You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 05.13.23
powered byJotCast
Brian Batko
2:00
Hi everyone, welcome back. No chat last week because I was on staycation and no chat next Monday because of Memorial Day, so throw those questions if you got 'em
Buzz Nutter
2:00
Can you see the day when the NFL stretches the schedule release one week at a time for 18 weeks?
Brian Batko
2:01
Sure, why not. That way I can book my travel a week or so at a time.
Mark C
2:01
Are any further signings coming from rookie minicamp?
Brian Batko
2:02
Won't rule it out, but they tend to do those all at one time, so I'd lean toward vet corner Anthony Averett being the only tryout who caught their eye.
Rick Carlisle
2:03
Brian - why do you think the Steelers have been so loathe to ask Cam Heyward to take a pay cut? It would seem that if ever there was a situation to do a little cold hard business, it would be this one. I think some or even many fans would be on their side.
Brian Batko
2:04
Probably a combination of what he means to the team as a leader in the locker room/bridge from the old days, what he means to the community as a human and honestly, it's not as if he's looking like Daniel McCullers out there all of a sudden. Last season was a disappointment but Cam says that was largely due to injuries, "playing on one leg" out there for the squad.
TVC15
2:04
'Sup Beebs,  Is there any response other than abject depression if and when  the Steelers extend Tomlin's contract 2 years?
Brian Batko
2:04
Don't seek comfort
Silber Bullet
2:05
Better chance the Steelers acquire a #3 CB or #2 WR? There’s obviously a lot more CB options available in free agency whereas WR would require a trade.
Brian Batko
2:06
Close, but I'd go No. 3 corner because they have so little experience there and so few slot options.
Alan in Alabama
2:07
BB…What are your thoughts on the WR room and their options going forward? Mine is that I’m less concerned trying to replace a GOOD but not great WR that had SOME attitude issues and didn’t know which way to run than apparently most are. I LOVE the Roman Wilson pick and I also think if they bring in a BIG name player, that could potentially create more issues than it might solve. I think as crazy as it sounds, they might be better off long-term financially AND chemistry-wise with the status quo or maybe adding a solid “just a guy” guy like a Hunter Renfro than to bring in one of the San Fran guys or someone of that stature. IF Freiermuth and the rest of these guys are competent, the might be in pretty good shape.
Brian Batko
2:08
I'm with you that it's not as dire a situation as many seem to be painting it. One quibble is that they don't need another Hunter Renfrow type, and Hunter Renfroe is an outfielder for the Royals, but neither is Hunter Renfro. I guess that was two quibbles.
Dave
2:09
So last week I asked you the pct of that they win more than 1 playoff game and you went with 5.4 %...Has your take changed in any way ? I was thinking more of maybe 10 to 15 % which is still quite low...
Brian Batko
2:10
Because of rookie minicamp or the Scotty Miller/Anthony Averett signings? No, I'll stick with 5.4% for whatever reason.
GM
2:11
Hey Batko, who gets a potential new deal first 14 or 22?
Brian Batko
2:13
I don't think Najee Harris gets a new deal here and would say there's a decent chance George Pickens does after this year if he keeps playing well while avoiding distractions, so I'd go 14.
OldasDirt
2:14
How do NFL players demonstrate their abilities to the Steelers when they come for an interview? For example, would a Martavis Bryant-type have to demonstrate that he still has the speed
to play outside?
Brian Batko
2:16
That's most likely on the Steelers to review the most recent footage of those guys and make their determinations. The visits with free agents at the facility are probably more about discussing potential role, anything financial that might not go exclusively through the agent, etc. In the case of Martavis Bryant, if the Steelers are hosting him for a workout, then yeah they'll get a chance to see him up-close to get a feel for what he has left physically. But they probably aren't doing that with a Bud Dupree type.
CoalportKid
2:16
4th round pick Dan Moore is being paid much more than same year 3rd round pick Kendrick Green because the NFL determined Moore outplayed his rookie contract. But now that high-ish number might make him a cut down candidate.  Are there rules about this kind of thing to avoid this unintended consequence?
