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Ed Bouchette's Steelers chat: 2.20.18
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Ed Bouchette
2:20
The Steelers are roughly $7.6 M under the cap. The tag is $14.5 M and change, so franchising Bell would put them around $7 M over the cap. They can restructure contracts, cut vets to get under it but it won't leave much room to do much else.
Todd
2:20
Any chance the Steelers tag and trade bell? That seems to be a popular thing talked about for teams to do to get something in return and the player gets his contract he desires
Ed Bouchette
2:21
That's possible, but if they are going to do that, he'll have to agree to everything  -- the team and his deal. And you'd want to do it quickly because of the uncertainty at the position. You'd either have to then sign one in FA, draft one or both. I just don't see a trade for all the logistical reasons.
Tee
2:22
Martavis Bryant balls out and has a really good season. Says he would love to stay in Pittsburgh,what are the chances Steelers resign him?
Ed Bouchette
2:22
With Antonio Brown already getting the big bucks, I don't see it.
SteelSax
2:22
If Bell get a new contract, do you think the Steelers will include some kind of protection for themselves in case he gets suspended again for substance abuse?
Ed Bouchette
2:23
The protection would be he would not get paid if he were to be suspended again. However, he will receive a large signing bonus and I don't think that would be affected.
Ken Ward
2:23
Hi Ed. Any chance the Steelers trade MB for another pick or a defensive player? Thanks
Ed Bouchette
2:23
I would not rule it out, but I'm not sure how much value he would bring them in return.
Paul from Louisville
2:24
If Bell does “retire” due to not coming to a long term deal, what are gis options after that?  Do the Steelers get anything and can he come back in another year and sign with a different team?
Ed Bouchette
2:24
I believe he could sit out a year and become a free agent in 2019 and I believe the Steelers could tag him again.
The Ville
2:25
Can a guaranteed contract be voided due to a career ending injury in the collective bargaining agreement? Obviously this is in regards to Shazier’s situation.
Ed Bouchette
2:25
No, Shazier's 2018 salary of $8.5 million is fully guaranteed because of his injury.
The Ville
2:25
If Timmons is released by the Dolphins, do you think the Steelers would be interested in bringing him back?
Ed Bouchette
2:25
I would take a look at him, considering their situation
Tim
2:25
Do you think Terrelle Pryor would be too expensive to acquire?
Ed Bouchette
2:26
Yes
Guest
2:26
Hello Ed,  There were times this season that Mr. Butler and Mr. Porter looked like they were lost.  I hope that wasn't the case. Do you expect them to be better this year in their craft?  Leonard
Ed Bouchette
2:26
I'm not sure how you could tell they looked lost. Plus, Mike Tomlin called a lot of the defensive plays and ran a lot of the defensive meetings last year.
Chris
2:27
Hi Ed. In your opinion, what do you think our best course of action is in replacing Shazier? FA, Trade or Draft. I’m worried that when it comes time to pick in the draft the top 2 ILBs will be gone.
Ed Bouchette
2:27
I would sign a free agent, and also draft an ILB
Steeler_Fan_in_NE_Ugh
2:27
What do you think of trading Bryant to San Fran or the Raiders in exchange for swapping 1st round picks to get the top ILB? They get a legit WR2 on a prove it deal and only drop 20 or so picks.
Ed Bouchette
2:29
Neither team would make that trade. "Only" drop 20 or so picks in the first round? Way too much for Bryant. The 49ers acquired a franchise QB in Jimmy Garoppolo last year for only a second-round pick.
Dude from Cali
2:29
Isn't it bad timing in the Jags game Tuitt and Hargrave both had injury issues limiting the effectiveness,? And Shazier s injury was the Bing cherry on top.
Ed Bouchette
2:29
The Steelers were rather fortunate with injuries on offense last season for a change, not so fortunate on defense
Steeler_Fan_in_NE_Ugh
2:30
Steelers need to sign Bell and get a decent vet RB so they can use Bell more as a WR. It would prolong his career and create fits for DC's. Agree?
Ed Bouchette
2:30
Not with making him a WR, no
jim
2:30
Do you think there is any way we don't pick an ILB with out first pick? There will have to be one available that is better than what we have now.
Ed Bouchette
2:30
I would think first or second is a must
Steeler_Fan_in_NE_Ugh
2:30
Getting close to 2pm! I'm feeling jittery. How much coffee do you drink per day?
Ed Bouchette
2:31
Actually, it's 2:30 but thanks for asking early. I used to drink coffee all day long. Now limit it to 2 or 3 cups in the morning, half decaf
jim
2:31
Why are people saying WR is a need for us in this draft? I think we are pretty set, unless you don't think ER isn't going to be ready?
Ed Bouchette
2:32
Because Martavis Bryant will be gone after one more season and Eli Rogers has a torn ACL.
Guest
2:32
What's the holdup cutting Mitchell? I'm worried the longer they wait, the more likely he stays and he's been terrible in this defense.
Ed Bouchette
2:33
Free agency does not start until March 14. There is plenty of time.
truesteelerfan
2:33
Is there any benefit of not tagging Bell today, if in fact that is in their plans to do eventually?
Ed Bouchette
2:33
They have until March 6. If indeed they do tag him, I believe it will be March 6.
Guest
2:33
Did you ever cover an Olympics? Winter or Summer?
Ed Bouchette
2:34
No, it never interested me, not that they would have picked me to go anyway.
JP
2:34
Ed, are there any plans for major renovations to Heinz Field or a new stadium for the Steelers anytime soon?
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