Welcome back to your Pittsburgh Steelers mailbag. As always, we’re here for the next hour to answer whatever is on your mind. Given the holiday, I may be a little late in answering some of these today, but I’ll make sure to answer everything by the evening.
To your questions!
Peter-Petersen:
Hey Alex,
if you had to give a over/under for the highest contract per year for an external hire in 2025, what would you tip?
Alex: For an external free agent? Man, that’s hard to say. Obviously, if Wilson and Fields don’t prove to be the answers there will be some level of quarterback talk next free agency, even though we don’t have a great grasp on who will be available.
As Dave Bryan has outlined, the Steelers are on track to spend well under the 90 percent cash mark this year, the number they need to hit over a three year span. If they hold where they’re projected to be of about 82 percent, they’ll obviously need to come in well over 90 percent the next two years. It’s all just guessing without any good idea of the market and how this season goes but they probably land someone on a Patrick Queen-type deal. Not the top of the market overall but up there and perhaps something close to topping a position. Generally, I’d say something at least $10 million-plus per season. I’d set the over under at $12 million if you’re making me guess nine months out.
Tomczacks Rainbow: Hey Alex
What’s your opinion of Donte Jackson. Seems like he has had some good seasons but last year wasn’t one of them. I know he’s an upgrade but that’s not a ringing endorsement
Alex: When I watched his Panthers tape last year, I didn’t see a guy as bad as Panthers fans made him out to be. A competent corner who still has his speed after his Achilles tear. Physicality comes in goes but he can make the tackle when he has too.
He’s probably a low-end No. 2 cornerback. One-year thing, would like a swing at replacing him next season, but there’s speed you can’t teach and it’s nice to have a veteran in a young group after losing Peterson/Wallace. He’s not going to be great and probably have some ugly reps but he’s not going to kill your defense. You can win with him so long as Porter is the No. 1, easing the pressure of Jackson being overwhelmed by matchups against top receivers.
Douglas Prostorog: Good question. I’m probably too many hot dogs in to muster up a great answer. I don’t know if anything “bold” really comes to mind. I still believe in Cam Heyward and his ability to have a good season. Given how much of the fanbase is ready to dump the guy, that feels bold to think he’ll finish with 6-7 sacks.
It’s probably not really bold but this defense is capable, and my expectations align, to finish top five in points allowed, takeaways, and sacks. Is that bold enough? Probably the best I can offer right now.
SteelCity: I liked the articles on Wilson / Cousins, saying the Steelers are definitely better at QB and the Sean Payton drama. I agree Russell Wilson is not what he used to be but why do you feel about him and the QB situation?
Alex: There’s a level of uncertainty and unknown but it looks better. The way I couch Russell Wilson is he’s good enough to get this team to win a playoff game. Assuming they aren’t the No. 1 seed, and Pittsburgh almost certainly won’t, that’s good enough to get you into the Divisional Round. And then you’re one of the final eight and everything is pretty open. But I think he can win you a playoff game, though he’s not going to be the next QB to take Pittsburgh to a Super Bowl.
All I would want out of Wilson is to copy and paste his 2023 numbers. Complete two-thirds of his passes, throw for 3,000 yards, 26 touchdowns, eight picks. Sign me up. I know those are just stats and it doesn’t consider the tape element – though he really wasn’t that bad last year – but given the stronger rest of the roster than what the Broncos had a season ago, that’s a playoff win formula. Just cut down on the sacks but like, 20 percent.