Brian Batko
2:18
Nope, that's what was agreed to between players and owners in the CBA. It is a bit of a double-edged sword, but most of the time, those players are earning the performance escalations because they've proven to be valuable to their teams and their teams are using them a lot because they're assets on the field.
Tim
2:18
Is there any chance the team's current *plan* is to head into the season with roughly the WR corps it currently has on the roster? That is, they think what they've got is good enough?
Brian Batko
2:20
Only if Roman Wilson is ready to roll from day one. That's why I wrote a lot about the third-round receiver today, in case you missed it https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2024/05/13/roman-wilson-o...
Wasted Trade?
2:20
Hey Brian.  One of Fields' former coaches talked about how he struggles with processing.  This is likely the most important trait for a QB.  We've seen a lot of quarterbacks that were great athletes, but struggled with the mental part of the game (Vince Young, RGIII, JaMarcus Russell and many, many more).  If they just don't have it from the neck up, how can that be taught?  What do the Steelers think they can teach him that others couldn't?  Unless that starts to click for him, I don't see how there is any value in him being an NFL quarterback.
Brian Batko
2:21
I've been meaning to get around to reading that Bears QB piece from Tyler Dunne, who's one of my favorite national NFL writers. His GoLongTD.com site is great. But hey, this is a trial run for Justin Fields here. I'm not gonna call a conditional sixth-round pick a year from now a wasted trade. He still carries intrigue.
Steelers Fan From Bayou Land
2:22
Afternoon, BB. Any insider info on the chance the NFL Scheduling GAAAAWWDS bless us with a primetime night matchup vs. Broncos in Week 1?? I want Russ to throw for 400, 3TDs and run for 1TD. LOL.
Brian Batko
2:23
Don't know, but I'd be all for it. Just not sure how much Steelers-Broncos, even with the Russell Wilson angle, is moving the needle for the national audience in a Sunday or Monday night spot Week 1.
Tom from Takoma
2:24
Should Kenny Pickett's records at Pitt have an asterisk like Roger Maris since Kenny played 5 years? Just trying to be accurate not kicking a sleeping dog.
Brian Batko
2:24
Yeah if it makes you feel better.
Michael
2:25
Who is the back up at each OL position?
Brian Batko
2:27
When the season starts I think it'd be Dan Moore at LT, Nate Herbig at LG, Mason McCormick at C, Nate Herbig at RG and Spencer Anderson at RT. But McCormick could surpass Herbig and we'll see if Moore makes himself a full-fledged swing tackle or fetches any compensation from a team in need of a true left tackle. Needless to say, I think Troy Fautanu will start. Though I guess I just said it.
Guard(ians)
2:28
Hey there Bats! A few weeks ago you commented on the challenges that might face Mason McCormick as he potentially switched from LG to RG. I understand the challenges between LT and RT, but the differences/switch challenges in the two G position elude me. Would you be so kind as to enlighten? Thank you!
Brian Batko
2:29
Same thing really. Footwork, seeing the game from a slightly different angle, etc.
Gregg from Shaler
2:29
What’s the latest on re-signing Pat Pete or Sullivan. Are those guys waiting on better offers or are we waiting on better options? Same w Bud Dupree.
Brian Batko
2:29
Bud Dupree signed with the Chargers. The cornerbacks aren't getting much interest, I guess.
Jim_Bow_Dean
2:30
With the rule change allowing the emergency QB to be on the practice squad do you think they will still carry 3?
Brian Batko
2:31
Astute observation and good question. I wouldn't, especially with Kyle Allen and John Rhys Plumlee as the current competitors there. If you're a team who spent a draft pick on an upside type of QB3, then it might make more sense. But I don't know that teams would be racing to scoop up those guys on waivers. It could depend on whether a guy like Plumlee lights it up in preseason and earns himself that spot.
King Kong
2:32
More likely to be a Steeler in 2025, Najee or Cam Heyward?
Brian Batko
2:32
Hmm I'll say Cam Heyward but wouldn't bet on it
artie bridge
2:32
Brian, At this ridiculously early point, any late-round draft choices and/or undrafted players strike you as likely to stick?
Load More Messages
Connecting…