Christopher Carter's Steelers chat: 05.21.26
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Christopher Carter
10:03
We switched it up this week with a Thursday chat. Let's get into it!
Tom M.
10:04
You had a good article about Bernard. He sounds like he’s ready to get down to business. The Steelers have had issues with diva WR’s. Can you tell yet if the new staff will no longer tolerate that? Bernard and Pittman are new to the team but I’m still a bit concerned about Metcalf.
Christopher Carter
10:09
Thanks!

I don't think this is as much a new staff thing as much as it's been a front office thing for years now. Omar Khan's first big move was to get rid of Chase Claypool in 2022 (still wild they got Joey Porter Jr. for that). Then he traded away Diontae Johnson in 2024, and then George Pickens in 2025.

In the past 13 months, they acquired DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. -- two established veterans who show up early, work hard and leave late. And now they've drafted Germie Bernard as a receiver who by all accounts in college was a high character player.

They couldn't do it all at once as they were also rebuilding the offensive line and taking on other projects, but you can tell the organization as a whole made it a mission to shift the WR core to more locker room-centric players.
Scott via Louisville
10:10
Is it likely we add a veteran w/r for depth. Right now our rookie is likely to be on the field as 3rd receiver. That leaves Wilson, who has serious  issues last year as the only back up. We are an injury away from last years situation.
Christopher Carter
10:14
First, I do think this team adds a veteran wide receiver at some point. Now as for the quality of the veteran, I'm unsure. Could be another Adam Thielen type, but maybe they'd look at a free agent like Deebo Samuel who's still looking for a new home?

But I don't think this is like last season. Once DK Metcalf went down, they didn't have a player who could legitimately take on the WR1 role. Now, they have a second player like that in Pittman. And who knows, maybe Germie Bernard becomes a serious enough threat as a rookie to be a high value WR2.

I do agree they could use one more player, as they can't bank on injuries to not happen, and Roman Wilson hasn't shown enough in the past two years to say he'll be reliable when called upon. But, maybe he'll surprise some people in this new offense.
Realist
10:14
Would you explain to those who don't seem to understand the vast difference in NFL vs. college football why it's so difficult to evaluate how college QBs will do in the NFL?
Christopher Carter
10:24
The NFL is just that much more of a faster, more complex game than college. Top QBs in college -- even when facing tough defenses -- mostly are facing a majority of guys who wouldn't even be draft picks on any given day.

And the defenses in college are not as complex when it comes to disguises and the detail that's required to run at an NFL level.

Colleges also don't focus on developing quarterbacks for the NFL as much as in the past. There's a simplification of the game in college to focus on winning at that level that doesn't always transcend to the NFL. I think that plays a big role in the lack of QB development in the pros.

But also, it's just a VERY hard position to play. There's so much to account for on every single snap. And with how college football is played, it's difficult to evaluate how a player would handle NFL challenges at that level.
Tampa Too
10:24
Chris. Who do you think are going to be the three quarterbacks on the final roster this year after preseason. In other words who is out?
Christopher Carter
10:27
There are a number of ways this plays out. Obviously all of them involve Aaron Rodgers at the top.

Let's eliminate the idea of an injury happening that makes this an easy choice.

I think this comes down to whether Will Howard can look like he's ready for the QB2 role or not during training camp. If he does, look for Mason Rudolph to get traded to a team that's missing a QB2 or has a QB injury somewhere in the NFL -- probably for a late round pick swap.

If Howard doesn't look ready, maybe they find some way to stash a QB on the IR. But in no way do I see them cutting Drew Allar, and I have a hard time seeing them do the same for Howard unless he's just that bad in camp/preseason.

I think right now, Rudolph's path is the slimmest of the three backups.
Realist
10:27
It seems to me if any of the QBs is traded it would be Rudolph, for a 6th or 7th (unless he asks to be released so he can sign where he wants)?  If Howard is the odd man out, barring injury, he would be cut?
Christopher Carter
10:35
I think you and I are on a similar wavelength here. I think Howard *could* be cut, but it would be unlikely in my opinion since they like him as a young quarterback who's developing.

I think the Steelers would be able to work a trade for Howard or Rudolph, as quality depth at QB is a need on a lot of teams.

But it could be harder to do if Howard has a rough camp/preseason. He was a 6th round pick, so he has a decent amount to prove. Granted, the Steelers did once get a 5th round pick for Josh Dobbs.
chuck Mac
10:35
Can you envision Troy at LT, Mason LG, Zach, with Gennings at RG and Max at RT starting the season?  Sooner we get them together and getting their rhythm the better?   Jones seems like a BU on his last legs.
Christopher Carter
10:43
I don't think you'll see that to start the season. Personally, I think Gennings Dunker and Max Iheanachor are going to take a little longer to get solidified in their spots.

I wouldn't be surprised if you saw Broderick Jones as the starter on week 1 if he's healthy. He was trending upwards before his injury and he seems ready to get right back at it whenever he's medically cleared. Dunker is going to take time to adjust to guard, and I think Iheanachor will take some time to adjust to the NFL as well.

