You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Christopher Carter's Steelers chat: 03.06.26
powered byJotCast
Christopher Carter
10:06
Alright, just finished today's North Shore Drive podcast and it's  time to chat. Let's get into it.
artie bridge
10:06
Good morning Chris.  Two Steelers supposedly getting ready to test free agency:  Calvin Austin and Kenneth Gainwell.  I like them both.  My questions:  which is likely to draw a bigger offer?  And, who is more important for the Steelers to bring back?  Finally, what would you project as reasonable offers to get them to re-sign?
Christopher Carter
10:08
Good morning!

Answer to both questions in Kenneth Gainwell. Versatile in how you can use him and dangerous at every part of the field. I'd think paying him around Jaylen Warren's rate would be fine -- $7M/year ish, maybe make it $6M/year to show that Warren is still the top guy. Both made a complete RB room so I don't see why bringing Gainwell back should be an issue. I don't think he gets some super number in free agency.
Jeff M
10:08
Hi Chris, Do you think the Steelers are keeping Ramsey to be a slot CB or FS? I really don't see his value at CB. Starting in Seattle last season it became clear he can't keep up with speedy WRs.
Christopher Carter
10:12
I think it's sort of as a flex slot CB to SS. He doesn't have the speed to keep up with the faster outside guys or play sideline to sideline deep safety.

But as an underneath safety who can stuff the run, blitz, and press slot receivers, that makes a lot more sense for where he is. And when a slot isn't there for him, he can take a TE or play as a big nickel/strong safety role.

But that's why I think the Steelers NEED to get a real free safety this offseason. Safety has become a fluid position in today's NFL, but you need one of the people who are being fluid to be good at the deep centerfielder role. And I don't think they have that guy on the roster right now.
Pittfan
10:12
Hi Christopher. I thought it interesting Rodgers said he hasn't been offered a contract by the Steelers yet. Is it possible he's not plan A and the Steelers are controlling the timeline this time?
Christopher Carter
10:21
Hello!

I thought that was interesting as well. But I also thought the most interesting part was when Rodgers said "it takes two to tango," and noted that he really liked this new coaching staff they assembled.

To me, that says the ball is in Omar Khan's court to make a move. Maybe he's waiting to see a few factors play out in free agency and then that ball will get rolling. So, I don't think you're that far off!
Bob Mackenzie
10:21
Christopher Carter you are my dawg!!! I appreciate all the work and time you put in covering my beloved Steelers. With that being said, If we were gonna make a splash in free agency or trade. What position you see Omar trying to plug that he wouldn’t be able to do in the draft? I would really consider safety or cornerback, maybe a defensive lineman. What’s your thoughts on how we should approach free agency vs the draft? Interested to here your take.
Christopher Carter
10:25
What's up Bob!

If you want a splash in FA, how about this: Bills center Connor McGovern. And he wouldn't be brought in as a center, but rather as the new starting left guard. He'll be 29 next season, is 6-5 with good athleticism and is a solid pass protector. If you wanted to get an experienced guard who's younger than Seumalo and can bring the stability, he'll be experienced, athletic, younger, and have the communication skills as a center. He'd also double as your backup center.

Just a thought there for a different kind of splash.
Steeltree
10:25
Chris thanks for the chats. I don’t really see where bringing Roger’s back changes the needle positively for 2026 and certainly doesn’t for future seasons. K Murray while carrying a lot of injury and performance concerns at least has the possibility of solving the QB position if he gets right.  Signing wouldn’t cost any draft capital and minimal cap space   At worst he crashes and burns and we move on. At best he provides an upgrade and stability to the most important position for 5-6 years. I seriously don’t see a downsize other than 2026 could be that 5-12 season which theoretically puts you in position for the 2027 qb draft class.
Christopher Carter
10:38
I think there's an element to bringing Aaron Rodgers back that many people don't see: stability.

When we spoke with players last year, his leadership helped in the development of some of the young players who are making the Steelers' new core. Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones all said that of Rodgers in how he helped them -- as did Dylan Cook.

I get that some people think it would be cool to tank, but that is a major oversight of all the bad things that come with the tanking. Some people may look at the Patriots and think it's easy, but the Patriots had 4 losing seasons and 5 years before this season. That wasn't some short turnaround, and I also don't know that they're perpetually fixed as they had an easy schedule for most of the year.

