Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat: 06.09.26
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Gerry Dulac
9:59
OK kids, everyone ready, let's get started....
Stairway to seventh seed
9:59
Gerry:  If the Steelers would have just let TJ Watt play out the last year of his prior deal, they probably could have signed him for significantly less annually as a free agent in 2026 than what they gave him in 2025 given his down season.  Did they just make a similar mistake with Herbig and Washington?  Particularly since each player will share playing time with others, I think that both guys would have had to have unexpectedly great seasons to get the kind of money that the Steelers are guaranteeing them IN ADVANCE.  Wouldn't it have been better to just let these guys play out 2026 and then bid for them in 2027 instead of paying them the most they are likely to make regardless?
Gerry Dulac
10:01
They knew at the time that signing Watt to that type of deal might be a risky business decision. Of course, all deals with that kind of money are risky business decisions. The Washington deal doesn't surprise/shock me as much as the amount of the Herbig deal. That's a lot of coin for a player who hasn't been a starter in the NFL
Jenson
10:01
Do the Steelers plan to extend Benton still?
Gerry Dulac
10:01
They're gonna try
NY Steel
10:02
Is Black moving to NT or is Benton staying there?  It has always seemed that Benton would be a very very good DE in the 3-4.
Gerry Dulac
10:02
Black will be more of the nose, when they play the 3-4 front, which typically hasn't been much
NY Steel
10:02
How do the Steelers view Joey Porter?  Top 5 CB, top 10 CB, top 15 CB?   What does that imply for a contract extension?
Gerry Dulac
10:02
I'd say top 15 for sure, maybe top 10. Maybe
Southside Johnny
10:03
Good morning, Gerry. Lots of opinions regarding who makes the 53 man roster at QB. What say you?  Thanks.
Gerry Dulac
10:04
I think a lot depends how Will Howard performs in the preseason. If he looks good, it will be tough for Rudolph to make the team
Bob G.
10:04
Isn't it strange that hey extended Herbig and Washington before JPJ? He is a starting CB in a pass heavy NFL. I hope they do not extend Benton let him justify it with his play this year, what is your opinion on Benton? I think he is mediocre at best..
Gerry Dulac
10:06
It is a little strange because Porter is a starter and one of the better players at his position. But it takes two to tango. Players have to be willing to agree to a new contract. The ones who do get a new deal before the ones who hesitate.
Bill 87
10:06
Good morning to Gerry , the dependable!. Hey Gerry , I kinda think that JPJ should have been the very first of the five to be resigned. What say you?
Gerry Dulac
10:06
Well, I thought Boswell first, then JPJ.
Takoma Tom
10:07
I can’t believe the browns are actually smarter than the Steelers.  They got tremendous value for Garrett and the Steelers over paid a washed TJ that now has very little trade value.  The browns are trying to win playoff games and not get blown out in them.  Very depressing.
Gerry Dulac
10:08
When they win playoff games -- how about just get to the playoffs -- I'll start to listen.
Tom Raymond
10:08
Good Morning Gerry. Say, what's your impression of the "McCarthy era" so far?  What changes or differences do you see between him and the Tomlin Steelers?  Thanks.
Gerry Dulac
10:10
There are a lot of procedural differences with McCarthy in how he conducts practices, handles the media, and what not. He's also more hands-on with the offense, the QB in particular. But I'll wait till I can see any differences on the field.
Tampa Too
10:10
Gerry. Who is your early U S Open pick?  Also have you ever played Shinnecock?
Gerry Dulac
10:10
Sadly, and regrettably, I have not. Still processing my picks. Next week
demosthenes98
10:11
What, if anything, do you think Darnell Washington's new contract means for Pat Freiermuth's future with the Steelers?
Gerry Dulac
10:11
Nothing. Washington is not a receiving TE. He's a blocking TE who can catch when needed
Chuck from Michigan
10:12
Gerry, do you think the Steelers will take the same tact with Joey Porter Jr that they took with Najee Harris?  JPJ is not worth $20 million per season, average DB at best, and time to stop “Tomlin” family pedigree selections!  Thank you very much!
Gerry Dulac
10:12
I do not. They will sign him
NY Steel
10:13
Do you think the quality of McCarthy’s coaching staff is better than Tomlin’s the last 5-6 years?  I always felt Tomlin’s two biggest weaknesses were hiring good coaches for his staff and making too many subjective, emotional personnel evaluations with players.  Thoughts?
Gerry Dulac
10:13
That's what we're going to find out. What we have found out is that Tomlin never hired a coach who got an outside promotion
Dave Moody
10:14
Good morning, Gerry! You have a 1k dollars at a casino to bet on who the 3 QB's will be on the Steelers this year. Who ya got?
Gerry Dulac
10:14
I got Rodgers and Allar for sure, barring injuries.
Bones
10:14
Good morning Gerry. I just read your article on JPJ contract and was very surprised that no serious discussions have occurred.  Are you as concerned as I am? I always thought this would be priority #1.
Gerry Dulac
10:14
I am not concerned. Still plenty of time to get things done
Tin Cup
10:15
Gerry, a couple weeks ago you said the Steelers have never kept 4 QBs. Didn't they do so in 1995? I know that a few weeks in to the season Kordell started playing WR due to injuries at that position but he was kept out of camp because he was a 2nd round rookie QB.Tomszak was the veteran backup and Cowher thought Jim Miller had too much upside to cut.
Gerry Dulac
10:15
Yes they did, but for some of the reasons you suggested.
Steeler Nut
10:16
I think Aaron Rodgers, despite his quirks, is perhaps the greatest thrower of the ball in NFL history.  How excited is he to have two 6'4" starting WR's?  With the additions of Pittman and Bernard, along with the TE and RB groups, is it possible that this offense is actually explosive?
Gerry Dulac
10:16
I have always thought he was the greatest thrower of the ball I have ever seen. But, if they are to be explosive, that will be up to McCarthy
Rick W
10:17
Just want to say how much you are appreciated.  Love your columns and chats.  Happy to know are are still a part of the PG.  From your Pain-In-The -Butt Buckeye fan.  GO BUCKS!
Gerry Dulac
10:17
Pay the man!
Andrew Poni
10:17
Gerry, love your work over the years and the chats. Are the Steelers concerned about Drew Allar’s footwork? He looked lost at minicamp.
Gerry Dulac
10:18
I hate to ask, but how would you know? He looked like a lot of rookie QBs
Tom in Dallas
10:18
Is that Garrett trade good for the Steelers, from the standpoint that we don't have to face him twice a year and game plan around him?
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