Even if Jones can't go right away, I wouldn't be shocked if Spencer Anderson and Dylan Cook were the right guard and right tackle to open the season.
Tom M.
10:43
With all of the changes at the PG, it looks like you might be spending more time covering Pitt sports. Are there other areas you will also be covering? I’m glad you still find time to do the film studies which are always very good. But, how do you find time to do all of this?
Christopher Carter
10:47
We're still figuring that out! I still have contacts at Pitt so I'm more than happy to help there which is why I've already written some pieces there as we make adjustments. I think we'll have a more sturdy plan on all my roles soon.

As for how do I find the time, I've been asking myself that for a few years now. Still plan to do the film studies, grades, podcasts, live chats and coverage on the Steelers. Just need to see how we can work as a team to still cover important aspects of sports in this town.
BH
10:49
Hi.  In the few pictures I've seen of Jones this week he seems a bit thinner.  Has he lost significant weight and strength in his recovery?  If yes, does he really have enough time to gain in back before the season starts?  He seemed to have trouble with bull rushes when he was 'healthy'.
Christopher Carter
10:51
He does look slimmer. I do think getting full strength back will be part of his recovery process. But you'd be surprised how quickly that can happen for NFL athletes. I think the bigger question will be when does *that* process begin. Because if it's not until the middle of training camp, that could be an issue. But if he can start focusing on his strength say in late June? Then he should have time to be back and ready to go sometime during camp.
BeaverFallsKid
10:51
Hi Chris. How do you assess the 2026 Steelers’ ability to get the ball downfield in the passing game? Will things like a familiar offensive scheme, better receivers, a better running game bring more explosiveness to the passing game?  Can this O line decrease pressure on AR, give receivers more time to get open and allow AR to see the field better? While sack totals were not terrible in 2025, AR was under constant pressure, limiting intermediate and deep passing availability. What is your assessment of the passing game for 2026?
Christopher Carter
11:05
Hello!

I think this group stands a decent chance to be more explosive than they have been for some time.

Particularly because Aaron Rodgers still has an impressive arm that can hit deep targets and their receivers are a more complete unit than they've been in years.

I do agree with you that protection will be a significant factor to make this a consistent threat. It's possible for the Steelers to be an exploisve passing offense -- SumerSports ranked them in the top 10 among explosive passing offenses in 2024.

But Rodgers will need time and defenses will need to fear multiple receiving threats to give him one-on-one opportunities. And even then, the Steelers' targets will need to win the chances they're given. If Calvin Austin catches the bomb from Rodgers in the second half against the Texans, or DK Metcalf doesn't drop a wide open big pass in the first half, that game probably goes a completely different direction.
11:06
Rodgers' lack of mobility and age does limit him. But not from making big throws -- at least yet. They have to protect him and develop a balanced attack that opens up those shots for him.
Pittfan
11:06
Hi Christopher. I was initially against Rodgers coming back in order to find out what the young guys can do for a year before the potentially good crop of 2027 QBs entering the draft. I now like the idea of the Steelers not tanking while giving the young guys a year under Rodgers and McCarthy. Next year whether we like it or not will probably be with a young QB who hopefully will have gained valuable experience from Arod and MM. And even if they draft a 1st round QB next year they would probably prefer he sit a year.
Christopher Carter
11:08
Hello!

This has been my sticking point for a while now. The Steelers can still trade up and get their QB of choice in this draft even if they actually win a playoff game or two this season. If anything, give Howard and Allar time to learn the offense, develop and learn how Rodgers approaches the game, then see where they are next year.

A QB room with year 3 Howard, year 2 Allar and a rookie first round pick would make for a fun training camp next season.

And if the team's offensive line, WRs, TEs and RBs are all developed, they'd be in a much better position to support a young quarterback instead of needing them to do the heavy lifting on the offense.
Mark in Buffalo
11:12
OTA's are the beginnings of installing what the McCarthy Steelers will look like in the fall.  Acknowledging that they are experimenting and feeling things out with the players on the roster, with your expertise in the details of the X's and O's, what inclinations, tendencies, focus, or hints might you be picking up on for the long-term plans?  Love your work.
Christopher Carter
11:18
Thanks!

I think you're going to see a much heavier lean into the passing attack, and one that favors their receivers a lot more as well.

Much of what the Steelers did to win on the passing attack depended on setting up DK Metcalf to get one-on-ones, which wasn't always easy because opponents were doing everything they could to disguise how they'd do it. Metcalf and Rodgers both told us as much last season.

What I think happens this year is that with Pittman and Bernard, there will be more concepts that put defenders in conflicts where it's not as obvious who the primary target could be for Rodgers.
11:21
For example, a smash route concept aims to put a cornerback in flat/underneath coverage on a sideline into a conflict between a receiver on a deeper corner route and another receiver on flat/quick out/hitch/arrow route.

Before, it'd kind of be easier to emphasize who to take away because Metcalf was THE primary threat of the WRs. But now, defenses have to make harder choices with Pittman and Bernard. That can lead to each of them getting better opportunities where they can expect to win matchups and make more plays.
Ron
11:22
I know it’s very early yet but after seeing some highlights of the 7th round pick from Navy, & being also from Pittsburgh, do you thing he has a chance of making the roster in some capacity
Christopher Carter
11:23
I think if Eli Heidenreich makes the Steelers, he HAS to be a big help on special teams. He's a great story and seems like a really good athlete, but there are plenty of athletes of his caliber who get taken in the 7th round and don't make it.

