JotCast | Christopher Carter's Steelers chat: 08.01.25

Christopher Carter's Steelers chat: 08.01.25

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Christopher Carter

10:33

Hey everyone! We're about to get started! I'm finishing up an episode of the North Shore Drive podcast with Brian Batko an will be answering your questions shortly!

Pittfan

10:33

Good morning Christopher. Would Terry McLaurin put the Steelers in the top 5 Super Bowl contenders? He would most certainly put the Steelers above the Bengals in the North and possibly the Ravens (this is all provided Aaron is playing well). The Steelers can afford to splurge on offense with inexpensive QBs and young players on rookie contracts. A 2nd round pick and Roman Wilson might do it.

Christopher Carter

10:39

Good morning!

I have really enjoyed watching Terry McLaurin since his college days and do think he would be a HUGE addition for the Steelers' offense.

HOWEVER. I'm not so sure he'll be as readily available as people may assume because of his trade request. The Commanders have the cap space to pay him, a second year QB who just had a great rookie season and led them to the conference championship game LARGELY BECAUSE McLaurin and him connected so well.

If they don't pay him, it's going to look like Dan Snyder still runs that organization. Or Bob Nutting.

10:40

So, would it be great? Yep. But I don't think it happens because a deal gets done. I also don't think the Steelers want to cough up any draft picks that could be on the first or second days of the draft next year so they can trade up for a quarterback.

Pittfan

10:40

Hi Christopher. First, congratulations on your recent nuptials. I hope everything is going well. I just put in celebrated 38 years with my wife. Just remember, happy wife, happy life. My question is, if Jones struggles the Steelers will have to use 13 personnel a lot with Washington attached to Jones. What type of offense can be run out of 13 personnel?

Christopher Carter

10:42

Thank you! It was a dream come true for me as she was my high school sweetheart.

On Broderick Jones, I do think they try to give him some assistance with 13 personnel (for those who don't know, that means one RB, 3 TE, 1 WR). But I also think that can still do a lot of other things than people realize.

10:43

For example, they've run a lot of 13 personnel at camp, but it doesn't look like it because Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth are lined up like receivers while Darnell Washington has his hand in the dirt for the traditional tight end role.

Also, they're using formations where they go 03 personnel--which means 0 RBs, 3 TEs, 2 WRs, and having Jonnu Smith go back as Aaron Rodgers' sidecar in shotgun formations to play an RB role. He once took a handoff 57 yards in a Titans offense ran by Arthur Smith in 2019.

Bricker

10:43

Hey Chris, thanks for your time and effort into doing these chats. I know it’s early, but do you have a sense as to how the offensive and defensive schemes will differ from last season?

Christopher Carter

10:48

Thanks for being here!

I do think there are going to be big differences. For one, you'll see a lot more press man coverage on defense from the cornerbacks as long as they're healthy. And they like their depth there too with Brandin Echols and Cory Trice as the first two off the bench. There will be more blitzing, more disguising and more pre-snap movement.

On offense, you'll also see a lot of changes as well as Arthur Smith is opening up his playbook for a lot of new alignments and opportunities for Aaron Rodgers to exploit.

I suspect this team will look different this year.

2BeeOrNot2Bee

10:48

Read your recent column on versatility, seems like a great idea, but I keep seeing an imaginary of finger pointing due to misunderstandings. I am guessing ARod at QB helps to smooth it out even a diminish version of himself, but might the defense be more prone to miscommunication due to how many new DB we have this year?

Christopher Carter

10:59

Thanks for reading the skinny post!

I agree that it's risky and if the players aren't up to the task of high level communication, it will backfire, and hard.

11:01

But I think that's why they've brought so many more highly experienced guys at key positions for that: Rodgers-Metcalf-Jonnu Smith-Ramsey-Slay all help a lot there and there are already guys they trust to fit that like Watt-Heyward-Highsmith-Porter-Freiermuth.

It's a big risk, but one that could pay off. Gotta take one somewhere.

2BeeOrNot2Bee

11:01

Feels like they are going to roll out there with what they have unless something spectacularly unexpected occurs. Betting on them being 500 club with a mid - late first round pick. How much capital will they need to trade to get to that 10-15 spot in order to pick potentially the 3rd best QB?

