Seven Steelers defensive players the team must contemplate bringing back
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
What happened? Nothing. We're rounding third, heading home, but we have a Jeff Hathorne quiz, apparently, that we're going to go through here right now.
What quiz does Jeff Hathorne introduce at the start?
I'm eating an apple, Bob. Nothing like an old-fashioned apple. Do you eat the skin? Yes. Do you eat skin on potatoes? Sometimes, yeah. I like those. Aren't they supposed to carry a lot of protein? Yes. I don't know, actually. I was going to say yes just to agree with you. Do you like beets, Joe? No, I hate them. Super beets? But I like... I like those eggs at Giant Eagle with the pickled eggs. No, I don't like those. They're incorpulent. Is that even a word? Did I just say a bad word? No, you created a twist on your own word, incrinculant. Okay. Incorpulent. Jeff, do you have a game for us? I do for all four of us because the mere thought of leaving limits out makes Bob sad. Thank you, Jeff. I didn't want to shed any tears.
I can't wait. I have seven defensive players that are entering the final year of their contract. And as we know, the Steelers do not negotiate in season. And they normally, a player that they like, they want to sign to an extension before the season begins. So there are seven fairly key players. We'll go from the bottom up. Malik Harrison is entering the final year of a two-year $10 million contract, 41 tackles, soon to be 28. Would you re-sign Malik Harrison? No. Yes. I think there are lots of Malik Harrisons out there, and I don't think they were very good against the run. I'm not blaming him by any means, but I think I can find another. I'm bringing him back. I like him. Limits? I'd bring him back, but not in the same role.
I'd want it to be a little bit more diminished from what it was. Let me speak for... More diminished than what it was would be on the bench. Well, no. I mean, they had him playing over Cole Holcomb and Peyton Wilson a lot, I felt like, late in the year. I thought he played all right. But let me speak for Donnie. They made a big mistake in a Landon Roberts being let go. He should have been back so we could have done a show with him. Brandon Echols. Last year of a two-year, $6 million contract, had career highs in a few categories, three TFL, a sack, 48 tackles.
Who are the seven Steelers defensive players discussed?
I'm bringing him back. I think he has a role. Sure. I like him. I mean, I think there are a lot of him out there, too. I'm not staying up at night scheming on ways to keep him, but I'd keep him for the right price. Yeah, I'd be okay with that as well, just as the slot guy. The next player will be 25 in November, coming off career highs in sacks, 7.5, tackles 30, tackles for loss 13, quarterback hits 18, and his first interception. It's the last year of the rookie contract of Nick Herbig. Holy ostrich milk. Yes, I would, of course. And I'd trade T.J. Watt and sign him to a nice new deal. For what, a third-round pick? I think I could get a second-round pick. And in this environment, you never know what T.J.
Watt might bring you. I'd certainly put out feelers and try to find a desperate team like the Buffalo Bills or the Cincinnati Bengals. I'd trade in division. I don't care. Who desperately need defense and might be one highly impactful defensive player away from the Super Bowl. But bottom line is, either way, I'm looking to keep that dude because I think he's going to be – he already is in some ways a premier pass rusher. I was going to say, does it concern you that he, as a free agent, could go sign with the Bengals or somebody else? Yes. I'm keeping him. I am too. I'm giving him a two-year deal if he'd want it. See, as not a regular every down starter, I still think you have leverage as a team to say, okay, what you were making, we're going to give you a nice offer here.
And I think you would be willing to take it for now, especially if it was shorter term. And then if he plays a lot more and gets better, then he's looking at a monstrous contract. I would give him a three-year deal. I mean, Jeff, I think he's their future. And I'm a little concerned that what we saw from TJ Watt this past year is the start of a decline. Hopefully not a rapid one, but I'm worried.
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Chapters
7 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:01–0:09
2
What quiz does Jeff Hathorne introduce at the start?
0:09–2:23
3
Who are the seven Steelers defensive players discussed?
2:23–4:15
4
Should the Steelers re-sign Malik Harrison next season?
4:15–6:28
5
What are the thoughts on bringing back Brandon Echols?
6:28–9:18
6
Is Nick Herbig worth extending this year?
9:18–9:42
7
Could T.J. Watt be traded for a better deal?
9:42–11:14
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