ESPN’s Brooke Pryor joined the show. Brooke said an upgrade is needed to backup Najee Harris because Benny Snell isn’t going to cut it. She said Mason Cole isn’t a franchise center, but he’s certainly an upgrade over Kendrick Green. Brooke talked about the QB battle. Brooke agreed that the Minkah Fitzpatrick deal helps out Diontae Johnson getting a deal done.

NFL insider Jeremy Fowler joined the show. Jeremy commented on the Minkah Fitzpatrick extension and said the timing of it surprised some people, but Derwin James will likely outdo the total number with his next deal. Jeremy said it’s a good sign for Diontae Johnson that the Steelers got Minkah’s deal done, but he would still be a little surprised if Diontae signed the dotted line with a price that is likely over $20 million per year. He said the salary cap is on its way to $250 million. Jeremy likes the chances of Mitch Trubisky to be the Steelers starter because they won’t want Kenny Pickett rushed into QB1 if he’s not ready to go. He said the trade market on Mason Rudolph right now is pretty quiet, but he mentioned a trickle-down effect as a Baker Mayfield trade is on the horizon. He described the possibility of Deshaun Watson playing week one as a “mild surprise.” Poni asked Jeremy when we will see a Lamar Jackson extension and what the dollar figure might look like. 

Reaction.

Are the guys fans of skydiving?

A source has said Mitch Trubisky is being groomed to be the Steelers starting QB by the way things were handled in minicamp. It appears that the real competition is at guard. Poni doesn’t like it and doesn’t like the Steelers apparently wasting their first round rookie’s season.

Hockey insider Sean Gentille joined the show. Sean said the Penguins likely won’t buyout Jason Zucker even though he has a tough contract to carry right now. He expects Evgeni Malkin to return to the team next year. Sean said he would take Malkin for 3 more years over Vincent Trocheck because it’s all about keeping Sidney Crosby happy.  

US Open update.

Hockey insider Sean Gentille joined the show. Sean said the Penguins likely won’t buyout Jason Zucker even though he has a tough contract to carry right now. He expects Evgeni Malkin to return to the team next year. Sean said he would take Malkin for 3 more years over Vincent Trocheck because it’s all about keeping Sidney Crosby happy.

Steelers insider Mark Kaboly joined the show. Mark said the Steelers had to sign Minkah Fitzpatrick for the future of the franchise. He talked about the pressure on Devin Bush and how he needs to get back to his rookie form. He got into the impact of Brian Flores on the defense and said the players are “afraid” of his strong personality.

Why Brian Flores should be the defensive play caller.

Steelers insider Mark Kaboly joined the show. Mark said the Steelers had to sign Minkah Fitzpatrick for the future of the franchise. He talked about the pressure on Devin Bush and how he needs to get back to his rookie form. He got into the impact of Brian Flores on the defense and said the players are “afraid” of his strong personality.

Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Poni and Jason fell into an Oneil Cruz discussion. Poni asked what has taken so long getting Cruz to the major league roster. Jason expects Cruz to come up and play a rotational role at shortstop because he does not want to play in the outfield. Jason thinks once Cruz is up on the main roster this time around he won’t go back down. He said his defense will be a mess at times, but he will be an exciting player that flashes a lot of power. 

Steve Palazzolo of Pro Football Focus joined the show. Steve commented on the Minkah Fitzpatrick contract extension with the Steelers. He compared the Steelers situation with Minkah with what the Seahawks had with Earl Thomas in his prime. He said there is a lot of pressure on the Steelers defense and the difficulties they might run in to in the offenses of the AFC North. Steve said he would not give Diontae Johnson $20 million per year. Steve teased that TJ Watt is the top NFL edge rusher in PFF’s recent rankings.

Steve Palazzolo of Pro Football Focus joined the show. Steve commented on the Minkah Fitzpatrick contract extension with the Steelers. He compared the Steelers situation with Minkah with what the Seahawks had with Earl Thomas in his prime. He said there is a lot of pressure on the Steelers defense and the difficulties they might run in to in the offenses of the AFC North. Steve said he would not give Diontae Johnson $20 million per year. Steve teased that TJ Watt is the top NFL edge rusher in PFF’s recent rankings.

Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Poni and Jason fell into an Oneil Cruz discussion. Poni asked what has taken so long getting Cruz to the major league roster. Jason expects Cruz to come up and play a rotational role at shortstop because he does not want to play in the outfield. Jason thinks once Cruz is up on the main roster this time around he won’t go back down. He said his defense will be a mess at times, but he will be an exciting player that flashes a lot of power.