Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern.
Specifically, he gives his thoughts on a report from MMQB's Albert Breer that the Steelers have shown interest in a possible trade for Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford. Does Stafford fit what the team is trying to do on offense under OC Arthur Smith? What will the cost of a trade be and will it be too high for coach Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan? And how does Stafford stack up with other NFL free agency options including Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Aaron Rodgers and Daniel Jones?
Paul tackles those questions, then reacts to an ugly weekend for the Penguins and Pitt basketball. Is there any hope for the goalie situation with Joel Blomqvist and Alex Nedeljkovic? And are Jeff Capel and the Panthers in genuine danger of missing March Madness for the second year in a row?
On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Christopher Carter to preview the NFL combine this week in Indianapolis from a Steelers perspective.
Is defensive line the most important position group for coach Mike Tomlin to watch? Why are names including Walter Nolen, Kenneth Grant, Shemar Stewart, Derrick Harmon, Alfred Collins, Tyleik Williams, Shemar Turner and Deone Walker at the top of Ray's list as best first for the Steelers? And how would they mix into the team's group that already includes names like Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton and Larry Ogunjobi?
Later, Ray and Chris ponder their biggest questions for Khan when he speaks this week. Will he give any insight on the QB situation and the decision on names including Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers and others? Will Najee Harris return? Or will Khan try to take a younger player in the NFL draft? And how will they add to the receivers room around George Pickens, Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson?
Then in the third segment, our duo breaks down the strengths and weaknesses of this draft class overall.
Pirates insiders Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin analyze a win over the Twins as Pittsburgh starts spring training 2-0. Mitch Keller came out with high velocity, which is a stark difference from a year ago. What does it mean for the former All-Star moving forward? Plus some first impressions from Caleb Ferguson's time on the mound, and an impressive appearance from first-round pick Konnor Griffin at the plate.
Host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko react to the week in Steelers NFL mock draft picks from around the Internet.
Is Ashton Jeanty a running back too good to pass up on if he's available to GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin at No. 21 overall? Is the roster ready to help him thrive? Or would his production be limited by the pieces around him like Saquon Barkley's was with the New York Giants before he became a finishing piece for the Phiadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl run? And to what degree is Najee Harris a cautionary example of taking a running back in the first round?
Why is Luther Burden III a rising pick for the Steelers at receiver, eclipsing names like Emeka Egbuka and Matthew Golden this week? Does East Carolina CB Shavon Revel Jr. make sense despite injury concerns? Is Washington State's Kyle Williams a later-round receiver to watch? And what are Brian's thoughts on QBs Jalen Milroe and Jaxson Dart as they continue to show up in numerous Steelers mocks? Our duo tackles those questions and more.
In the first recap of 2025 spring training games, Pirates insiders Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin analyze Saturday's win over the Orioles. Should we keep eyes on Matt Gorski and DJ Stewart as power options after their statements against Baltimore? And is Carmen Mlodzinski, who got the start, a legitimate option in the rotation?
On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to consider what the NFL's growing salary cap could mean for the team in NFL free agency and the trade market.
Will it help GM Omar Khan, coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers keep members of the 2024 roster like Najee Harris, Russell Wilson or Justin Fields? Could it help in the pursuit of a big-name QB like Aaron Rodgers or Matthew Stafford? Or is a big move at another position of need like defensive line, wide receiver or cornerback now possible?
Later, Chris and Brian size up the free agent running back class and whether a name like former Browns star Nick Chubb could be an option for Khan and the front office. And they end the show by analyzing reports tying former New York Giants first-round pick Daniel Jones to Pittsburgh.
Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern.
What should we make of the latest reports surrounding Steelers quarterback Justin Fields? Does it seem more likely that he ends up back in Pittsburgh via NFL free agency or with another team, potentially including the New York Jets? And is Ben Roethlisberger right in saying the Steelers offense is not ready to take any steps forward because of a lack of weapons surrounding George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth and any quarterback they may sign?
Paul tackles those questions, offers his reflections on the passing of legendary Penguins broadcaster Mike Lange and weighs in on the 4 Nations Face-Off championship between the U.S. and Canada on Thursday night, with the Penguins' Mike Sullivan and Sidney Crosby going head to head.
Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey joins host Adam Bittner to react to the passing of legendary Penguins broadcaster Mike Lange late Wednesday night at the age of 76.
What legacy does he leave the team, NHL and hockey community at large? What are some of Jason's best memories of getting to know Mike on a personal level over the years? What were some of his best moments on the mic? And why is he every bit a piece of franchise lore alongside on-ice heroes like Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin?
Our duo tackles those poignant questions, then dives into some hockey talk about the U.S. vs. Canada championship match of the Four Nations Face-off. Can Penguins coach Mike Sullivan and his American team recreate their defensive magic from the first matchup over the weekend. Will there be more booing and fisticuffs? And has this tournament reminded the right people that Crosby remains every bit the face of hockey and Team Canada that Connor McDavid is?
Then later, Adam and Jason ponder Penn State's College Football Playoff chances next season following Jason's column on the topic. Are the returns of Drew Allar, Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen and Dani Dennis-Sutton enough to make this program a dominant force? Or will it need transfer additions at wide receiver like Devonte Ross and Kyron Hudson to make an impact to take a step forward from a crushing loss to Notre Dame in the CFP semifinals at the Orange Bowl last month?
In the third segment, airing on the PG’s new Pirates-focused channel, the topic is payrolls disparity in MLB and the need for a salary cap to even things out. Are tight spenders like the Pirates’ Bob Nutting or free spending teams like the Dodgers, Yankees and Mets the sport’s biggest problem? How much should revenue sharing be part of the conversation around payroll? And how much would transparency in these matters help quell fans’ angst?
Adam and Jason try to answer those questions, then weigh in on some baseball topics, including the first base situation amid Spencer Horwitz’s injury. Is Nick Yorke a good fit as a replacement? Why is it the right move to keep Bryan Reynolds in the outfield? And what impact can Tommy Pham have on the clubhouse culture, starting with his relationship with Oneil Cruz?
Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live at a special time, around 4 p.m. Eastern.
Is the "Steelers Way" of leadership, locker room standards and physical football dying, as former QB Ben Roethlisberger fears in comments on his "Footbahlin" podcast this week? Can homegrown Steelers including T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward preserve it for future generations? Should franchise legends like "Mean" Joe Greene be brought in to teach it? And what responsibility does coach Mike Tomlin have in carrying franchise traditions forward?
Paul tackles those questions and reacts to the latest from Pirates spring training as well as the 4 Nations Face-off championship between Penguins coach Mike Sullivan on the American side and captain Sidney Crosby on the Canadian side.
Post-Gazette insiders Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin report on everything happening from Pirates spring training in Bradenton, Fla., on Wednesday. How did Oneil Cruz sound heading into his first full season as the Pirates center fielder? And why is he so excited for new free agent acquisition Tommy Pham to join him in the outfield? How did reliever Ryan Borucki look in his first live at-bats of spring training? Could Bubba Chandler force his way onto the opening day roster? Or will he likely have to wait in the minor leagues for a while before making his way to Pittsburgh? Our duo answers those questions, plus gives some injury updates courtesy of Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk.