I know what some Steelers fans are thinking.

Stop thinking it. The Steelers shouldn’t sign Earl Thomas.

I know. I know. They could use another safety to complement Minkah Fitzpatrick. The Baltimore Ravens just cut Thomas. It’d be a great way to goose the Ravens.

But Thomas just squawked his way out of two good organizations with the Ravens and the Seattle Seahawks. He was fighting with his own teammates in Baltimore. He’s had trouble off the field, too. He flipped-off his own bench once.

The Steelers don’t need this guy.

Well, that’s what I think. Some Steelers fans disagree.

Dreaming about the @steelers picking up Earl Thomas and having the best safety duo in the league

— Jordan (@jyenka) August 23, 2020

if earl Thomas really wants to stick it to the ravens he should prove it and come play for the Steelers is all I’m sayin

— Zac Celedonia (@ZeFlashNFL) August 23, 2020

Hey @Earl_Thomas I’m just saying @steelers play the ravens twice a year. ??‍♂️

— Casey Cole (@kcole808) August 23, 2020

Earl Thomas A free agent!!! @steelers

— Jizzle (@DarksideJOSH_) August 23, 2020

Mark Madden agrees with me in this week’s “Madden Monday” podcast.

“When you are a Pro Bowl performer,” Madden says. “And they give you a $20 million (prorated) signing bonus. And they cut you because you are a jerk. How big of a jerk is Earl Thomas?”

Yeah. Exactly. Pretty big. Like, Mr. Big Chest big.

Fret not, Steelers fans. It sounds like the Dallas Cowboys may be taking this off the table anyway.

Mark and I tackle lots of other Steelers matters, such as this year’s balance between the defense and the offense, the state of Ben Roethlisberger’s pass receivers, and issues about running back depth.

We also mix in some Penguins conversation. Specifically, some potential destinations for Matt Murray.

“Minnesota,” Madden says. “If (former Penguins assistant general manager and current Wild G.M.) Bill Guerin has fonder memories of Murray because he was here when Murray was better. Carolina is a good team that needs a good goalie.”

But as Madden points out, a glut of available goalies could flood the trade and free agent markets.

We also ponder what the Pens may look like with Tristan Jarry as the No. 1 netminder, who his back-up should be, and some assistant coach replacement ideas, too.

Mark and I also dive into the Montrezl Harrell-Luka Doncic situation, the difference between trying to play college football versus high school football, and Pat McAfee’s wrestling debut.

Listen: Tim Benz and Mark Madden discuss if the Steelers should sign Earl Thomas and potential destinations for Matt Murray

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