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Christopher Carter's Steelers chat: 02.13.26
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Christopher Carter
11:46
I think they had several bad misses from 2018-2022 and that created problems in the roster, but they've also had plenty of hits that kept the roster afloat. Mike McCarthy will need to be part of keeping up the recent trends in the Khan era.
574 Fan
11:46
Who is more likely back next year - Pierre of Samuel Jr?
Christopher Carter
11:47
I actually think both stand a good chance. Pierre developed in Pittsburgh and it would make sense to keep him for cheap. Samuel was a new body who was solid when he played. Neither should command a big market in free agency and I think keeping them would make sense.

But, a coaching shakeup could change that. Either or both could decide they don't have a home in Pittsburgh anymore and go somewhere else -- and that might especially apply to Pierre. He's worked for years with Gerald Alexander. Maybe he heads to the Vikings with him.
Realist
11:48
Please tell me the Steelers have no interest in the following QBs: Cousins, Murray, Tua, Fields, and Taylor!
Christopher Carter
11:49
I think you can check off Fields, Tavailoa and Taylor.

Cousins and Murray though ... might not be sure there. Murray would require a trade but I could see them taking a shot with him if it doesn't cost much. Cousins might be an emergency hire if Rodgers doesn't return and they don't land Willis or another solid FA vet.
Retire21.
11:51
Seahawks were 60-1 going into ‘25 season. Give me a comp for this season. I’ll say Carolina.
Christopher Carter
11:51
Keep an eye on the Commanders. They were a really good team last year and made the NFC championship game before losing to the eventual champion Eagles. They were off this year with the injuries. But if Jayden Daniels is back and they add to the roster, they could be dangerous.
Soggy
11:51
Good Morning Chris.  As always, thank you for your outstanding coverage of our Steelers!  Kind of a general question, are there any potential free agents (any position) that you think the Steelers should make a serious run at?
Christopher Carter
11:57
Thanks Soggy!

If I'm the Steelers, I'd really be trying to get Alec Pierce -- WR from the Colts. He's another tall playmaker who can get loose downfield and could pair well with DK Metcalf and a high pick in the draft.

I'd also take a look at DT Logan Hall from the Buccaneers. He's a 6-foot-6 inside presence who had a decent 2025, is 2026 years old and is only being forced out of Tampa Bay because they have Calijah Kancey and Vita Vea already lined up there.
GreenfieldGorillas
12:01
Hey Chris Carter, thanks for taking my question. I think Calvin Austin will be a fine #3 wide receiver. Keep him in the slot where he’s not getting pushed off of the line as much and going against top cornerbacks. Everyone talks about Mike McCarthy developing quarterbacks, but can he also developing the receivers? Is Roman Wilson a bad egg who doesn’t practice? Or was it Arthur Smith and Mike Tomlin’s ultra conservative system playing into Roman Wilson’s lack of development and most puzzling Jonnu Smith being converted into a fullback after receiving 800 yards as a virtual slot wide receiver on the Dolphins? Is Aaron Rodgers so difficult to understand his audibles for Jonnu Smith or was it Arthur Smith’s poor play design? Did Jonnu Smith not practice very well? Defensively I like that McCarthy wants to stick with the 3–4 and mention Don capers traditionally had inside linebackers attacking downhill but graham said he likes to mix it up!? Is it gonna look like Dick Lebeau or more Teryl Austin?
Christopher Carter
12:12
I've like Calvin Austin but I haven't seen him become the difference maker I've envisioned him being when he's been given the chance.

I think the Steelers can take guys like him in the draft and also get others with different skillsets. Brenen Thompson of Mississippi State is a receiver with a similuar build who's also got burner speed who I think can get picked in the third or fourth rounds.

As for Wilson, this has been his first full year but it was a bit bizarre. He's an odd case, I'll say that. But I think this should be his prove-it year even if they draft two receivers.

Smith I felt like was forced into the offense at times that didn't make sense. He could be a playmaker, but when it made sense to give Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington more chances, Arthur Smith found ways to get it to his third-best guy in the group.

