 and we're talking about whether you can replace Al Villanueva at left tackle.
Indy Steel
12:50
Good afternoon Brian. Up to this point Stephon Tuitt has only been an average player, granted with tremendous upside. Do you think this will be the year that he breaks out and plays a full year? If he doesn't break out and play a full year, do the Steelers begin looking forward to replacing him via draft next year and or making him a backup when his contract expires? I would love to see Stephon Tuitt flourish and become the dominant player, I know he can be.
Brian Batko
12:51
I wouldn't say he's been average. Especially the beginning of last season, he was looking like an All-Pro. But then he got hurt, and to me, that durability has been his biggest issue, much more so than talent/production/potential. That said, it is a business, and teams are always looking to get younger and cheaper if they can. So, sure, be on notice if 2020 doesn't go well and an unexpected contributor emerges.
Alan in Nashville
12:52
Hi Brian. I know it’s almost a crime to say this but while I agreed with the Minkha Fitz trade, I do believe he was slightly overrated. He had a lot of balls bouncing his way those first few games (and he took advantage, unlike other players they’ve had) and that dried up a bit. I know, they stopped throwing his way, which I think is also an overrated concept. All that being said, it seems like circumstances surrounding the whole thing make this trade look better and better. Miami paid the signing bonus, 3 years of contract, knowing your #1 pick, the limitations related to COVID and these other trades, this looks like a great one. What do you think?
Brian Batko
12:53
Agreed that it looks like a great trade. But I also thought that at the time, too.
Guest
12:54
I see that 15  teams are already sitting above a $175,000,000 in cap spending (possible) for next year.  Do you know if any provisions are being made at the team or league level for this situation?
Brian Batko
12:55
I'm sure the Steelers front office is always trying to think of new ways they can restructure deals, shed salary, etc. Especially as long as they have a franchise quarterback that can help them compete for a Super Bowl.
Scrub
12:55
Have you noticed everyone excited about Cam Newton vs Ben in their return.  Both coming off injury. Why the fanfare for Cam and none for Ben at leat nationally
Brian Batko
12:55
New team for Cam, and an objectively intriguing situation with Bill Belichick and the Patriots, who have known nothing but Tom Brady for two decades (save for that one year with Matt Cassel).
Randy F
12:55
Is this new guy really going to give me advice on new plays and play calling? Is he aware that I have friends in high places?
Brian Batko
12:56
Oh boy, we really are getting close to Steelers season, aren't we? Thanks for dropping in today, friends. Ray Fittipaldo and Gerry Dulac are back from vacation, so more chats await! Have a good one.
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