Nightcap Podcast: Deebo & Joe – Part 1

Episode: Steelers Free Agency REACTION: Pittsburgh TRADES for Pittman Jr + Le'Veon Bell joins!
Date: March 10, 2026
Hosts: James "Deebo" Harrison & Joe Haden
Guest: Le’Veon Bell

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2026 free agency whirlwind, focusing on the team’s headline-grabbing trade for Michael Pittman Jr. The hosts, Deebo Harrison and Joe Haden, are joined by Steelers legend and former NFL running back Le’Veon Bell, whose unfiltered takes and behind-the-scenes stories animate both football and boxing talk. The trio react in real time to the Steelers’ roster revamp and peel back layers on the evolving locker room culture under new leadership while also delving into Le’Veon’s ongoing beef with Logan Paul and the pitfalls of football players jumping into the boxing world.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Le’Veon Bell vs. Logan Paul: “Ducking” Accusations

• Context: Le’Veon Bell explains the recent internet drama with Logan Paul, accusing him of avoiding a legitimate fight.
• Bell details Paul’s public call-outs of NFL players for boxing matches, but notes he always avoids naming Bell.
• “He made sure Le’Veon Bell’s name wasn’t said. He’s making sure.” (Le’Veon Bell, 06:32)
• Bell claims Paul is only interested in fighting football players who aren’t real threats in the ring, not those properly trained.
• “You don’t want to fight somebody that really got hands.” (Deebo Harrison, 07:21)
• Bell recalls nearly finalizing a contract with Paul, only for Paul to allegedly back out with an excuse involving WWE management.
  • Bell claims Paul sent a DM requesting Bell’s email for a contract, but after Bell sent it, Paul ghosted him. (10:18-11:27)
  • “He faked the phone call, bro. … The WWE ain't call, bro, they don't care about him fighting.” (13:29)

Memorable moment:

“Logan Paul want to duck me? Give me Jake Paul, give me Chris Paul, give me Paul, give me Paul, anybody named Paul.” (17:03)

2. Transition from Football to Boxing: The Athletic Reality

• Bell discusses why football players need proper boxing training and why many underestimate the transition:
  • “Boxing is completely different, cardio-wise, cardiovascular-wise. … Football players are the best athletes in the world … but you definitely need training.” (07:57-08:18)
  • “You don’t play boxing.” (Deebo Harrison, 17:42)
• Hosts agree most players would gas out quickly or struggle defensively in a real boxing match.

3. Steelers’ Free Agency Moves: In-Depth Breakdown

a. Michael Pittman Jr. Trade Reaction

• Steelers acquire WR Michael Pittman Jr. from the Colts.
  • Initial concern about Pittman’s contract ($29M in final year), but the Steelers reworked it: 3 year, $59M deal.
  • “We got him with a late pick, Joe. It’s a swap at that, and then we sign him to three years, $59 million, so now the $29 mil ain’t $29, Joe!” (50:32)
• Debate: Where does the Steelers WR duo (with DK Metcalf) rank in the AFC North?
  • “In the North? For two. … After Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The Ravens not messing with us, the Browns not really.” (51:03)

b. Running Backs and the Ground Game

• Steelers sign Rico Dowdle to a 2-year, $12.5M deal.
  • Discussed as a sign the Steelers are returning to traditional “pound the rock” football, pairing Dowdle with Jalen Warren.
  • “The Steelers are saying, we are going to run the ball. We’re getting back to Steeler football.” (54:56)
• Value: Dowdle’s $6M/year deal is seen as a great bargain compared to high-priced backs.

c. Defensive Backfield Upgrades

• Signing Jamel Dean (CB) to a 3-year deal after Tampa Bay cut his pay.
  • Noted for his speed (sub-4.4 forty) and man coverage skills.
  • “Even if you do maybe possibly get loose from, you’re not about to get away from him. He’s 4.3.” (58:25)
  • But main focus remains on chemistry and how the pieces will fit.

d. Draft Capital and Roster Planning

• Steelers have 12 draft picks for 2026, leaving flexibility for further moves.
  • “Go get who you need, just don’t get 12 randos.” (61:00)
  • Defense, linebacker, and offensive line remain areas of emphasis.

