Insider Ed Bouchette Weighs In On State Of The Steelers
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) -Post-Gazette Steelers Insider Ed Bouchette joined "The Cook and Poni Show" in studio Tuesday morning to give us the state of the Steelers and the NFL.
The big story in the NFL right now is Michael Sam, the Missouri DE that came out and said he is gay. He will enter the NFL Draft this year and if drafted, would become the first openly gay player in the NFL. Would the Steelers be a likely spot for Sam?
"I don't think anybody cares if he is gay," Bouchette said. "They are more concerned about the distractions. Coaches hate them."
Bouchette says the Steelers might be more willing than other teams to give him a chance, but since he is not a 3-4 player it's highly unlikely they would draft him.
Bouchette just returned from the Super Bowl. He said he was not a fan of hearing the Super Bowl was going to be in New York, but he said it turned out to be a great experience. However, they did get lucky with the weather. He thinks the money will determine if we have another cold weather Super Bowl in the future.
What about the Steelers' future?
Bouchette tells the guys he would expect that Ryan Clark's days with the Steelers are over, but not because of his comments from last week on his teammates smoking marijuana. Rather, it would be because of performance.
"It's not like he has said anything that makes him a a bad teammate or a bad employee," Bouchette said. "Performance-wise he is done in Pittsburgh and I would be surprised if he signs anywhere else."
Bouchette thinks that Brett Keisel could return to the team if he is willing to play for a huge pay cut under a veterans contract. He thinks they will lose Ziggy Hood in free agency and they could not afford to lose both defensive ends.
Ed also tells the guys he expects Worlids will be back, they will let Woodley go and that there will be nothing done with Ben Roethlisberger's contract at this time.
Bouchette also expects wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders is gone, but Jerricho Cotchery will return as one of Ben's weapons.
The Steelers have made some changes to their coaching staff over the past few weeks and Ed loves the new addition of Joey Porter as a defensive assistant.
"Love the Porter hire," Bouchette said. "He will bring passion to the job. He will be a great coach."
Bouchette tells the guys that Jack Bicknell Jr. was never a good fit here and Kirby Wilson just felt he needed a change. He thinks they were very lucky to get Mike Munchak and that he will also be a great addition.
Segment 1 with Ed Bouchette on Michael Sam the latest on the NFL
Insider Ed Bouchette on the state of the Steelers and the NFL
Segment 2 with Ed Bouchette on who stays and goes for the Steelers
Insider Ed Bouchette on the state of the Steelers and the NFL
Segment 3 with Caller Q and A with Ed Bouchette and news on Ben's future
Insider Ed Bouchette on the state of the Steelers and the NFL
Listen to the Cook and Poni Show weekdays 10 am to 2 pm on Sportsradio 93.7 The Fan.
RELATED LINKS:
