JotCast | Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat: 07.31.24

Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat: 07.31.24

Gerry Dulac

9:47

OK kids, we will start our chat in just a couple minutes before I head to the field for practice.

9:54

OK, let's get started.....Go!!

Bill in LA

9:55

Assuming Russell Wilson is the starter, how short do you think his leash will be? If the Steelers have a losing record or just sit at .500 for a while, when will the Steelers to go Justin Fields?

Gerry Dulac

9:55

Well, that's one way the leash will get shorter. The other is injury. But, believe me, the Steelers aren't just sitting there waiting and hoping to get Justin Fields in the game as the starter.

the real guest

9:56

Gerry, Fields may very well be a diamond in the rough but why do so many folks want to extend his contract when all we have seen is the rough?

Gerry Dulac

9:56

Yeah, and the rough hasn't been mowed in a while

Bill in LA

9:56

What exactly is the contact status of Jaylen Warren? Does he become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year or are there any kinds of restrictions? If no restrictions, why don’t the Steelers resign him now?

Gerry Dulac

9:58

He is a restricted free agent after this season, but he will have to receive some type of tender from the team before the official start of the 2025 season (March some time)

7 year drought

9:59

Gerry, You have written in the past that Mike Tomlin started taking over the defense during the "last few years" that Dick LeBeau was the DC. Can you be a little more specific on when this started?

Gerry Dulac

10:00

I don't have the exact time. All I can tell you he started doing it a little more during his last two years. Once he wasn't brought back, Tomlin became more involved when Keith Butler was DC

Barry H

10:00

Why was a quarterback pushing a blocking sled? Any of the coaches offer an explanation

Gerry Dulac

10:00

I'd like to know the same thing. And I'm gonna find out

Tom from Takoma

10:00

If Cam is so valuable and commands a big salary for a 35 year old can’t they trade him for some draft capital. He should be worth at least a couple 2nd round picks with what he’s asking.

Gerry Dulac

10:00

They are not going to trade him.

Dustin

10:00

Seeing quite a bit of talk about troy fautanu and how good he is doing. Have you seen anything on Zach Frazier as to how he's doing so far in camp? Do you believe he will be able to beat herbig for the starting role?

Gerry Dulac

10:01

At some point, Zach Frazier will be the starting center. But not anytime soon. They need to see more of him in pads and in games.

Jim_Bow_Dean

10:01

With the rule change allowing the emergency QB to be on the practice squad will the Steelers still carry three on the roster?

Gerry Dulac

10:01

Yes. They did last year too

Tom in Dallas

10:01

Are any players going to wear the padded helmets in preseason or regular season games this year?

Gerry Dulac

10:02

Not that I'm aware of, but I bet it becomes more commonplace in the preseason going forward

ScottInAtlanta

10:03

Good morning Gerry. Will you be traveling to Atlanta for Season Opener? If so, would you like to join me for GOLF? My treat! I have access to several great courses (excluding Peachtree Golf Club).

Gerry Dulac

10:03

I will be but I won't have time for golf, sadly. Thanx for the offer

Linebacker Lounge

10:03

Anderson could be a key versatile OL component in my opinion. What say you?

Gerry Dulac

10:04

I'd hold off on that one for a while. Only if there are injuries.

Tom in Dallas

10:04

Has anything changed since camp started? Are the biggest concerns going in still the biggest concerns and are the strength positions still strong?

Gerry Dulac

10:04

Tom, camp effectively started just yesterday when they put the pads on. So nothing has changed.

Barry H

10:04

Here's what I will consider a successful year. On December 1 I wat them not clinched but in a playoff position. Then at minimum maintain maybe move up. Then win a playoff game. Not very confident what say you

Gerry Dulac

10:05

A playoff win would at least be a step in the right direction.

Linebacker Lounge

10:05

Anything you have seen on RB D. Edwards to report?

Gerry Dulac

10:07

Yeah, he looks like he has a nice burst

10:06Does Kazee suspension history come in to play when deciding roster or is the physicality welcome?

Hair in the Wind DeFrehn

10:11

Will the Steelers go out and get a WR with Wilson hurt?

Gerry Dulac

10:12

They could because he's probably out for at least two weeks. But it won't be anybody who will make the team.

Linebacker Lounge

10:12

Personally love the reunion with Dirty Red, can Mark Robinson still make the cut? Thanks

Gerry Dulac

10:13

It will be a little tougher now, too, because of the additions of Queen and Payton Wilson. And, dont' forget, Holcomb is still around, though he's not anywhere near being able to play.

Hair in the Wind DeFrehn

10:13

Any UFA’s stand out on day 1 of pads?

Gerry Dulac

10:14

I'm sure he you mean undrafted free agents (UDFA) as opposed to unrestricted. And, actually, no

Billy

10:14

Who should Omar Khan be interested in trading for as far as a WR2 for the Steelers offense?

Gerry Dulac

10:15

Brandon Auyik would be a good place to start