Brian Batko: Hey everyone, time to fire up another Steelers chat and I'm sure you all have a lot to get off your mind. Have at it
Stairway to seventh seed: Pursuing free agency with an eye on gaining compensatory picks is something I am glad the Steelers have finally done, but do you think they did that just because the draft is a home game next year?
Brian Batko: There's something to be said for advanced scouting of next year's projected class, particularly at QB, and I understand that the draft coming here is a huge deal for the Steelers and the city. But I think it goes without saying that the location of the draft really shouldn't be a factor in roster-building.
Bob: Wy would you extend a rapidly declining Watt when you are many many years away from contending? We have so many holes to fill and so far with the exception of Metcalfe all their FA signings have been other teams cast offs because they are not very good or very old.
Brian Batko: I'm not convinced that he's rapidly declining or that the Steelers - or any team for that matter in today's NFL - are many many years away from contending.
Jeff M: Hi Brian, Can teams be penalized if the 2 WRs fight each other after a play?
Brian Batko: Let me check with the league on that one
Mike in Virginia: If you had to guess, would you say this team is more leaning DT in the first and QB in the third, or the other way around? With a RB in the fourth?
Brian Batko: More of the former than the latter, RB in the 3rd, 4th or even the 5th given the depth of this group. I'm pretty much convinced we can't rule out anything with the Steelers and their yearslong endeavor to find a QB. First round, 7th round, no round, who knows?
Jack: Why can’t Mason be the starter for 2025? He’s very underrated.
Brian Batko: He can be, in my opinion. Kind of the perfect "swing guy" who can take on that role - because he's done it - or settle into backup territory - because he's done it.
Josh: Hey Brian, do you think the steelers will ever bow out of the Aaron Rodgers sweepstakes? At some point they have to move on right? I cool with letting Mason take this season if need be, but I get a sense that the Steelers may not want that.
Brian Batko: Hey Josh. I think the Steelers like getting good deals in free agency. They like getting good value on what they believe are good players. So that's why Omar Khan can be exceedingly patient, sometimes to a fault, but also why they could be willing to wait this out. Mason Rudolph is a nice CYA move, if you clock that acronym.
Josh: Am I missing something with the Dart stuff? There is always that player that jumps up the draft boards, but I thought headed into the senior bowl Dart was considered a day 2 pick? Maybe even day 3. I can't live with this team reaching for another QB and wasting more time.
Brian Batko: I wouldn't say you're missing anything. I just think every year, every draft, the QB position has the widest variance of opinions on prospects. Everyone always has a hot take on the QBs. And within that, there always seems to be a couple guys who are particularly polarizing. Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart seem to be those two guys in 2025
Butcher: Brian , thank you for the chats over the season. We whiffed on DL in FA, although the prices for the few true starting prospects went nuts. (Milton Williams) And the same can be said for QB ( I get not giving 40 mil, 30 guaranteed for fields after 14 wins in 4 seasons). Love the Metcalf trade in a vacuum , but doesnt the lost second hurt us in the draft where we need a DT (actually 2) and a QB potentially in the first 3 rounds?
Brian Batko: Well they also badly needed a WR, probably in first or second round, so I don't have an issue with giving up that pick for DK Metcalf. Seems clear to me the Steelers didn't think any of the DL or QBs available were worth getting into a bidding war for.
Lou: Hi Brian. Let’s say the Steelers are going to draft a qb round 1. Which do you think they could get that has real potential?
Brian Batko: Dart has potential but it's always tough to gauge those guys coming from a wide-open, QB-friendly system. And the Steelers really put a lot of emphasis on taking passers who thrived in adverse weather conditions because that's gonna be a challenge in their division. I'm not sure if Dart dealt with the elements much or at all between USC and Mississippi.
Wayward: How long do they wait on Rodgers to make a decision?
Brian Batko: Depends if they play Sunday or Monday in Week 1
Maryann: Hi Brian, I have been watching Steelers football since late 60s, and never had this QB quandary except minor with Bradshaw, Hanratty, and Gilliam but it wasn’t an embarrassment. We weren’t groveling for a QB like this. I’m happy running with Rudolph. I can’t watch Rodgers in a Steelers uniform. How do you feel?
Brian Batko: Not too far from you. It's kind of sad to be in a spot where you're hoping a 41-year-old QB whom the Jets told "thanks, but no thanks" chooses you over the lowly Giants.
Stillers fan: My fellow fans say “Anything less than a SB is a FAILURE!!!”