On Patrick Graham, not putting him in the LeBeau range as that's the elite of the elite. Austin had three straight years of coaching a top 10 defense in the NFL.
12:13
If Graham does what Austin did, I think he'll be good. But they've got to keep giving him new weapons. Safety is a big need this year.
RJT
12:14
I don’t understand the recency bias going on with Rodgers. He was brilliant 5 of the last 6 games of the year, but he was pedestrian against the Texans (who have done that to most QBs they played). AR gave them their best QB play since 2020. Isn’t reasonable to believe he might actually be good if he was surrounded with receivers instead of cast offs like Theilan and MVS?  I don’t see the big deal in bringing him back a year.
Christopher Carter
12:15
I'm with you, RJT. Rodgers was obviously limited in what he could do, but he also saw the field at a level the Steelers haven't seen and made the offense flow. Let the offensive line develop for another year, add a star WR in the draft and a good one in FA and you could have a much better situation.
Br549
12:16
The first thing I would like to say is, I learned a lot from reading your articles and insight into the Steelers and football in general. I appreciate your dedication the facts and figures. I guess the one question I had is if you were in charge of the quarterback situation what would you do. If they had the opportunity to bring somebody in or go with what they already have, what decision would you make. Thank you and have a good day
Christopher Carter
12:22
Thank you! I'm appreciate and happy that you enjoy the work!

I think right now, the options are slim. I'd take a look to see what it would take to get Malik Willis. If he's too expensive because of the market for him, I'd run it back with Rodgers. Not that you're expecting that to make you a Super Bowl contender, but you could use the stability to help you in your journey to develop parts of the roster to get there.

From talking to the offensive line, all of the younger players of the unit said they benefited and felt like they learned faster playing with Rodgers. I believe young receivers you'd draft would say the same. It's not a requirement for this team, but real QB options are slim, and I think he might just be the best option for the cost.
RJT
12:22
Could you tell the people that will Howard is a 6th round pick and has never even taken a snap in a preaseason game!  The hype is ridiculous. Of course the Steelers are gonna say good things about him they drafted him!  They like every player they drafted, hence why they drafted them.  College success is meaningless when it comes to the nfl. Countless QBs have been studs in college and didn’t do anything in the pros or weren’t even drafted.
Christopher Carter
12:24
You and me both. I even was on the side of taking Will Howard in the 4th and thought he was a steal in the 6th. But that was to be a good backup quarterback for years to come, not the saviour.
JT
12:24
This whole Joey Porter thing, where he's calling out Ben Roethlisberger might come back to bite him, and make him look foolish, especially if Ben stays quiet, and doesn't have a rebuttal.  From a professional sense, it wasn't a smart move.  What are your thoughts?
Christopher Carter
12:28
This wasn't the first time Porter addressed the situation. He basically told Roethlisberger and Harrison to respect the fraternity of former Steelers back when Heyward brought Porter on his podcast during the season. He didn't say their names as I think he was trying to not cause too much of a spark, and it died down for a little.

But after a few weeks, the shots at Tomlin and the organization resumed. And I think it miffed several current and former Steelers judging by the reactions. So this time, Porter called both out by name. He pointed out Harrison was cut three times by Cowher and was an overlooked player until Tomlin came in and helped make him a superstar who made over $50M, and that coming at Tomlin saying he's not a HOF coach was ridiculous considering Harrison's best years came from Tomlin.
12:33
As for Roethlisberger, who's called Tomlin out on his show several times for months, Porter's point was that Tomlin and the Steelers have protected all of them over the years and shown loyalty. And that not showing loyalty in return is betraying that protection.

So for them to speak negatively of Tomlin, when he's never done that to either of them -- even when Roethlisberger was throwing 3 interceptions in playoff games before scoring or Harrison was leaving the team mid-season for being out played -- shows a lack of grattitude. Porter aired out some light things that weren't even that heavy about Roethlisberger, like how he wouldn't autograph things for Aaron Smith's family, and how Porter had to pull him into meetings about his leadership.

My thoughts are that Porter basically told them to chill out months ago, they didn't listen, so he got louder about it with them. They wanted to talk on podcasts about things they didn't like, so he did the same.
12:34
I think Ryan Clark said it best yesterday, they need to close ranks and figure this out amongst themselves. Save the bashing for the private group chats and their own channels rather than doing that for everyone to see -- and that goes for both sides of this.
Realist
12:35
It's ridiculous that Watt is being perceived like he's Jarvis Jones.
Christopher Carter
12:36
Correct. It's pretty wild. But some fans start to do that the moment a player isn't a superstar or they feel like they're overpaid. I don't think it's a healthy or accurate way to go about things, but fan is short for fanatic.
Ryan
12:36
Chris what do you think about the season Joey Porter jr had i think he had a good season and i like your grade for him  do they resign either Pierre or Samuel jr i think they should resign Pierre
Christopher Carter
12:38
Thanks for reading my grades!

