Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Monday.
The Kickoff
There are always guys that shine in OTAs and Training Camp. They even make plays in preseason games yet they rarely if ever make the roster. Oftentimes what many fans miss is that these players are already up against it in regards to position depth or just the fact that practice and preseason are far different from the real thing. With the mandatory mini-camp over, one of these guys is Sebastian Castro. The undrafted free agent from Iowa in 2025 is an undersized safety. He was even signed by Tampa Bay during last season before being released and re-signed by the Steelers. Steelers’ beat writer Mark Kaboly mentioned this week that Castro was all over the field making plays. Again – and Mark mentioned this too – it’s “football in pajamas” so take it with a grain of salt. We already know Castro can contribute on Special Teams so could he possibly make this roster? I never say “never” but perhaps Patrick Graham’s defense fits Castro’s skills much better than Teryl Austin’s did. The Steelers could still use one more safety so maybe Castro is that guy. We shall see.
The Latest Podcast
Ian and I (barely) handled the hosting of the SCB Steelers Podcast presented by DEK Roofing Inc on Thursday night. We discussed the new deals for Nick Herbig and Darnell Washington plus a whole lot more. Stop by and check it out! Like and subscribe too!
Point Break
Whether or not his teammates call him ‘Point Break’ or not (they should), I do not know but Keannu Benton is reportedly looking to get paid. A week after Darnell Washington and Nick Herbig go their bags, Benton is reportedly looking for something in the neighborhood of $20 million per season. Take a look at the top interior defensive line salaries and I’ll let you decide if Benton is worth what he is purportedly asking. Personally I think he took a step back last year, specifically against the run and that makes me very uneasy about an extension of that magnitude.
Rudy in Trouble?
There has been a lot of video put out there showing Mason Rudolph compared to the other three quarterbacks during last week’s OTAs and the conclusion many are coming to is that Rudolph doesn’t look good. I’m not there so I’m not going to make any declarative statements on this. What I will do is offer this; IT’S OTAs! Mason Rudolph knows exactly where he stands and what is at risk for him entering Training Camp. Drew Allar knows he is on this roster. You don’t cut third round picks unless they do something horrific off the field. Will Howard wants to be the guy so he’s giving it everything he’s got on literally every rep. I’m going to wait until Camp gets underway before going any further.
Random Reads
While it’s 100% true that I dislike New York sports teams, I do feel for Knicks’ fans tonight. The President’s presence at Madison Square Garden is completely taking away from what should be a great moment for them and the city… Factoid: Max Iheanachor wears a size 17 shoe… Thank you to all of those who sent their well wishes on the completion of my 30th year of teaching this week. Very humbling… Sounds like Morgan Wallen is very welcome in the Steel City anymore. Do we know why he cancelled… The Stanley Cup Finals have been fascinating. Probably not what hockey traditionalists like but how can you argue with the pace and constant roller coaster of momentum… Is it just me or do Showcases on The Price is Right really suck now?
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