If the Steelers make the playoffs again this year it wouldn't stop them from getting a quarterback high in the draft the next year. The Chiefs traded up for Patrick Mahomes at the 10th pick when they were the 2 seed in the playoffs that year
Darnell
10:38
Welcome back from the combine Chris.  What was your biggest surprise (good or bad) or takeaway from it?  Thanks.
Christopher Carter
10:44
Thanks!

Two guys who I think really boosted their stocks were Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman and Omar Cooper Jr.

Both seemed like well rounded prospects who had good profiles as prospects. But Thieneman ran a 4.35-second 40-yard dash and Cooper ran a 4.42. Both faster than I thought they'd run.

Thieneman also interviewed well from what I understood and maybe has cemented himself as a first round pick.

Cooper was a player I saw as a second round pick who maybe moved into that first round discussion. He's been a good route runner and makes spectacular grabs -- go back and watch him vs. Penn State. Now he's fast and impressive in interviews? Some team will sign up for that early in the draft.
Dwight
10:44
Last season  Payton Wilson  struggled against the run as an every down linebacker. Given his speed and coverage skills, wouldn’t it make sense to transition him to strong safety?
Christopher Carter
10:53
Few things here.

One, would Payton Wilson thrive in that kind of a coverage role? Where we've seen him thrive is blanketing RBs out of the backfield and TEs. But if you move him further back, does he do that to downfield WRs? I don't know. Maybe explore that in camp, but to me, I'd still be trying to sharpen his run defense before doing that.

He has the frame to be better against the run. I just think he needs to actually use it in a way that makes sense. He needs to play heavier with his hands to get them on linemen faster than they get theirs on him.

I also think the Steelers already have good strong safety types on the roster in Elliott and Ramsey. They need a free safety, and I don't think Wilson is that.
Yuri
10:53
Good morning Chris.  Always look forward to your chats.  Chris, I think many free agents will be reluctant to sign with the Steelers due the uncertainty of the quarterback position.  Your thoughts?  Thank you Chris.
Christopher Carter
10:55
It depends on the position. Maybe receivers, sure.But on defense? I don't think so.

Players go where they're paid. The Steelers have been in quarterback limbo now for basically the entire 2020s and that hasn't stopped them from getting free agents. There's also plenty of bad teams who sign big free agents every year. Biggest thing will be fit and pay.
Lambert58 Fan in Indiana
10:55
Hey CC. Greetings from Indiana. Your take on Cook and Jones at LT for the Steelers. I’m an old OL and I re-watch games mid week just for the OL and DL. Cook is much better technically than Jones. Hand placement, wider base, keeps his butt down. Jones is better than he was but he’s still lazy at times and doesn’t stay with his blocks. I definitely wouldn’t extend Jones. Your take?
Christopher Carter
10:59
Hello!

Former OL myself from the high school days and my father coached it for many years.

Jones is still developing the discipline at LT in his first year playing that in the NFL. Cook's also 4 years older than Jones, so he's had more time to develop those skills.

I actually think the 5th-year option with Jones makes sense when you consider it's a one-year $19M deal for 2027 -- when they have over $150M in cap space --  and that's the going rate for veteran tackles in the NFL.

Heck, Dan Moore is making $20.5M for the Titans right now and he's worse than Jones.

Biggest worry for Jones is that neck injury. If that's serious and he has to miss a big chunk of this season, that changes things. But as of now, sign the 5th-year option, work with him for two years and then see where you're at.

If the problems are still there at 26/27 years old, let him go. But he's young. Wait and see.
Carl in Carrick
10:59
Good morning Chris.  I understand why Brandon Aiyuk is flying under the radar, but do you think the Steelers have any interest in acquiring him? I haven’t heard any health reports on him recently.  Thanks.
Christopher Carter
11:01
I think the Brandon Aiyuk train has left the station. His extension with the 49ers last season makes him a $14.6M cap hit this year, but that jumps up to $41M and $43M the years after that.

And he missed a whole year due to injury? Pass.
Southside Jimmy
11:02
Hey Chris, from what I’ve heard and seen, Miles Killebrew is leaving the Steelers for free agency.   I get the impression that badly injuring his knee on the much maligned Heinz Field is the primary reason for doing so.  Your thoughts?
Christopher Carter
11:05
Yeah it's unfortunate for Miles because he did a good jump as the special teams specialist, but that injury plus the rise of Ben Skowronek and Carson Bruener limited his need. Plus, Killebrew will be 33 next season and there's a new special teams coach.

