Christopher Carter's Steelers chat: 06.05.26
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Martian
12:41
Does the signings of Herbig and Washington prevent Benton and JPJ for also signing? Or is it a real possibility to keep all of them?
Christopher Carter
12:43
I don't thjnk it should. They have the space to move money around in 2027 for Porter and possibly Benton. Porter has to be the priority, and after that payday, then they assess the Benton situation. They have a ton of space in 2028, so I think the bigger challenge with signing Porter/Benton is cutting/moving money around in 2027.
J D
12:44
Chris, do you think that Cam will become a Steeler assistant since he got an extension through '27 and could he be the first player coach ever in the NFL?
Christopher Carter
12:44
I don't know. I feel like Heyward leaning into the podcast world might mean he's destined for media. But he does love the game of football, so who knows! He also has a leadership personality and is a good speaker.
Epiballo
12:44
Hi Chris! Thanks for the chat. How many of these recently signed veterans have a realistic chance to make the team, or are they training camp bodies? Can’t see them as special team players. And will they bring in a punter for competition? Thanks!
Christopher Carter
12:46
I think Robert Tonyan stands a good chance as he's a solid cheap option for a third TE.

Jamin Davis might be the tough fit. ILB room has a lot of bodies. He'd have to beat out Cole Holcomb or Malik Harrison IMO.
Steeler in Louisville
12:46
Hi Chris.  I read where Mike McCarthy wants to have 55 combined passes completed and rushing attempts.   Do the Steelers have the receivers or even the running backs to accomplish this on a weekly basis.  Are they going to finally use the tight ends more even though Roger’s didn’t seem to prioritize that last year?
Christopher Carter
12:53
Hello!

I do think they can accomplish this if they sustain drives on a regular basis. They have an assortment of talented playmakers who can all be dangerous enough to share the load.

Metcalf/Pittman have been top WRs and Bernard/Wilson have skills that could be helpful as the secondary guys.

Warren/Dowdle is a one-two punch that I think could be pretty dangerous.

And Freiermuith/Washington just need more targets, as they've shown they're ready.

I think the biggest thing that will get in the way of this is if Rodgers' age catches up to him this year and his arm talent decreases or the offensive line doesn't take a step forward and he still has to get rid of the ball quickly on a consistent basis.

But if the Steelers are clear of those two things, they've got the talent on offense now to do that.
Epiballo
12:55
Do you believe Highsmith is really ill, or are they trying to work out a trade?
Christopher Carter
12:56
I'm not going to call him or the Steelers liars without proof, but I do think it's a mighty big coincidence he was sick the day after his backup gets paid a big contract that made Highsmith the third-highest paid edge rusher on the team.

I'll take their word for it for now, unless I see/hear something that suggests different. Ray did a great job on getting that.
J D
12:57
Chris, it appears on paper that the Steelers are 2-3 wins better than last year with a slight weakness on their inside linebackers to stop the run.  Do you think the days of having a linebacker the size of Levon Kirkland are long gone?  He was a run stuffer!  Your comments.
Christopher Carter
12:58
Well, Levon Kirkland days are definitely long gone as the man was 6-foot-1, 270 lbs. and moved way too fast for being that big!

But I don't think the days of needing a thumping run stuffer are done. Especially as more offenses are starting to lean back into the run game as defenses have focused on getting smaller, quicker and faster to help in coverage.
Jim
12:58
I still do not see the logic in starting a QB who will only be around for one year. You win the Super Bowl, he is gone, you have a good or bad season he is gone, only to rebuild.  Is this Kentucky basketball, one and done then rebuild.  What kind of dynasty is that
Christopher Carter
1:00
Wait, you'd complain about Rodgers being the starter even if he won the Super Bowl?

Sheesh, tough crowd.

I get that everyone wants to find the next franchise guy, but you don't force that role on players who aren't ready for it. And from what I've seen, neither Howard nor Allar are. If they earn it, that'll be different. But there's no question that Rodgers is the best quarterback on this team and those guys are developmental projects.
Mel Kiper’s Hairstylist
1:01
Chris, what are you most excited to examine schematically For the 2026 Steelers in relation to the former approaches under the Tomlin staff?
Christopher Carter
1:01
Last one here then I need to jump to other assignments for today!
1:08
I'm curious to see how Patrick Graham deploys his safeties, because there's been a lot of talk of versatility in alignment but I don't know that this group has a true free safety in it.

Today's NFL has safeties lining up everywhere.  Roles are becoming less and less defined and more about productivity in where they line up so that safeties can better disguise coverages and quarterbacks have a harder time recognizing defenses.

Teryl Austin had plays that did that, and at times they worked very well -- especially with Minkah Fitzpatrick. The best I've ever seen at doing it is Dick LeBeau.

How does Graham do with it? That might be one of the bigger questions of the season.
1:09
Thanks everyone! Be on the lookout for more work from us throughout the weekend!
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