I like what Porter Jr. did this season and think he's on his way to being a shutdown corner -- if he isn't one already. If he maintains and grows from there, he'll be a pillar of the defense and the team for years to come. I think they could re-sign Pierre and Samuel for not that expensive of a number. Samuel's younger but Pierre was playing better and has been their guy.

Granted, this is a whole new coaching staff, so allegiances might not be the same.
Jim Bow Dean
12:39
Which of these free agent WRs would make the best match with DK: Christian Kirk, Jauan Jennings, Rashid Shaheed, Alec Pierce, or Romeo Dobbs?
Christopher Carter
12:40
I'm more on the train for Alec Pierce as a downfield threat. but I like Christian Kirk as well.

I just think the Steelers could use their high-end draft pick at receiver to be a developed and special route runner who wins combat catches. And then with that guy, who can have two big-bodied WR types like Metcalf and Pierce and that could fit what this offense needs to take a step forward.
obxandy
12:41
Enjoy reading your work, it's very informative. Any free agent NT worth pursuing? How about in the draft? Thanks.
Christopher Carter
12:43
Thanks!

I mentioned Logan Hall, DT of the Buccaneeers, earlier. He's big, was a solid player and could be good veteran depth to add.

But this is also a good draft class to want a DT. Could go early with Peter Woods of Clemson, Kayden McDonald of Ohio State, Christen Miller of Georgia or Lee Hunter of Texas Tech, or mid rounds with Darrell Jackson Jr. of Florida State, Dontay Corleone of Cincinnati, or Tim Keenan III of Alabama.

And I do think they'll want to attack interior defensive line this year considering Heyward was the best player on the defense and he's around at best 1-2 more years.
epiballo
12:44
Hi Chris! Really enjoyed your end-of-season 'stars and skulls' analysis. It showed where the weaknesses exist and must be addressed. With the signing of a veteran QB and with Rudolph and Howard on contract, it makes no sense to waste a draft pick on a QB. Howard fits the description of the 'QB to see what he has' as would a first year QB since he lost his first. Does that track?
Christopher Carter
12:47
Thanks for reading the grades! They're fun to do, and I think a unique/fun way to go about them.

I'm with you on the quarterback situation. I don't see one worth drafting high outside of Fernando Mendoza. I think especially if they sign someone in free agency, the most you'll see from the Steelers at quarterback will be a mid-late day three pick for a camp arm to compete with Howard.
BPOS
12:49
Its unfortunate the best option at QB for 2026 is AR, given he was below average statistically (QBR), and has nowhere to go but down given his age. What QB NOT on the current roster would be the best case scenario. Daniel Jones isn't leaving Indy.
Christopher Carter
12:49
Malik Willis. Granted, I think there's going to be a competitive market for him and I'm not sure the Steelers want to shell out the money it might take to get him when they need to fill other positions and sign key guys to keep.
AG
12:51
Hi Christopher-I'm hoping for the best for all you PG folks, don't know I would do without you guys. I haven't seen any Steeler coaches other than Smith get a gig with any other Pro teams. Further validation for the Tomlin hiring tree?
Christopher Carter
12:53
Thanks AG!

Also, I think you'd need to look again! Karl Dunbar is coaching the Jets' defensive line, Gerald Alexander left the Steelers of his own accord and became the Vikings' DBs coach, Eddie Faulkner is now the Ravens' RB coach and Danny Smith is with the Buccaneers. And those are just ones off the top of my head right here. People are getting hired up, and I think more are on the way soon.
Alex Aukscunas
12:54
What are your thoughts on the McCarthy hiring process?
Christopher Carter
12:58
I thought it was a bit rushed to not do the in-person interviews with Chris Shula and Nate Scheelhaase. There was no sense that McCarthy was going to be poached by someone else, so the rush seemed for forced, at least to me. I think the staff he's put together has a good blend of experience and good backgrounds, so it could work out. But the process for hiring the head coach just didn't make sense.
Southside Jimmy
12:58
Hi Chris.  Do you have a sense that the excitement of the draft in Pittsburgh has diminished because the quarterback draft didn’t live up to expectations and the Steelers may not even draft a quarterback?
Christopher Carter
1:00
Last one before I have to go!

I think the hype around finding the QB of the future certainly put a small damper on it, but there are still so many stars and players in every draft class that draw excitement. With the picks the Steelers have and the players they could trade up for, I think this could be a good year to fill several holes on the roster and find key playmakers who help get the Steelers back to Super Bowl contention.
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