Christopher Carter's Steelers chat: 06.05.26
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Christopher Carter
11:04
It's Friday, it's nice out, and I'm here spending it with you. Let's get into it!
Rocky Mountain Yunzer
11:04
Good morning Chris and thanks for the time and effort you put into these chats.  Wondering about 2 things involving the new coaching staff:  (1) how does this staff compare to or contrast with Tomlin's last staff - older/younger, more/less expertise, larger/smaller? and (2) what does practice look and sound like with the new staff vs. the old staff?
Christopher Carter
11:09
Good morning RMY!

As far as differences:

Mixed bag on age. McCarthy older than Tomlin. Angelichio older than Smith, but Graham younger than Austin. Decent mix of older coaches like Cignetti, Campen, and Whitt with younger coaches like Henry, Peko and Ah You. But it's also a slightly larger staff.

Practice so far has remained very similar. The pacing of what gets worked on at different times changes, but for a real impact we're going to need to see training camp.

One change I'll say is that we don't see seven shots anymore -- the drill where the offense gets 7 tries from the 2-yardline to score. I also wonder if they'll eliminate backs on backers as a drill during camp.
Bones
11:09
Good morning Chris. I'm still trying to make sense of the the recent extentions...too much money, including guaranteed. And we still don't have some other important pieces extended. Is there a plan that keeps us under the cap with an emergency pad?
Christopher Carter
11:20
Good morning!

I did find it surprising they got Herbig done before Porter. Particularly because both were going to be expensive and Porter was the starter. But I get that the cornerback market's a little tricky right now and they might feel Porter has more incentive to want ot be a Steelers for the rest of his career for obvious reasons.

The Herbig deal might be too much money IF he doesn't ascend to a regular double-digit sack producing edge rusher. If he does, that deal will look like a steal. Washington was gotten for a reasonable price and isn't even a top 10 paid TE.
11:29
On whether they have space to sign other key young players, they can move money around for this year. But they are running tight on space for 2027. That probably means they'll need to move more money around next year or drop some of the higher paid players on the team for 2027 like Alex Highsmith, Jalen Ramsey, Cam Heyward or others based on how they play this year.
Charlie
11:29
Should we be worried not having a true free safety?
Christopher Carter
11:35
I do think this is an underrated concern. Brisker and Savage are the two safeties on the roster who have played free safety at least at a decent clip. But none of their players are traditionally free free safeties.

I actually asked Brisker about this and he noted that everyone on the roster is a versatile safety and that's the style they want to play.

It's important to note that the safety position is changing with how it's used. Safety's don't just play strong safety or free safety anymore. You basically have to be able to play deep 1/2 coverage, deep 1/3, quarters, and also help in the slot and or the box. They have guys who can be good at most of those roles. But a true deep centerfielding safety is still something I don't know that they have right now. And that could be a problem at some point.
Pastor Dave
11:35
With the current defensive personnel and this coaching staff, do you think that the Steelers can be an attacking defense that puts fear in the minds of offenses again?
Christopher Carter
11:38
I actually think that the defense has carried the label of being an attacking unit, as they've ranked among the top 4 teams in producing turnovers in each of the last two years and have regularly been known as one of the better turnover producing and sack producing teams.

But where I think you're looking for more of is being a more complete defense that compounds their attacking with sound play in different aspects that creates better opportunities to be an attacking defense.

For example, last year their biggest problems came when they let the run game get out of hand when Derrick Harmon was hurt and when the safeties  were giving up deep plays.

If the Steelers limit simply those two aspects of their defense, they'll have more chances to be aggressive and attacking and you'll see those turnover and sack numbers rise even more.
Andy from Montana
11:38
Morning Chris. Greetings from the Big Sky state. If you could look into your crystal ball, what do you predict will happen with the OLB group following this season?
Christopher Carter
11:45
Morning Andy!

I think the Steelers keep this entire group through this season. The only way they part with a player -- most likely Alex Highsmith because of his contract -- is if he either demands a trade or someone offers a package too good to refuse (2nd round and/or more).

