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Christopher Carter's Steelers chat: 07.02.25
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Christopher Carter
2:22
If he doesn't show for camp, that will change the tenor of a lot of this. Typically the Steelers don't negotiate until a player arrives at camp.
Gene in AZ
2:22
Hello Chris, I enjoy your chats and articles .  I’m wondering if there is someone in your past or present that you value their writing or other media work.  Thank you.
Christopher Carter
2:24
Thanks!

I miss Stan Savran. Loved the show. Honestly though--and I've told Gerry this--I used to compete with Dulac in his weekly picks when my pops was done reading the Sunday paper. I've picked up several tidbits from various writers/personalities over the years.

I think if I had a favorite, it would be John Saunders--former host of ESPN's the Sports Reporters.
Walter C.
2:24
Chris, would you agree with me, that Broderick Jones is the lynchpin to the success of the offensive line?
Christopher Carter
2:24
I think he's the guy that can bring it all together. Frazier might be the best player right now, but if Jones puts it together, that line will be nasty.
the real guest
2:25
Chris, Not shocking they traded Minkah but somewhat surprising they took on players and payroll instead of draft capital. Definitely a 2025 not a 2026 move. What say you.
Christopher Carter
2:25
I'm with you that this is a 2025 move. They're keeping their options open for the future. Which--that's impressive to add for the now and not mortgage the future that much.
Bob
2:25
Hi Chris,  I am a a bit worried about the safety position after the recent trade.  Minkah did not provide a high impact on defense last year.  What are your thoughts on the safety position ?
Christopher Carter
2:26
I do think people are going to miss Fitzpatrick's work to keep a lid on the defense in time. Unless they add someone else really good there, people will see all the quiet things he did to make the defense better on the back end.
Michael
2:26
Chris, a few yrs ago Tyler Boyd made some comments about the Steelers quitting during one of the games against Cincy.  It’s also been implied Boyd would not be a consideration as an addition to the Steelers.  Did the comments play a factor or is there more to it?
Christopher Carter
2:26
I don't think it's about the comments as much as it's about his age and where he's at in his career. They already have Robert Woods. I think Boyd would be similar at this stage.
the real guest
2:26
Chris, In your opinion did the blockbuster trade make it a little less likely the TJ deal gets done?
Christopher Carter
2:26
Truthfully, I don't think this trade impacts the deal that much. I still think it gets done.
Darnell
2:27
Hey Chris, do you view Tyler Boyd as a legitimate #2 receiver?   Thanks.
Christopher Carter
2:28
There was a time I would've but not now. His last year in Tennessee wasn't that good--granted, whose year was good with the Titans last year?

I think if this was 2021, then I'd be with you.
KC
2:28
Hi Chris, thanks for all you do. I really enjoy your thoughtful and thorough responses. I still believe TJ will gets extended but I do believe there is a possibility they can’t come to an agreement. If he doesn’t get extended, what is the most likely outcome? Does he play out his contract? Trade him for players that can help this year? Trade him for future draft picks?Being that he is under contract, the Steelers have the advantage in the negotiations IMO. Thanks!
Christopher Carter
2:29
Hello! Thanks! These are fun!

If he's not extended, I'd expect them to move him. But that's a BIG IF. But they'd rather get something for him than not at that point. If he can add to the QB draft ammunition next season, do it. But again, ONLY IF he's not re-signing.
A. Carnegie
2:29
Greetings CC! Do you get the feeling that this year will be the Steelers last shot at a possible playoff win or wins with this "all in" decision?  Art Smith has another year on his contract and I think they will keep him next year with his running game and have the QB1 rookie play game manager ala Big Ben and then in 2027, they will get an innovative OC to develop the QB1 further in Tomlin's last year of his contract similar to how Cowher's career ended?   I don't see them following the same blueprint of the past 2 years of resigning older vets.
Christopher Carter
2:31
Salutations!

Not at all. An "all-in" attempt would compromise high draft picks and mortgage a lot more of the future. I think they're doing what they can with the resources available. It's just that they're not paying a premium at quarterback, so there's more space to make these kinds of moves.

