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Christopher Carter's Steelers chat: 05.01.25
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Mike from MD
11:12
Hi Chris,  I really like the draft picks,especially on the DL but I still question the defensive and overall coaching on the team.on the team. Definitely need a change of the defensive coaching staff. Why can't Tomlin hand over the reins to Austin or if Austin is not up to par, another defensive coordinator? Tomlin, if he stays, should be head coach and head coach only.
Christopher Carter
11:17
I think the Steelers' defense's biggest issues have been personnel on the interior. They've been beat up a lot there and it causes issues to spread from there.

Despite that, the Steelers have been a top 10 scoring defense for 3 straight seasons and 5 of the last 6 seasons.

The Steelers' defense needs work, but I don't think it's as much about the schematics as it is about having a stronger interior presence and better cornerback play. The loss of Stephon Tuitt has been masked well, but still an unresolved issue.
Edog
11:19
Hey Chris , saw report where Dunbar noted they intend to keep Benton at NT.  Does this not make any sense after drafting Black and Benton showing last yr he is undersized in that spot and pushed around.  Captain obvious says Benton better suited to rotate in to spell Cam and Harmon.  Thoughts?
Christopher Carter
11:26
I thought that was interesting for sure as I was in the room when he said that. Benton has the potential to be a good nose, but does need work. I think this might signal the Steelers think Benton has room to grow into this role a bit more.

Remember, DTs grow a bit later than others. It took several years for Cam Heyward to become THE Cam Heyward we know today. That's my only thought behind what could be the issue with Benton and the nose role. I think Harmon's more of the rotating guy like Heyward, which maybe influences their plan for Benton to be there.

But he HAS to be better against double teams. Ravens abused him in the playoffs there.
Steeltown
11:26
Hey Chris, is it really Will Howard's combine performance that has everyone tentative because his measureables, big stage success, mobility, etc, all seem great. I'm optimistic we may have the steal of the draft. You?
Christopher Carter
11:32
There's a chance he's a steal! But I think it's more so that Howard's resume was more-so built on his playoff run. Without that, I think he would've been even lower. But, I do like him as a prospect!
Mark in Buffalo
11:32
Excluding QB, for the projected starting roster, what positions or which players are the Steelers still weak?  i.e. what position/player is on the low end of being starter quality compared to the rest of the NFL?
Christopher Carter
11:33
I'd say cornerback is still a big question and the OL still needs to improve itself. They may have the players in posititon already with prior picks, but they need to prove it this year. Need to see Broderick Jones, Joey Porter Jr., Mason McCormick, Troy Fautanu all to show their worth soon. (Fautanu gets a break after missing last year.)
marty
11:34
Since #12 isn't officially retired, do you think they will give that number to Rodgers?
Christopher Carter
11:35
They better not. Terry Bradshaw is too much of a legend and his jersey should be retired. Give him 8, 10, whatever. But don't touch 12.
Turk in MD
11:35
Hi CC.  Thanks for chatting with us.  On the podcast, the topic of Benton playing NT instead of Yahya came up. Is Benton a long term NT or 3 tech?
Christopher Carter
11:36
I view Benton as a 3-tech, but maybe the Steelers see him differently! I think Benton could grow into a nose role, but it's also possiblle the Steelers are hoping to make their nose tackle out of a player who can also rotate around the line. Tomlin said the position is a dying animal.
Turk in MD
11:37
Yes, the team is confident Rodgers will sign. Forgive my pessimism. If he doesn’t, who most likely joins the QB room - Cousins, Wentz, etc?
Christopher Carter
11:38
Wentz is available, but personally, I'd try to find a way to Joe Flacco. Even it's a 6th round pick. I'm not touching Cousins.
Turk in MD
11:38
I think the OL will take a major step forward this season, Jones included. Thoughts?
Christopher Carter
11:39
I think so too. The OL takes time to grow together in all situations. Look back at how David DeCastro chop blocked Maurkice Pouncey's knee into oblivion in the season opener of 2013 when they were a young, developing duo.

Now, you hope that doesn't happen again. But that was a disastrous scenario that ended up being an elite unit. Can see this group working out.
Alan in Bama
11:40
Good morning Christopher, looking ahead, if the Steelers sign TJ to a Miles Garret type $$$ and Pickins exits by trade or FA, what does the 2026 salary cap look like?
Christopher Carter
11:50
Morning Alan! T.J. Watt should sign such a deal, but even so, they could do that AND keep Pickens.

Let's say TJ Watt signs a $41M/year deal and that pays out on average (it won't, but let's do that just for the sake of the argument.)

That leaves the Steelers with $72.6M in cap space next season, not adjusting the for the insane inflation rate we've seen with the salary cap. I could see them signing Pickens for aroudn $25-30M and still having space to make other moves if they so choost to.

They're in a really good place for the cap.
Barry in Md
11:50
QB plan for next year. What if not 4-13. What if those who are need qbs and aren’t trading. What if other average teams make better offers. Then what. What if Arch isn’t as good as grandpa or uncle Payton
Christopher Carter
11:53
I don't have the Steelers going after Arch Manning.

I think there will be 4-6 legitimate first round quarterbacks available. And with that, there about 6 teams total who could be seeking quarterbacks.

Again, they don't need to get inside the top 5. They've moved up to the top 10 for a linebacker, they'll find a way to do that for a franchise quarterback.