4. Steelers Culture Change: Tomlin Out, McCarthy In

• Hosts discuss the shift in team hierarchy and leadership style.
  • McCarthy seen as more “offensive-minded,” potentially freeing GM Omar Khan to be more aggressive.
  • Joe Haden reveals Mike Tomlin previously held final say on roster decisions, which affected development and draft success. (37:30-38:56)
• Le’Veon’s Perspective: Cautiously optimistic on the coaching change, more supportive after hearing Deebo and Joe’s reasoning:
  • “I wasn’t forward at first, but now I’m not opposed hearing y’all out.” (48:19)

5. Training, Development, and Defensive Fundamentals

• Debate over whether lack of player development and “basic” teaching has held the Steelers back in recent years.
  • Both Haden and Deebo point to instability at the position coach level and lapses in fundamentals. (44:57-46:29)
  • Bell acknowledges his own lack of insight on defensive schematics, deferring to their expertise.

6. Boxing Talk: Clarissa Shields, Rolly Romero, & More

• Le’Veon weighs in on Clarissa Shields’ claim she could hang with male pros:
  • “I love Clarissa … but she trippin’. … She’s not realizing when he hit you that's gonna feel different than when another woman hits you.” (27:03)
• Analysis of Rolly Romero’s style and Gervonta “Tank” Davis as a generational talent.
  • Strong argument on the difference in physicality and skill levels between male and female fighters.

7. Steelers’ Defensive Upgrades and AFC North Outlook

• Haden and Deebo break down defensive moves, discuss the new secondary, and joke about still recruiting Joe Burrow:
  • “If we get Burrow, it's Super Bowl or bust.” (59:23-59:27)
• Acknowledge Steeler fans’ renewed optimism under Omar Khan and McCarthy.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• “He made sure Le’Veon Bell’s name wasn’t said. He’s making sure.” – Le’Veon Bell (06:32)
• “You don’t play boxing.” – Deebo Harrison (17:42)
• “Logan Paul want to duck me? Give me Jake Paul, give me Chris Paul, give me Paul, give me Paul, anybody named Paul.” – Le’Veon Bell (17:03)
• “We’re getting back to Steeler football. … Steeler football is running the ball.” – Joe Haden (54:56)
• “I wasn’t forward at first, but now I’m not opposed hearing y’all out.” – Le’Veon Bell (48:19)
• “If we get Burrow, it's Super Bowl or bust.” – James ‘Deebo’ Harrison (59:27)
• “Go get who you need, just don’t get 12 randos.” – James ‘Deebo’ Harrison (61:00)

Important Timestamps

• 04:45 – Le’Veon Bell joins, Logan Paul callout discussion begins
• 10:05 – Bell recounts contract talk and "ducking" incident
• 17:03 – Iconic “Anybody named Paul” callout
• 37:10 – Detailed talk about Steelers’ culture change, Tomlin to McCarthy
• 50:30 – Pittman Jr. trade breakdown
• 54:54 – Steelers’ running back signings and ground game analysis
• 57:53 – Jamel Dean signing and secondary upgrades
• 61:00 – Draft capital and summary of remaining team needs

Tone and Style

The banter is bold, lively, and genuine—the trio constantly rib one another while dropping deep NFL insights and candid player stories. The conversation bounces naturally from off-field beefs to X’s and O’s, always in punchy, locker-room language that Steelers fans and die-hards will relish. Le’Veon’s candor and humor shine, especially when confronting the Paul brothers and discussing boxing realities.

Summary

This episode is must-listen material for any Steelers fan or NFL aficionado. Deebo, Joe, and Bell give an inside look at a Steelers organization in the midst of aggressive change, breaking news about Pittman Jr., explaining the front office’s new direction, and forecasting the team’s immediate future. At the same time, Bell’s beef with Logan Paul provides entertainment and a real-world lesson on the perils of athletes crossing over into boxing. The chemistry and experience of the hosts and guest makes for a rich, unfiltered football conversation—equal parts analysis and entertainment.