I do think there's a chance Arthur Smith gets a job after this season and the Steelers get a new OC to work with a rookie QB next year.
Michael
2:31
Chris, if Broderick Jones doesn’t fulfill expectations it’s a safe assumption his option yr won’t be picked up, correct?  If that’s the case, what is their plan moving forward?  It would be impossible to move up high in the draft for a qb and a starting left tackle.  A free agent left tackle will be very expensive and teams usually don’t let them walk.  They’d be right back with a Dan Moore clone.
Christopher Carter
2:31
The only thing here is that Jones is young and they could bank on the fact that he's still very young for an OT. They might be willing to gamble to keep him another year on the extension just to see what happens.
Derrick
2:31
Why would the dolphins give up so much in trade for minkah?  What was their angle?
Christopher Carter
2:32
I think they were offloading Ramsey because he wanted out. Which is funny, becauyse it was Fitzpatrick who wanted out back in 2019.
A. Carnegie
2:32
Somehow, I think Ramsey. Metcalf and Rodgers will all be on the same page and work together to establish a professional decorum and check their egos at the door.  Of course there is always the possibility of a fallout but I don't see that happening.  Can those guys all co-exist for the good of the team?
Christopher Carter
2:34
I think there's a chance that happens--especially if the team is in the mix for the playoffs. If the team falls apart, then maybe bad things happen there.
Michael
2:34
Chris, which TE is going to be extended?  It seems they would
Christopher Carter
2:34
Well, Freiermuth is younger and is fresh off an extension, so I think he's still the long term plan.
Tim
2:34
Chris, absolutely love your work and insight on our beloved Steelers.  If Lions offered Brian Branch and a second round pick in upcoming draft in exchange for TJ, would you do the deal?  Younger player of position need and draft capital for 26 move in draft position.
Christopher Carter
2:35
Thanks Tim!

MAN, I love Brian Branch. I still would want a first round pick, but that's one of the better "what if" Watt trade proposals I've heard. Kudos.
Michael
2:38
Chris, which TE will ultimately be extended?  It seems to me they wouldn’t have brought Jones in if  Freiermuth was part of their future.  They’re the same type of player but Jones has put up way better numbers recently.
Christopher Carter
2:39
Sorry, didn't realize this was a repeat question. Freiermuth!
Raymund the Second
2:39
Hey, I do think since Mr. Khan took the reigns he is doing a great job within the possibilities in every aspect, after every draft I’m very happy with the selections even though we have to wait and see, cheers in deed for his work so far.. My question is : ‘talent speaking’ What I saw Aaron Rodgers doing in his prime was just out of this world, amazing talent that only Mahomes comes close or neck to neck, What you think ? And If the OL plays well he can still deliver.. thanks Chris …
Christopher Carter
2:40
I think it's tough to reasonably see Rodgers return to anything like his prime. I do think he can be a good decision maker and that's a boost alone for the offense. I think these Steelers make the playoffs and COULD win a playoff game against the right opponent.
Jeff from Myrtle Beach
2:40
How much Safety, Free or Strong, do you think Ramsey will play if any? Will he play a majority of his snaps at slot or do you see him 50/50 at slot and out wide? With Smith cut into Muuth’s snap count?
Christopher Carter
2:40
I think minimal experience there.
If anything, it'll be disguised situations where he just has a deep coverage role as the Steelers switch something up.
2:42
Just a heads up, have to cap this at 3PM. So will try to grind out as may answers as I can.
Jason
2:42
Do you think most of theses signings are a one and done type of deal or do think they will be part of the team for a few years?
Christopher Carter
2:42
I think Metcalf/Ramsey are longer term. But Rodgers and Slay, definitely one year.
Playoffs???
2:42
Hey Chris - enjoy your articles and chats! If we can stuff the run better and run the ball efficiently with an improved O-line, we should be pretty darn good and ripe for a playoff run. That's a big if, though! What say you?
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