Brian Batko: OK
Chill Dave: Hi Bats, The Steelers always focus on the current season, but wouldn't it be a good idea to trade Pickens for a pick in next year's draft? They likely need all the ammo they can get to acquire a QB in that draft.
Brian Batko: Sure, but there's a balance there between how much it's worth to you to get something back for a guy who's most likely gone in free agency versus utilizing him for one more season to (hopefully) form the best WR duo in the league outside of Cincinnati.
PPG: Assuming we dont add a legit QB, Mason is the worst QB in the league no?
Brian Batko: On paper, maybe. But he's better than Tommy DeVito, who's the only Giants QB under contract right now. And last I checked, he's probably better than anything the Browns have working at the moment.
Stillers fan: also Steelers fans, “just play mason” 🙄
Brian Batko: Ah, that was the other half of that thought
the real guest: Brian, If I were to equate this FA season to a football game I would say the Steelers are entering the 2 minute warning and are down by two scores. What say you?
Brian Batko: After returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown!
Carl: At what point does Rooney get embarrassed to such a degree that he finally lets Tomlin go? Rooney and Steelers look like total clowns. QB position has been debacle since Ben hurt his elbow. Canada was a disaster and we replace with Smith. D is not dominant and keep scapegoating coordinators. Pickens and Johnson quit. If Rooney isn’t embarrassed he’s not watching what is happening.
Brian Batko: This QB saga is a bad look for the Steelers, but I still think (right or wrong) the franchise is viewed in a much rosier light league-wide than it is in places such as these chats. I agree with many of your points, though.
Jim Bow Dean: Last season they went to Wilson as soon as he was healthy and stuck with him when the offense faltered down the stretch. Now they appear to want nothing to do with him. What happened?
Brian Batko: He faltered down the stretch. Had some awful turnovers. Clashed with coach(es). Other than that ...
JPinPDX: Good morning Bats. Mason Rudolph starts week 1 ... you in or out?
Brian Batko: At this point, I'm in.
Patrick: The draft provides an opportunity to complete this roster for 25 and the future. Besides the obvious... DL and WR, I think they need to look at S, OT and OG at least for this season. What do you think their priorities should be? QB can wait unless Tyler Shough is available after the 3 round.
Brian Batko: You forgot RB. Still think they need a bigger body to complement Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, pick up tough yards between the tackles, etc.
Martian: Good morning BB - chances the steelers decide to ride with Mason and look to draft vs paying old statues?
Brian Batko: Hmm let's say 49%. I'll say this about Aaron Rodgers, from watching him late last season, I feel like he's slightly less statue-ish than many are presuming due to his age. Probably moves around about as well as Rudolph and certainly better than Kirk Cousins/late-career Ben Roethlisberger.
Pittfan: HI Brian. I've been one of the many people critical of the Steelers off season. At some point I've resigned myself to giving them the benefit of the doubt and wanting to believe they know what they're doing. In the case of the next QB, do you think they're ready to roll with Mason? Would you go with Mason over Russ, Winston or Flacco?
Brian Batko: Over Russ? Definitely. In my mind, that train has left the station and is making stops in Cleveland and Jersey, which is pretty bleak when you stop to think about it. Jameis Winston and Joe Flacco? If one is still available after the draft, I'd maybe circle back and sign him to compete with Mason.
Louden: Make me feel better. If Mason is under center week 1, name me 3 starting QBs worse than him
Brian Batko: If the season started today, Tommy DeVito, Will Levis and Kenny Pickett.
Nick: Good morning! I’ll just ask, if you had to bet $1000, who would you bet is the Steelers starting QB this season?
Brian Batko: Rodgers, but I absolutely would not want to bet any sum of money on it. I only say that because it appears to have the fewest obstacles to happening than the alternatives, both for him and them.
BPOS: Does it surprise you that the Steelers are pursuing Rodgers with all the drama and controversy he brings, not to mention his reputation for being difficult to work with and he's just a shell of what he used to be.
Brian Batko: Yes and no. QB-needy teams do desperate things. Sure, he's been difficult to work with at times, but he also has many former teammates who respect him and even admire him. For all we know, Arthur Smith and Mike Tomlin like the guy (from the outside) and want to work with him.
Johnny U: It seems like the only Steeler news the past few years has been more negative and not very complimentary. Now Najee pointing out the obsolete facilities. Do the other owners have much say in the operation of the team? They can’t be pleased in the down slide of a once stellar organization. Thank you.