All that adds up to him being gone. Wouldn't be shocked if he retired soon. 33 years old, 10 years in the NFL and you made first team all-pro for a year? Heck of a career. Not to mention he made around $16.5M while doing it.
The Dude
11:06
Am I the only one who doesn’t think giving Aaron a deadline is silly? He could just say yes, I’m playing next year and then wait until June to really decide if he did not want to come back. The Steelers would have no recourse.
Christopher Carter
11:15
From what I've gathered covering Aaron Rodgers, if you're straight with him, he's straight with you.

I think the Steelers and him have been upfront about how they feel about each other and the Steelers are just waiting to see if anything develops in the offseason that attracts them. If a big target opens up, they change course. But if not, they offer Rodgers, he shows up, and they get to work.
Jack Hambert
11:16
Hi Chris, Any idea why the Steelers are dragging their feet on signing some of their own guys like either Pierre or Samuel or really anybody? And it sounds like no contract offer yet to Rodgers. What is the holdup? Is it possible they’re checking on getting a different QB like Willis or Kyler or Mac Jones before offering Rodgers?
Christopher Carter
11:23
Omar Khan's shown he's going to be patient and let things play out. I think that's what he's doing here. He's looking for potential moves and doesn't want to lock himself into a decision that then keeps him from taking advantage of an opportunity that comes later.

I'd expect Kenneth Gainwell and James Pierre to be back. And Aaron Rodgers as well. Wonder if we'll see some moves this weekend.
Pistol33
11:31
Good morning Christopher!! Who are the names you're hearing that actually might have some fire to the smoke on Wr and Qb??
Christopher Carter
11:34
Don't put much behind any QB names. I foresee the Steelers taking in the draft -- at most -- a day three pick who competes with Will Howard.

If Rodgers doesn't re-sign, maybe they do a short deal with Murray or the newly released Geno Smith and wait for the 2027 class.

Now receiver? I think they really like this draft class and you'll see two picks at the position by the end of the fourth round. Look for KC Concepcion -- a really good route runner -- and a tall WR to work with him.

I'd say Concepcion and Malachi Fields would be an interesting mix.
Rocky Mountain Yunzer
11:35
Is there any chance that the Steelers make a move on one of the other veteran QB's (Murray, Willis, Cousins, etc.)?  If they don't and Rodgers doesn't come back, are they ready to roll w Will Howard as QB1?
Christopher Carter
11:36
If Rodgers doesn't return, I'd bank on them making such a move to get a veteran QB.

The only way I see Will Howard starting next season is if both the starter AND Mason Rudolph get hurt.
John
11:38
Chris there is one guaranteed superstar in this draft. That is Jerimiyah Love from ND. I know the Steelers have other needs but what would you think of trading up to draft him? He can score from anywhere on the field.
Christopher Carter
11:40
I think if the Steelers didn't have major needs at WR and other positions, that would be interesting.

But drafting Jeremiyah Love would get in the way of getting some of the other guaranteed stars in this draft, like Caleb Downs or Sonny Styles. If the Steelers were to spend the capital to trade up to the range where Love would be drafted, I'd expect them to get a star player at a different position.
Jim
11:40
Just when everyone in Pittsburgh thought Nutting was the worst owner in Sports, ARII says hold my beer. Are the Steelers facilities really that far behind all of the other clubs?
Christopher Carter
11:46
We can't be serious here, right?

Bob Nutting has owned the Pirates since 2007. They've made the playoffs 3 times in the 19 years since. They've finished last in their division in nine of those years.

Art Rooney II became President in 2003. He's been the majority owner since 2017. Both periods have been more successful for the Steelers than the Pirates.

Sure, the Steelers' facilities need upgrades and there are issues. But let's chill before we put them in the Pirates category. I'm in my mid 30s and they've only been competitive for three years since I started watching sports as a kid.
Cdub
11:46
What are the chances Gainwell will be back?  Do you think another team will pay him more than the $ 5 million Warren will earn?
Christopher Carter
11:47
I like his chances. They like him, he likes them. It just makes sense. I don't think any team splurges for him and especially if Rodgers comes back, I could see him wanting to stay.
Howey in Florida
11:47
Good Morning, how true and realistic is the talk about the Steelers trading for Brian Thomas Jr?
Christopher Carter
11:48
Good morning!

From what I've heard, the Steelers made a call to check in on Brian Thomas Jr. as did all the other 30 NFL teams. From what I understand, other things would need to happen before a move like that would be considered realistic for the Steelers.
Entmd
11:48
Hi Chris, thanks for the chats! It seems the starter capable options at WR for both draft and free agency are deeper than Dline. Depending on how draft plays out could you see D line as day 1 pick?
Load More Messages
Connecting…