But right now, they have a trio of dependable, productive edge rushers and that depth can be very helpful this year. Last year, they had a combined seven games where either Watt or Highsmith were injured. Let this group stick together for a year -- unless a crazy offer comes -- and then shop who you don't want to keep next offseason.
Tom M.
11:45
The Steelers have been busy signing guys going into the last year of their contracts. One notable exception is JPJ. I would have thought he would have been the first priority. Is this a case where he wants too much money and they’ve decided to focus on the others? Or, are they planning other moves which would allow them to sign him to a new deal? My concern is that he views himself as an elite CB (whatever that is) and wants to be paid like one. While he is very good, do you think he is elite like the very top echelon of other CBs? Hint: that might make for a good film study.
Christopher Carter
11:58
I think he's in the tier just below elite. He's become an eraser cornerback but he doesn't have the turnover numbers normally associated with elite.

To me, that makes him a player who should make around the rate of Jaycee Horn's current deal of around $25M/year. That would put him right around the top 5 CBs with McDuffie, Gardner, Stingley Jr. and Surtain II ahead of him clearly and other floating around him.

We can also do more Porter film study during this offseason!
Jim Bow Dean
11:59
Everyone says Kaleb Johnson offers nothing on special teams. How does everyone know? He may have never done it in the past, but he seems athletic enough to run down the field and tackle someone. How hard could it be?
Christopher Carter
11:59
I think that's for Johnson to show. He needs to bring that in camp practices -- especially training camp. They'll most likely give him a shot there and he has to make his mark. Especially with so many other running backs who are trying to do the same thing lik Nowakowski, Heidenreich and Homer.
Thurgood Jenkins
12:00
What's up CC,  breaking news! this just in,   Stinkies are giving Jumping Jack Sawyer 3 years and 90 Milli.  No but seriously how do you feel about all the loot tied up in OLB's?  Thanks
Christopher Carter
12:01
What's up!

I don't think it's that bad for now because they don't have a franchise QB paycheck to worry about and they still have plenty of space to sign guys to future deals. Yes, it's a lot of money right now, but I don't think they keep all three top paid OLBs after this season and you'll see next year being the offseason when the starting OL guys get paid like Fautanu, Frazier and McCormick.
Arthur not Art
12:01
Hi Christopher. Thanks for the chat and great work. Kahn still seems to be working on roster construction. Do you see any of the bigger name FA that may be past their prime but still productive enough to contribute positively being added after minicamp and OTA's are done?
Christopher Carter
12:04
I'm not thinking this is something they need to do right now as their primary focus should be to extend players they have on the roster.

But if I had to pick one, I'd look at Kevin Zeitler for a one-year short deal. He's 36, but if guard doesn't work out with Anderson/Hoffman/Dunker, he could be an emergency option.
steelstu
12:04
Nice article on Alan Greene. While it's not Steeler related, it's still nice to see some Pitt coverage. I would suggest that Alan Greene should emphasize the volleyball program since there is nothing that generates donations like winning, and the volleyball team is the only team that wins consistently at a national level.
Christopher Carter
12:11
Thank you!

I think one of Pitt's biggest tasks in front of it is to better celebrate its successes. When it's bad news, it's out there and it's loud. But when there's good news like the $3M donation to the wrestling program, it's not as much. He mentioned to us that local businesses stepped up to help them assemble their football and basketball rosters that they're excited about. I think there could be a better rollout for how those achievements are being put together.
Tim and Maria
12:11
Hey Chris, we really enjoy your chats and work.  It seems Roman Wilson has impressed the Steelers in the OTAS.  Do you think they are still interested in signing or trading for another receiver?  Thanks!
Christopher Carter
12:13
Thanks Tim and Maria!

I think any WR moves they make are going to be small without an injury. Wilson is now the fourth option whereas last year they were hoping he'd be their second.

But he has to show it in games. He looked better in camp last year and it didn't amount to much on-field production outside of garbage time. If they're midseason and they need a fourth WR because he's still not where Rodgers wants him to be, then a move could be expected.
Arthur not Art
12:13
Last year seemed like an anomaly for the AFCN. They won the division at 10-7 and the rest of the division was under .500. I think it's probable they will go 11-6, maybe even 12-5 this year as long as Rodgers and other key players remain healthy but could still end up a WC team. Do you think they did enough to stay ahead of the rest of the division? Worried Cincy may put it together this year and everyone is going to be chasing them. Thanks.
Christopher Carter
12:24
I do think there should be an expectation that the Steelers at least hold their ground and even win 1-2 more games this year. Particularly because I don't think this schedule will be as difficult and the additions at receiver will help Rodgers make more big plays that carry them through tough games.