Brian Batko: I don't think anyone is pleased, Art Rooney II included. Obviously, he's not quite as down on the overall product as many fans because he stays the course with his head coach year after year, but the man isn't living in a bubble with regard to critiques, fan frustration, etc.
Vincent LaGuardia Gambini: It amazes me that so many "analysts" are saying Steelers will select a QB at 21. Based on free agency so far and team needs, the chance they take a DL is about 99%. They desperately need a young stud, plus this QB class is not great. Things are setting up great for 2026. They have stockpiled some picks. The QB class is excellent. The draft is in Pittsburgh. Move up as far as they need to get their guy, have Big Ben announce the pick. It's TV Gold. Thoughts?
Brian Batko: Not sure I'd go 99% but I'm with you on first-round DL being far-and-away the odds-on favorite. What I caution against is assuming next year's QB class is going to be great, or even better than this one. Of course it could be. But that's 12 months away, prospects can rise and fall throughout next season and this is the Steelers we're talking about, they'll surely find a way to go .500 or better.
TX Pressure: Rodgers threw for the 2nd most passes in the NFL last year and was inefficient with a QBR ranked 22nd below Russ and Fields. The talk is he got better in second half but he went 2-6 and in two wins he got more than half his TDs and in two games he had 0 TDs and one game a 1.1 QBR rating. Rodgers is old and not getting better. Russ is better, even Rudolph is better. The ownership and GM really need to step back and see what is best for this team not just next year but going forward.
Brian Batko: To be fair, the Jets organization was highly dysfunctional. Now, the question the Steelers and any other suitors have to ask themselves is how much of that was a result of Rodgers and how much of it was a negative impact on his play. Overall, I agree that the juice isn't worth the squeeze with the drama he'd bring.
Walter K: Wow! Im thrilled to hear how you think a team w no QB, no RB, no OL depth, and insufficient DL starters is not far away from contending....please explain
Brian Batko: Look around the league and how fast fortunes can change, Walter. The Bengals went from 4-11-1 to a Super Bowl in a year. The Commanders from 4-13 to NFC title game. The Lions from 3-13-1 to 9-8 to NFC title game. So yes, I do resist the notion that the Steelers - or, again, any team in this league - is "many many years away from contending" if they make the right moves. A big if, I know.
demosthenes98: Hey Bats! Just saw that Christopher Carter is on the Steelers beat full-time now. Is he succeeding you, Ray-Ray, or Gerry, or are yinz going to a four-man rotation?
Brian Batko: We're going to a four-man front to try to stop the run (of QB questions)
artie bridge: Bats, When does ARII say "Enough! We move on from Rodgers NOW!"
Brian Batko: Not soon enough, artie
RV: Any insight as to what Plan A was at qb? Doesn’t seem like they were that anxious to sign Fields, and definitely not Wilson. Can’t really discern what they hoped would happen unless it was Fields for cheap, and that seems more of a hope than a plan. And having ‘cheap’ be your over-riding priority doesn’t seem like the best idea when it’s the most important position
Brian Batko: Based on offseason comments from the brass, reporting locally and nationally, and just intuition, my guesstimate is that Plan A was Justin Fields for a more affordable price. They may have misread that situation, but in their defense, it's hard to predict what other teams are going to offer someone on the open market and what a player is going to prefer when he has options.
Dude: Are you the idiot ppg writer that suggested the human pick six (JWinston) as a legit option for Steelers? What a jabroni!
Brian Batko: Well, Jason Mackey wrote a column on it, but he's not alone in that. I could be convinced that Jameis at his price is a better option than Rodgers at his price, though.
Z: Hey Brian - am I the only one concerned that this front office might cave into the coaches wishes and go with another "safe" QB. Someone who is a game manager. I'd be looking towards next year and trying to find someone with traits who can be a top 10 QB instead of the Pickett type.
Brian Batko: I'd be all for using a pick on one of these second or third-tier QBs in this draft. Will Howard, Quinn Ewers, Tyler Shough, Riley Leonard, even Jalen Milroe. And if your starter falters at some point this season, see what you have in the rookie. At least you're giving yourself more swings at the position.
Rooney: Mason is better than what week 1 Steelers starting QB in history? I'll go with Kent Graham. Thats about it since 70
Brian Batko: How about 2023 Kenny Pickett? I know the preseason was great and all, but ...
Brian Batko: OK folks we're gonna have to close the chat on that dour note. Thanks for regaling me with your comments and questions as always. Have a lovely week.
First Published: March 17, 2025, 2:30 p.m.