Will other teams compete in the trade market? Sure. But they're amassing the draft stock with comp picks to justify trading their natural 2nd and 3rd round picks away for good return. Only the Rams/Browns have multiple first round picks so I don't see it as THAT much an obstacle.

Remember, several quarterbacks have become franchise quarterbacks despite not being the top quarterback picked AND not being inside the top five picks. It's very doable.
Soggy
11:53
Good Morning Chris.  I enjoyed the PG's draft coverage/podcast. Thank you & the team. Do you genuinely think AR will sign with the Steelers?  His playing window is short and I think he will wait for training camps to open to see if he can land with a better team.  Thank You
Christopher Carter
11:55
I do think Rodgers signs. Just think he's taking his time for whatever reason. I will not pretend to understand what's going on with his side of things.

But what I do understand is this team feels it's built to run with either Rodgers or Rudolph as the starter and that either would simply be a short term option as they plan to make a big move at quarterback next year.
Stephen A. Smith
11:55
Hi Christopher. Bruce Arians said he didn't worry about measurables when it comes to QBs. He judged them based on how they handled adversity. He named his pupils Manning, Luck and Brady as examples (I didn't see Ben's name but it could have been editing). Mike Tomlin said they chose Howard because of how he handles adversity. Do the Steelers have their next franchise QB?
Christopher Carter
11:57
The way I look at players is I try to give each player the benefit of the doubt they could be THE guy, but also not letting that benefit of the doubt impact my personal evaluation of their skillsets.

Will Howard COULD be that guy with the way he carries himself. But he has to check more boxes when it comes to decision making, on-field execution and understanding things at the NFL level before I put him there. He also really just had the playoff run to justify his pick. If it was a whole season of dominance, I'd be more onboard with the idea he's the next franchise QB.
Butcher
11:57
What is the point of signing Robert Woods to a 1 year contract? Does the offense need a "veteran presence" in the room with DK there?
Christopher Carter
11:58
I think he's a veteran option for if Roman Wilson doesn't work out and Cavlin Austin gets hurt. He also could be trade insurance in case the team does move on from George Pickens (I see that as a lot less likely now though.)
34russellhof
11:58
Dulac said yesterday "the last thing they needed in this draft was OL". It's too late now, but I go with the Eagles and Matt Williamson reasoning that you take at least one OL and DL every draft. Doesn't have to be a top 3 pick. Offensive Tackles command lots of money. So keep drafting and you could hit.  (Dan Moore). Your opinion?
Christopher Carter
11:59
I did think they'd address the OL somehow in this class, but I think the lack of a second round pick might've impacted that. If they have that second rounder, maybe they still end up with their RB and they get a guard or tackle on day 3 of the draft.
J D
11:59
Chris, are you surprised that Pickett was let go by Philly to Browns who now said they are not taking up his 5th year option?  What are teams thinking of his talents or lack of them?
Christopher Carter
12:08
Not surprised. Kenny Pickett didn't do well enough in Philadelphia despite their Super Bowl. I think he's just not been able to make as many NFL throws and that's why he's on his third team already.
Pittfan
12:08
Hi Christopher. If Rodgers comes in or Mason ends up starting, can Howard show enough in OTAs, camp and preseason to stop the Steelers from taking a QB in the 1st round next year?
Christopher Carter
12:09
Tough to see that happening. Unless a 2019-like season happens, Howard will be stuffed down the depth chart and not get a chance to shine.
J D
12:24
Chris, were you surprised of the Browns taking 2 QBs in the draft and who they took?  Their thought processes are bizarre!  Your thoughts.
Christopher Carter
12:25
Very surprised. And even more so that Dillon Gabriel was one of them. Don't think he was even a 5th round quarterback. I don't see what they're doing.
J D
12:25
Chris, do you think the Steeler’s regret not giving more to Fields now that their QB room is the worst in the NFL?
Christopher Carter
12:35
Eh, I do think it wouldn't have hurt to throw another $5M/year on the deal, but it's also possible they didn't think he'd go with the Jets' crazy situation.

But I also don't think Fields would preclude them from selecting a first round quarterback next season unless he went OFF this year.
Pittfan
12:35
Hi Christopher. The Ravens had 11 draft picks and signed 21 UDFAs. They already have a loaded roster. Is having that many new people around a distraction? Or is it because of their solid veteran roster they can devote time to the newcomers and mine for gold?
Christopher Carter
12:39
I think it's more so about them having that many roster spots to fill. They're paying several guys BIG money.

They're fine this year, but next year, here's some of the cap numbers on their top players:
Jackson: $74.5M
Madubike: 30.9M
Smith: $28.7M
Hamilton: $18.6M

They've missed at enough positions that they didn't feel the need to pay for keeping lesser players, so they're trying to find those right pieces to fit the roster and complete a team that's been on the cusp for 5 years now.
Mfinn
12:39
When he was OC at Tennessee, Smith made Tannehill a Pro Bowl QB. Leaving Mr Rodgers out of the matter, which of the other quarterbacks would be up the Tannehill standard in terms of the run threat? Tannehill had been a WR in college.
Christopher Carter
12:40
Howard is the better athlete over Rudolph but is going to take time to build up to an NFL quarterback. Rudolph isn't slow and CAN run, just not very well.

I think either could work in that regard. But I also think them getting a quarterback next year who CAN run and be a franchise QB would be huge.
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