But I also think the Ravens and Bengals should be expected to bounce back. The Bengals have invested wisely -- in my opinion -- in their defense with good additions. But I also don't think either team is in a position to dominate the Steelers right now. I think if the Steelers get 12 wins, they win the division. But if they get 11, they'll probably be tied with whichever other team gets there and it'll come to tiebreakers.

But I do think that 10-7 won't get it done this year. One of Baltimore or Cincinnati will get to 11 wins.
Freddie G.
12:24
Hi Chris.  Just wondering if you know if the Steelers are planning on replacing the assistant coach that was recently let go.  Thank you.
Christopher Carter
12:24
We haven't gotten official notice on that but I do believe that's something they plan to do.
Silent Bob
12:26
Hello Christopher - I predict that the offense will rank higher compared to the rest of the league than the defense. This is based on a big assumption that the OL plays up to its draft position. What are your early predictions on where both units will roughly rank?
Christopher Carter
12:33
Breaking this down:

Steelers ranked 17th in scoring defense this year. I could see them taking a step up this year, but maybe not a huge jump to the top 5. But if they don't suffer a signficant injury for a large chunk of time, they could rank around the top 10.

Last year, the Steelers ranked 15th in scoring offense. With the additions, I could see them getting inside the top 10 as well if all things go well.

I do agree that the offense could make the bigger leap this year with the additions at WR and the growing OL. But if all goes well, I think the ceiling for both is defense around the bottom of the top 10 and offense around 7th or 8th.
Brian
12:33
No one is mentioning Samuel at all in the CB conversations.   Is he playing that poorly?  Any other surprising names that may be struggling to adjust between coaches?
Christopher Carter
12:35
I wouldn't say that at all. I think nobody's talking about him because he's a backup veteran and there's a lot more excitement arouind signing Porter, Dean as a new addition, Ramsey's role and the rookie Everette. Samuel's been fine in practice. But that's a deep cornerback room now and he's got to battle to be the first guy to line up on the outside if Porter or Dean go down.
Turk in MD
12:35
Hi Chris, thanks for the chat!

Love the new contracts for Herbig & Mt. Wash.  Investing in drafted players was a challenge in the final Tomlin years.  

I like the depth they have at OLB but the % of cap to one position group is not sustainable.  Is trading Alex a near certainty?
Christopher Carter
12:36
Hey Turk! Thanks for being here!

I do think trading Highsmith is close to a certainty -- but next year. It happens this year if someone aggressively pursues him. But with all the other signings they need to make in the coming years, unless they trade Watt, I see Highsmith on the move in 2027.
Yuri
12:36
Hello Chris.  In your chats, you have mentioned that you watch film.  If possible, can you share how you get access to film?  Is such film available to the public or is it limited to the media?  Thank you Chris.
Christopher Carter
12:37
Hello Yuri!

Sure! You can sign up for all-22 NFL film at https://pro.nfl.com. It's not too expensive if you're really passionate about it and it's a lot better of a useful tool than previous years where the system wouldn't list places and would often restart mid-game. Anyone can use it!
Linda, Edgewood
12:38
TGIF Chris!  Are there any current NFL rules you would like to see changed or eliminated?
Christopher Carter
12:39
TGIF, Linda!

Taunting penalties. Unless you spit on someone (Ja'Marr Chase) taunting should be fine. I like trash talk and it being part of the game. Now like, nothing obscene of course. But like when Antoine Winfield chucked up the deuces on a pick 6 and got penalized for it, I'm sorry that's dumb.
Carl in Carrick
12:40
I continue to enjoy your chats.  I was glad to see Darnell Washington get a new contract.  Do you see him getting more receiving opportunities in Coach McCarthy’s offense?
Christopher Carter
12:40
Thanks Carl!

I do. Especially in the red zone. There's no way this man should have just two touchdowns in three years. Get in the red zone and give him a fade route at least once per visit. I'd bet if you did that he'd have around 6-7 TDs on the season.
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