Christopher Carter

11:04

I think they'll do better than .500. But to your point, I usually try to compare to past trades for guidance because markets fluctuate and there's not a hard answer to what something could cost.

The best comparison I think would be the Chiefs when they moved from 27 to 10 for Mahomes. They gave up the 27th pick that year, a 3rd round pick that year, and a first round pick the next year.

And that's presuming the Steelers lose in the divisional round of the playoffs to get that low of a pick.

I don't think it's an impossible venture for Omar Khan to pull something similar off.

Hi Chris -

11:04

As teams get deeper into camp and the pre-season, injuries will happen - and remaining talent on the market will sign. Given how thin the Steelers are at WR and OL, plus available cap space, why not be aggressive and make a move or two? As they are currently constructed, few believe they are a sure thing to make the playoffs, never mind content and if they have injuries at those spots, forget it. Thanks

Christopher Carter

11:05

I think they are waiting to see how certain depth players perform before they choose where to go and when. Calvin Anderson and Spencer Anderson have gotten a lot of reps with the first team and now Dylan Cook has gotten some second team work.

I suspect after the first or second preseason game they'll make some moves based off how they see their own guys.

Hi Chris -

11:05

Would you make Washington a splash offer for their WR or just stick to the plan of being a year or two away and hold onto high draft picks. Thanks

Christopher Carter

11:06

I'm not moving my 2026 1st/2nd/3rd round picks if I'm Omar Khan. Save the ammo for the big move. This year is not an "all-in" year.

Hi Chris -

11:06

Is Troy F. really a RT, or is he better suited for LG guard?

Christopher Carter

11:06

I think Fautanu is going to be a really good RT. The way he played in college shows the mechanics to be that. I think he could also be a guard, but you want your higher grade OL to be OTs these days, so I think he'll stay there.

2BeeOrNot2Bee

11:07

Now that you have seen some practices what observations have solidify to a moderate level of conviction? Is it a player, scheme or other?

Christopher Carter

11:07

Jalen Ramsey is going to be that dude in this defense. He's a villain and brings an edge that's going to make them different while also being a heck of a playmaker.

Yuri

11:07

Good morning Chris. Congratulations on your nuptials. May God grant you and your wife many healthy and happy years. Chris, do you think the Steelers have any interest in trading for Terry McLaurin? I think he would be perfect in the Steelers’ offense. Thank you Chris.

Christopher Carter

11:08

Thank you Yuri!

I think the Steelers have interest in Terry McLaurin but I don't think they'll want to give up what Washington will want--high picks.

I also think this is all a waste of time and Washington will sign McLaurin just like the Browns signed Garrett when he asked for a trade.

2BeeOrNot2Bee

11:08

Who are your breakout candidates for this upcoming season?

Christopher Carter

11:09

There's a long list for that. I'll do a top 5.
1) Troy Fautanu
2) Kaleb Johnson
3) Payton Wilson
4) Joey Porter Jr.
5) Broderick Jones

It's a positive for this team that they have A LOT of young players who have good upside on the roster.

Farmtastic

11:09

Goodmorning Chris, and congratulations on the nuptials! I see Rodgers glowing evaluation of Frazier and im encouraged. Bit of a hypothetical here but I wonder if we'd still be complaining about lack of playoff wins in the past 8 years if Ben had a quality center after Pouncey, like Frazier instead of Kendrick Green?

Christopher Carter

11:11

Good morning and thank you!

Yeah, I do think center would've helped. Not getting Creed Humphrey with the Najee Harris or Pat Freiermuth picks does sting.

But I don't know if that actually helps the 2021 Steelers beat Mahomes and the Chiefs in their prime, or the 2023 Steelers beat Josh Allen with Mason Rudolph, or the 2024 Steelers beat Lamar Jackson with Russell Wilson.

Center is important though, and Frazier looks like a good fit.

AZSTEEL

11:11

Thanks for the great chats Chris. I’m hearing good things about Roc Taylor. I also like Ben Sko. How many wide receivers do you think will make the 53 man roster and who will they be?

