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.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to grade GM Omar Khan on his first two seasons of NFL draft picks and free agency signings.

How much credit does he deserve for adding contributors including Joey Porter Jr., Zach Frazier, Keeanu Benton, Payton Wilson and Nick Herbig. Can first-round picks Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu still emerge as difference makers? And do the draft classes rely on them to be considered successes?

On the free agency and trade front, how should we view moves for names including Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Patrick Queen, Donte Jackson, Larry Ogunjobi, Patrick Peterson, Elandon Roberts, Isaac Seumalo, DeShon Elliott, Van Jefferson and others? Did Khan hit on enough of those guys? Or did the additions end up leaving too much to be desired?

Our duo tackles those questions, then ponders how much help the offensive line may still need despite heavy investment in it the past couple of offseasons.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news around 5 p.m. Eastern.

What should we think of George Pickens calling Aaron Rodgers — not Justin Fields or Russell Wilson — his "dream" teammate in an interview? Should coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan care what their No. 1 receiver thinks during NFL free agency? Or does he have to do more to earn that level of respect?

Paul tackles those comments, then gives his thoughts on a report from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler that Fields is "intrigued" by the Jets and their weapons, including Garrett Wilson; and a report by the Post-Gazette's own Gerry Dulac outlining the plan for running back Jaylen Warren this offseason with teammate Najee Harris hitting free agency.

Later, Paul welcomes Washington Wild Things GM Tony Buselli to talk baseball as Pirates and MLB spring training begins in earnest.

Post-Gazette insiders Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin report on everything happening from Pirates spring training in Bradenton, Fla., on Tuesday. Noah and Andrew spoke with Pirates All-Star Bryan Reynolds on Tuesday, and he said the plan is for him to stick in right field, with no plans of appearing at first base. Is this smart, especially considering Spencer Horwitz's injury there? On the other hand, it appears Nick Yorke might get a look at first base. What does he need to do to give himself a chance at regular playing time there? And finally, they take a look at Colin Holderman, who is nursing some wrist issues. How can the Pirates manage that ailment so Holderman is at his best when they need him most? Our duo answers those questions and more.

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes media personality and former Philadelphia Eagles scout John Middlekauff to analyze the Steelers' QB situation with NFL free agency looming. Should the Steelers beware of veteran QB options like Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford? Given their uneven results this season? How should receiver George Pickens and his stated preference Rodgers fit into the conversation? What are coach Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan thinking after their team lost five consecutive games down the stretch? Could they make any moves with star pass rusher T.J. Watt? And is their organizational power structure outdated? As NFL staffs get bigger and bigger, with more delegated roles?

On their weekly Pitt basketball mailbag video, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: Does the Panthers offense move the ball more effectively without Jaland Lowe in the lineup like Saturday vs. Miami? Why aren't Amsal Delalic and Brandin Cummings receiving more playing time from coach Jeff Capel? Did Pitt really gain anything from its win over a bottom-dwelling Miami team? And is there enough meat left on the bone for the Panthers to claw their way back into the NCAA tournament conversation? Our duo answers those questions and more.