STEELERS CHAT

HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights from Gerry Dulac’s Wednesday Steelers chat, which you can join weekly at post-gazette.com. Questions and answers have been edited for clarity:

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DavieJ in WI: Can Devin Bush improve upon a really good season last year? What’s your viewpoint on him being a top linebacker … I mean top 3 linebacker.

Gerry Dulac: Where he has to take a big step is being able to call out the defensive sets for the front seven. I thought he had a really good rookie year, aside from several blown coverages, so I think he will be even better in 2020. I’ll hold off on the top 3 stuff for now.

Freddie: I think James Washington is a little underrated/undervalued. I really like this kid; he is so strong, works hard, good attitude and just had a great season based on circumstances. Is it possible we keep our four top WR for a long time in your view? They all look very promising.

Gerry Dulac: I agree with you about Washington, but there is no way a team can keep its top four wide receivers. Not even its top three. At least two of them will go to free agency in search of bigger and better money. It’s a position that will rotate bodies every three years.

elcid1997: I read your piece on Minkah. He talks about being willing to move around the defense now that he knows the playbook better. I remember the reason he asked to be traded was Miami moving him around all the time and not keeping him in his natural free safety position. Do you have a sense why he is willing to move around more now?

Gerry Dulac: Well, one, I think he is just speaking the company line, but, more importantly, I think he would have said anything to get out of Miami. All of the things you suggested are in play in this instance, including the Steelers’ intent to move him around. They do not have plans to do that other than maybe 1 or 2 different looks to confuse a defense.

Sam: If the season is played without fans, will the players be asked to take pay cuts?

Gerry Dulac: Not this year. But it might affect the salary cap in 2021.

Paul: As much as I love Cam Heyward and believe he is a great guy and player, a big contract would be rewarding him for past performances at his current age. A two-year deal should be offered at a reasonable salary without breaking the bank.

Gerry Dulac: Hate to tell you, but contracts are typically awarded on what you have done, maybe more so (though hopefully) than on what you might do. Cam Heyward deserves every penny and length of terms he can get.

Steeler fan in Ohio: Do you see any circumstances where coach Tomlin would ever leave for another job?

Gerry Dulac: I can’t answer that. Of course, it’s possible. Maybe he won’t like the money he gets offered, though he is among the top paid coaches in the league now. Or maybe he won’t like life after Ben. But who knows?

JerseySteel: Is it me or is there very little need as we sit today on the offensive side of the ball for the Steelers? Defensive needs seem mostly depth. Do you agree?

Gerry Dulac: Correct again. A little better depth on the D-line, though I will wait until I see how Chris Wormley performs and Isaiah Buggs develops. And what to do at ILB next to Bush and a backup at safety. Otherwise, all good.

Jim: With the drafting of Highsmith, do you think that rules out signing Bud to a long term deal?

Gerry Dulac: With or without Highsmith, I don’t think Bud was getting signed to a long-term deal. But, if Highsmith shows he can be a starter-capable guy, that will only seal the deal.