The key to making it when you're not in a solidified spot on offense or defense is to make yourself indispensable on special teams. New special teams coach Danny Crossman noted Heidenreich's abilities on coverage, protection and returning are all of interest to them, so he'll get his shot.

If he does well there, it'll buy him time to find his way into the offense.
Daniel
11:24
What held up Wetjen during his college days from being more of a weapon in the passing game than just a great returner?  And can any of that be corrected?
Christopher Carter
11:31
For one, Kaden Wetjen was limited by his size and didn't have blazing speed like Calvin Austin did, nor did he have bigger hands or show off great reception skills.

Now, he did play for Iowa, a program not known for their passing offense. So he could just need time in a passing offense to find his place. But as I pointed out in my film study of him, most of his receptions were screens or quick outs. He never made a contested catch in college and struggled against the press. He has a lot to show in that department.

Can that be corrected? Maybe. But I feel like that'll come down to how he beats the press and competes for the ball in the air despite his size.
steelstu
11:32
I'd like to think that the organization is more focused on their wide receivers being more locker room -centric, but the fact of the matter is, they were going to pick Lemon over Bernard. Personally, I like the way it worked out.
Christopher Carter
11:34
So, I don't see why Makai Lemon wouldn't be locker room-centric? I get that some people don't like his accent -- which is kind of a weird thing to dismiss a receiver over -- but Lemon was the opposite of a diva by the accounts I got from his time at USC.

When he was originally brought there they tried to make him a defensive back. He did what he was asked, but stuck it out and proved he was an elite college receiver. A lot of college athletes pack their bags at the first sign of adversity and find a new place that will pay them more money or give them a better chance to start.

To me, that sounds more like a guy I'd want in my locker room. So I don't know that the Steelers wanting Lemon dismisses the idea they wanted more locker room-centric receivers.

And with all that being said, that does nothing to diminish Germie Bernard, who I think had a strong two years at Alabama and is doing well to learn the offense so far.
JN
11:35
Who's your pick for Steeler Rookie of Year? I'm guessing Germie. Thanks for the chats
Christopher Carter
11:38
Thanks for being here!

I think Bernard just has a significant lead in this department. He's already running with the first team offense in OTAs, he'll be in an offense that favors passing and have a HOF QB along with two good vets who will attract the defense's attention away from him.

Iheanachor probably won't begin the year as a starter, Allar probably won't see the field, and I think Dunker also begins the year on the bench along with Everette.

Weirdly, Bernard's biggest competition could be Wetjen if he wins the returner job AND goes off with some big returns like he did at Iowa. But I would give that like a 1% chance of that happening to overtake what I expect to be a good year for Bernard.
Soggy
11:40
Good Morning Chris!  Here's my speculative question of the day... Let's assume both Allar & Howard have good training camps.  Nothing lights out good, but also nothing that says they could not be decent NFL QB's.  Maybe they get a few snaps during the season with the same results.  How does that influence the Steelers draft next season for a QB in round 1?  I guess it depends on who is available, but I think it gets complicated.  I would love to hear your thoughts
Christopher Carter
11:44
Good morning!

I don't think there's anything Allar and Howard can do shy of leading the Steelers to a conference championship appearance or something else to an extreme that would stop the Steelers from exploring a top QB pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.

That's not to say they are definitely locked into that being the first round pick, because you never know how a draft will play out.

BUT, if you see a potential franchise quarterback who's a first round talent and you don't have the proven franchise guy on your roster, you take them.

If Allar or Howard end up beating that guy out, you still found your guy eventually. But you don't pass up on top-tier talent for backups who look solid here and there.
Terry S
11:44
Not sure if you would know the answer to this. I have always wondered how players communicate with other players/coaches they don’t currently know? For example,Drew A gets drafted and wants to send a message DK Metcalf to say he is looking forward to playing with him. Would he have to get contact information from the team?
Christopher Carter
11:47
Teams have people within the organization help with those connections. Also, agents would help there as well.
Bud
11:47
Good morning Chris. What would you expect for the running backs depth chart at the beginning of training camp?
Christopher Carter
11:54
RB1 - Jaylen Warren
RB2 - Rico Dowdle
RB3 - Kaleb Johnson

That feels pretty set in my opinion. But they could try to add Eli Heidenreich as an option if he becomes an ace for special teams.

I also think there's a good chance Riley Nowakowski is the new Connor Heyward, but he's listed on the team as a FB so that could be tricky as far as how they'd want to squeeze him in.

Still, I don't see this team giving up on Kaleb Johnson just yet. And Warren/Dowdle will split a lot of reps. Look for Johnson to have to capitalize whenever an injury pops up and the team needs a 3rd back to emerge.
Realist
11:56
What is it about fans that think you can sign impactful free agents at this time of the year?  Unless they've been released for cap reasons, anyone still available is unsigned for a reason.
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