Christopher Carter

11:12

Thanks for being here! Tough to say right now because I think this team might keep four tight ends and some extras at other positions too.

With Arthur Smith's plans to use TEs as extra WRs in formations, I wouldn't be shocked if this team runs with five.

1) Metcalf
2) Austin
3) Wilson
4) Miller
5) Skowronek

Taylor's been fun to watch and made some plays. But I think he'll end up on the practice squad.

Steelers Nation Jersey Chapter

11:13

Based on the beginning of the camp do you think there is a need for a Number 2 wide receiver? Is so who do you think it will be. Thanks

Christopher Carter

11:14

I think Calvin Austin is coming along, but they need a No. 2 WR who can fill in as a temporary No. 1 and I don't think Austin is that yet.

Amari Cooper would make sense in such a role.

Guest

11:14

If Broderick Jones was drafted in the sixth round, would he still have a job?

Christopher Carter

11:14

Probably, his size and athleticism would even more so encourage teams to make him a project to work on. He'd also still be on just his third year of a rookie deal.

Tim and Maria

11:14

Good morning. We appreciate your chats. Would you care to comment on Pat Mcafee’s visit to St. Vincent’s? Apparently, a number of people were offended by his language. Thank you.

Christopher Carter

11:15

Thank you!

I honestly didn't watch it that much outside of the clips that went semi-viral. I respect the platform he's built but it's not my style of sports TV to watch.

Guest

11:15

If Broderick Jones truly is a bust, how do you think that will affect the Steelers win total for the year?

Christopher Carter

11:17

If he's the worst LT in the NFL? Could be a big obstacle to overcome. Right now I think they're around 10-11 wins. If he's bad, and I mean REALLY bad, maybe that drops to 9-10 wins.

But if he's REALLY good, make that 11-12 wins.

Gotta remember, this team has made the playoffs four out of the last five years with Dan Moore at LT for all but one of those seasons.

Easley

11:17

Just a general football question I've always had: What is the difference in skill sets between a kick returner and punt returner? Why do teams generally use different guys for those roles?

Christopher Carter

11:19

This is a good question! In my humble opinion, I've seen kick returners as more likely straightline speed guys because of how lanes work on kickoffs while punt returners can make more guys miss in space as there's not a formed line of men charging at you to avoid and one or two players you have to avoid before you get going.

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2BeeOrNot2Bee

1:05

Who between Khan and Tomlin have the longest future ahead of them with the Steelers?

2BeeOrNot2Bee

1:06

Who had the best defensive team between Cowher and Tomlin and what year?

Sunner in Orlando from Lebo

2:05

Can’t help but worry about BJ at left tackle and if he does not pan out there the Offense might be doomed if AR is running for his life on every passing down. Have you seen improvement from him this week?

Guest

2:08

I feel every unit has improved personnel-wise, so why am I not optimistic about the season?

Anthony Castellano

2:21

Hi Chris. Thanks for your insightful answers! it is early but fun to over analyze, what else are we to do this time of year! would you list out our strongest /weakest groups so far in camp? my feel from what I read, strongest - DB, ILB, OLB, and TE. With our weakest being OL and WR.

Jim (Cosmo) K in Jax

2:31

This came from ESPN's ranking of NFL coaching staffs. "Pittsburgh's defense is, for seemingly the 137th season in a row, a reflection of its coach: tirelessly tough, prepared for the key moment and never out of the fight." .Do you agree with this analysis of the defense over the past year or three? I sure don't and guessing many Steelers fans agree with me. This year could be potentially better. Overall, coaching staff (head coach and coordinators only) was ranked 15th. Seems about right. Average/middle of the road and nothing special.

Ryan

2:35

Chris what do you think About Mark Robinson i saw that he had a Good Day Wednesday Go Steelers

JAG

2:35

Everyone seems to be in agreement that Jones needs to figure things out and produce this year. Let’s say he turns things around in camp and does just that but gets hurt. Is there a backup they can rely on for the rest of the season. If not, why aren’t they getting him right now

JAG

2:39

I’ve only read stories and watched YouTube videos but this team seems more intense, competitive, and better constructed than any team they’ve had in the past 5 yrs at least from what I’ve read and watched. Interested to know if you have a similar take seeing it in person

Leech

2:42

Do you think the Steelers will still spend some of that cap room they have? If so, what would be your prediction in terms of what they go after?

