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Ed Bouchette's Steelers chat: 2.20.18
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Ed Bouchette
1:57
Good afternoon. Let's begin
DouglasMC
1:57
Are there any significant rule changes up for consideration this off-season? And do you think they will change the reception rule. i.e. Jesse James?
Ed Bouchette
1:58
We won't know about possible rules changes until we get closer to the NFL meetings in March. The competition committee meets to consider rules changes before that March owner's meeting. However, it would seem everyone wants to alter the catch rule one way or another, so I would look for a change there at the very least.
Jason smith
1:59
Seems as if the Steelers are ready to go all in to get number 7 . How many prices do you feel they lack to make that a reality Mr bouchette?
Ed Bouchette
2:00
NO. 7  being Ben Roethlisberger, he is under contract for the next two seasons. i don't think it would be too difficult to, say, extend by two more, probably in 2019.
Moose
2:00
7 picks in the draft, what positions do you see being taken with the 7?   If LB doesn't sign ILB (2), OLB, S, TE, RB, OL.  If Bell signs, swap out a DL for a RB.
Ed Bouchette
2:02
Yes, if Bell doesn't sign, then RB goes to the top of the list along with ILB. Safety, yes, that too and you can fill in from there, including a WR, OLB, OL
Andy
2:02
Every year there seems to be a push for a Hall of Fame candidate who was bypassed for whatever reason.  Where’s the campaign for Greenwood and Shell?  I think both should be in but Greenwood is more deserving.  What do you think?
Ed Bouchette
2:03
I agree that LC Greenwood is most deserving. Maybe the greatest DL in history has one HOFer in Joe Greene. However, both Greenwood and Shell must go the senior candidate route now because they are 25 years or more past their last playing days. That's a tough way to get in. Both had been among the modern day 15 finalists several times.
Pete
2:03
Do you think the Steelers might take two ILBs in the draft this year?
Ed Bouchette
2:04
That is certainly a possibility. Maybe even sign one in free agency
APK
2:04
Do you think Sean Davis would be better as a FS instead of a SS?
Ed Bouchette
2:04
Free safety is an easier position to play, so yes, provided you can find a decent strong safety.
Aldo
2:05
If and it’s a big if the Steelers keep Gay. Will he or Sutton be considered for safety
Ed Bouchette
2:05
I don't think Gay is fast enough anymore to play the position. Sutton was considered a possible FA when he came out of college but apparently the Steelers prefer him at CB. Brian Allen is a strong kid who might be able to play there.
Ron T
2:06
Ed enjoy your insights and opinions. I know the james harrison thing has been beaten to death but why all the negativity concerning him wanting to still play. He proved he still had fuel in the tank with NE, but for Goodness sake he was Cut. He gave everything he had here and i just would have liked to have seen him go out on a better note.
Ed Bouchette
2:07
Even Art Rooney said he would have preferred that. The real reason people -- and  some teammates, I believe -- were angry wasn't that he signed somewhere else  but that he signed with the Patriots. I do think he is done, though, at age 39.
Mike from Utah
2:07
Do you think it would be wise to let Bell walk and add depth to defense? I’m not sure you pay a rb 14 million a year when we desperately need a safety and inside linebackers we really can’t expect a rookie to step in remember we have five year players that don’t know what there assignments are
Ed Bouchette
2:08
That is a lot of money to pay a RB in a market where no other RB makes more than $8.5 M annually on average. I'm not sure Bell would make it anywhere else. He is a valuable asset to the offense but as you note, that money could be used elsewhere.
JB
2:08
Given that the Steelers seem intent on signing Bell, do you feel they wait for after the draft to add a LB or safety? Seems in recent years the cost is higher before the draft, where after the draft guys may be released that are eager for a 1 year show me deal. Maybe better value, especially if they add a player or two in the draft?
Ed Bouchette
2:09
If they signed Le'Veon Bell, especially if they franchise him, they won't have any money to sign other UFAs
ALB
2:09
Do you think the Steelers would have any interest in Brian Cushing?
Ed Bouchette
2:12
I would want to take a look, but he is 31 and played in only five games last season after being suspended 10 games for a second PED violation.
Craig
2:12
Ed, I know this gets asked quite a bit but with the Shazier injury and Dupree not living up to expectations. Do you think we should run more of a 4-3? Butler likes to rush the defensive ends and it just seems like that’s more gaps that our Linebackers have to fill and it leaves us exposed against the screen pass. A 3-4 defense should not have a defensive end as the sack leader. Your thoughts?
Ed Bouchette
2:13
I just don't think they have enough good DL for a 4-3 plus, their outside linebackers are not suited for a 4-3.
Rob
2:13
Seeing the money thrown at quarterbacks; Jimmy Garappolo, Derek Carr, Cousins . . . What is the contract value of Big Ben? And how could they realistically sign Ben and Bell to big contracts when their defense you could use some wise spending?
Ed Bouchette
2:14
They don't need to sign Ben this year but they probably are looking at $25 M per year when they do sign him. They must make choices because of the salary cap, which is why I believe paying Bell may not be the wisest move.
Karen
2:14
Is it smart for the Steelers to place the tag on Bell? What are your thoughts on the possibility of releasing Mitchell?
Ed Bouchette
2:15
I wouldn't tag Bell. I would release Mitchell.
SMF
2:15
Hi Ed:  Just a thought;  trade Bell to the Browns for their 1 or 4 and draft Saquon Barkley.  Would gain 5 years younger and save  12millions.  Not much cage in overall Offense.  Defense is Steeler achilles heel.
Ed Bouchette
2:15
Why wouldn't the Browns just draft Barkley instead?
JJ
2:16
How much money do you feel Bell is worth? I know he's a phenominal talent, but at what dollar figure is his contract taking away from others we need to sign.  How do you structure his contract?  Most of it guaranteed up front?
Ed Bouchette
2:16
The Steelers offered him a contract that averaged more than $12 million annually last summer and one that would have paid him more than $30 million in the first two years of the deal. That tells you what they were willing to pay. He wants more. I just wouldn't do it.
Sam
2:17
Who do you think will be the next Steelers' player to have their jersey retired by the organization?
Ed Bouchette
2:17
Franco, if indeed they ever do retire another.
Matt
2:17
What do you think the odds are of the Steelers rocking their 70's "block" jerseys as this year's throwback?
Ed Bouchette
2:18
That's not much of a throwback. I'd adopt those jerseys as their regular uniforms. I think those '60s golden triangle uniforms have the best chance to be next
Jack
2:18
Which Steeler that isn't in the HOF most deserving of that honor?
Ed Bouchette
2:19
Alan Faneca
Will P
2:19
If they  franchise tag Bell will that put the team over cap? Will it also effect the teams ability to sign any free agents?
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