On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes NFL Network's Judy Battista to react to the team's moves -- or lack thereof -- in NFL free agency.
Did GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin do enough to improve the roster beyond the big trade for WR DK Metcalf? Is it impossible to grade the team's moves until we know how the QB drama will resolve, with Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson and Mason Rudolph all still among options who may start? Do moves for names including Darius Slay, Kenneth Gainwell, Malik Harrison and others move the needle enough to make the free agency period a success? Or are they smaller moves without much impact?
Our duo tackles those questions, then reacts to moves across the AFC North with the Browns acting aggressively to extend Myles Garrett and acquire Kenny Pickett in a trade; the Bengals locking up key weapons for QB Joe Burrow by extending Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase; and the Ravens bringing in names including DeAndre Hopkins to help Lamar Jackson.
Brian and Judy end the show with conversation about how the game of QB musical chairs between the Steelers, Giants and Vikings may end.
Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern.
Are general manager Omar Khan, coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers getting used for leverage with other teams by players including Aaron Rodgers, Justin Fields, Kyle Juszczyk and even Brandon Aiyuk last offseason? Or are they just getting unlucky in NFL free agency? What should we make of the latest on the quarterback front with Rodgers and Russell Wilson still available but not committing anywhere? And does Mason Rudolph have what it takes to be the Steelers' starter for a year if necessary?
Paul tackles those topics, reacts to the release of the NCAA tournament/March Madness bracket and gives his thoughts on Pitt and Penn State both declining postseason invites.
Post-Gazette Pirates insider Noah Hiles discusses his key takeaways from the team's split-squad day Monday, which included a 4-2 win over the Twins at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Fla., and a 9-6 loss to the Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Fla. Noah was on site in Bradenton and starts off by discussing Paul Skenes' outing vs. Minnesota. Why did Skenes struggle with his command at times Monday, and is this is a cause for concern? Or just knocking the rust off in spring training? Ke'Bryan Hayes hit a home run for the first time in a game since Aug. 30. How is Hayes managing his injuries, and could we expect an uptick in his power numbers? Plus, Ryan Borucki registered another scoreless outing. What are his chances of making the opening day bullpen? Noah answers those questions and more.
On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo react to a slow weekend of news on the QB front.
Could coach Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan actually consider Mason Rudolph for the starting job after he signed last week? And not simply a backup role to either Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers? Are the signings of either of those players in jeopardy after more days of inaction? And are the Steelers wise not to overspend on a QB with an eye toward the future?
Our duo tackles those questions; ponders where Daniel Ekuale fits in the defensive tackle mix after signing him via NFL free agency over the weekend; and analyzes Darius Slay's chances to help particularly in man coverage alongside fellow cornerbacks like Joey Porter Jr. and Cory Trice Jr.
Post-Gazette Pirates beat writer Noah Hiles recaps his chat with manager Derek Shelton on Sunday as well an a spring training win against the New York Yankees in Tampa, Fla.
Why isn't Shelton prepared to name a closer? And why isn't David Bednar the default choice for that role after holding the job for most of the last few years? How is Henry Davis looking defensively behind the plate as he competes for time alongside names like Endy Rodriguez and Joey Bart? And how is the competition for left-handed relievers going as the bullpen begins to take shape? Noah tackles those questions and more.
On their weekly Steelers NFL mock draft tracker video, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette Steelers insider Christopher Carter analyze the week in projected picks for the team from around the Internet and the impact NFL free agency is having on them.
-Should the Steelers still be considering Day 1 WR targets including Emeka Egbuka, Luther Burden III and Matthew Golden? Or did the DK Metcalf trade fill the need at that position alongside names like George Pickens, Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson?
-What do the Steelers need in a defensive tackle after choosing not to address the spot in free agency? Are they all in on great run-pass combos like Derrick Harmon and Kenneth Grant? Or will they look at more specialized names like Darius Alexander?
-Where could they choose a QB after missing out on younger free agents like Justin Fields and Sam Darnold? Is Jaxson Dart on Day 1 a live option? Or should projected later-round picks like Will Howard still be their focus at this position?
How does the signing of Kenneth Gainwell affect plans for the RB room? Will they bring in a big name like Ashton Jeanty or Omarion Hampton? Or are their later-round names to watch who could make sense in a committee with Gainwell and Jaylen Warren?
-And will GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin consider drafting a CB early? Or are the Steelers finally well stocked at that spot after signing Darius Slay and Brandin Echols to a group that already included Joey Porter Jr., Cory Trice Jr. and Beanie Bishop?
New Steelers CB Brandin Echols speaks to reporters at his introduction. He explains how he hopes to fit in a defensive backfield that includes names like Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, Cory Trice Jr. and Beanie Bishop; the versatility he hopes to show to coaches including Mike Tomlin and DC Teryl Austin; and his hopes to start after joining the team via the New York Jets in NFL free agency.
Pirates insider Noah Hiles and columnist Jason Mackey react to Saturday's news that Paul Skenes will start opening day against the Miami Marlins. What kind of new history is Skenes making with this honor? Was there really any other choice? And how will the rest of the rotation come together after Skenes?
New Steelers linebacker Malik Harrison speaks to reporters at his introduction. He explains his relationships with Patrick Queen and DeShon Elliott, two former Ravens who themselves left Baltimore in NFL free agency last season. He also lists his reasons for wanting to join coach Mike Tomlin and DC Teryl Austin this offseason.
On his weekly Saturday Conversations podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey welcomes former Pirates manager Clint Hurdel to discuss an array of topics.
What was Clint's inspiration to write his new book, "Hurdle-isms: Wit and Wisdom from a Lifetime in Baseball"? What were his favorite chapters of the book to write? And why has he come to enjoy social media since his recent retirement from the game?
Later, they tackle some Pirates topics. Why were the 2013-15 Pirates the perfect blend of old-school tactics combined with new-school methods? What was it like managing franchise legends including Andrew McCutchen, Neil Walker, A.J. Burnett and others during that period of time? And how does Clint feel watching the club's rebuild from afar around names like Paul Skenes, Jared Jones, Bryan Reynolds, Ke'Bryan Hayes, Oneil Cruz and Mitch Keller?