JAG

2:44

The McAfee crowd was pretty embarrassing. I know it’s the shtick of the show to act that way but the crowd seemed over the top. Looked like some of the guests were like what’s wrong with these people and why are you letting this continue? Any indication from the team on what they thought about it?

MajorRick

2:46

Hey Christopher, Last week, you told me you were interested in watching the secondary. Were you able to gain a better understanding of how they will deploy the new additions? As always, thank you for these chats!

JAG

2:48

What do you think they need more, a WR2 or offensive tackle depth?

JAG

2:50

Do you see the defense needing to carry this team at least to the bye week to give the O time to get it together?

MajorRick

2:50

Hello Christopher. How have the interactions been with AR thus far, and has he been pretty accessible? Do you know if the Steelers will allow him to make his Pat McAfee appearances once the regular season starts?

Steeler fan near Philly

2:53

Who do you think will be their best OL this year?

Henry Hill

2:54

Greetings Chris; do A-Rod and Mason communicate, or do they avoid each other? Just wondering if there's any rapport between them given the 'internet rumor' that Mason was upset about the Steelers signing A-Rod. Thanks.

TomB

2:54

Would you venture a guess how often AR changes the play at the los? Thanks & Congrats!

KRUT

2:56

Hey CC! Thanks for taking the time to do these chats, you are the best of the crew at them. In your opinion, who is the biggest bad ass on the team that everyone should be afraid of? We had Deebo back in the day, is there anyone that brings the intimidation that he had or even close? Thanks

Cameron

3:07

Chris who is the biggest surprise for you in camp so far?

Marvin P

3:08

Good morning Chris and congratulations on getting married. After the acquisitions of Ramsey and Smith (not discounting the acquisitions prior to those two), I feel much more excited about the Steelers chances to compete for a Super Bowl. Are my expectations unrealistic?

Jack

3:08

Any early takes from Jack Sawyer's performance at camp? Do you see him earning meaningful snaps this season? Kid was a beast at OSU and overall good kid.

Cal from nh

3:10

Trade hypothetical

Marvin P

3:11

A lot is expected of Porter and Jones this year. From what you’ve seen in camp thus far, will they be ready to step up and make contributions based upon their draft status?

Steeler Joe

3:11

Hey, Chris — congrats on the nuptials! I’m digging the 04 personnel package. But wouldn’t it be better with one of our RBs in the backfield instead of Jonny?

Cal from nh

3:13

trade hypothetical. Steelers get: Jordan Addison, 5th round pick. Vikings get Calvin Austin, pat Freiermuth, and a 6th rounder. Validation: tomlin likes head case receivers, Addison likes pit and flashed potential, hockenson and muth create a great te room for a young qb, Austin becomes the two who burns next to Jefferson. Nobody complains about targets, Steelers get a player with big time talent

Hi Chris -

3:25

Looking at the 5 WR you list, if anything happens to DK, I’d put 10 in the box and say “go ahead and try”. My lord, what a bunch of nothing. Please tell me I’m wrong?

MAD DOG

3:26

Hi Chris...interest for the steelers grows each and every year almost exponentially...I am somebody who can name every 1979 pirate...do you think the pirates being so bad for do long directly contributes...it just really sucks they are so bad

Butcher

3:30

How is TJ looking post contract? Will they be moving him and other players like Ramsey around? And what are the concerns of doing that? If we had communication issues last year how confident can we be that they won't be worse with quote moving chess pieces unquote

Jason

3:37

Do you feel that Russell Wilson was pmmade the sacrificial lamb for the way last season ended? I think a lot of things went wrong for this team after Russell Wilson went off for 400 yards in cincinnati... a perfect storm as they say. I wasn't expecting much of him, but I would have liked to have seen Russell Wilson with one more year in the system and not coming off a summer injury. Add in gerry dulacs reporting that they handcuffed Russell Wilson's ability to change plays after he went off for 400 yards in what was one of his statistically best games of his career. I also realize that Cincinnati didn't have the greatest defense last year.

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