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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 01.10.23
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
The emergence of this rookie class, specifically Pickett and Pickens. The worst is just the unknown of whether they have the OC to develop the young offense into a unit that can help them contend for a title. Or whether Tomlin can find an OC to accomplish that if Canada is fired.
Darnell
12:32
Ray, do you think the Steelers have any chance of signing Roquan Smith as a free agent or will his asking price be too high?  Thank you.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:33
He'll be one of the more sought-after free agents so I don't think the Steelers will overpay.
Jim Bow Dean
12:33
Is Canada under contract next season?  When was the last time they fired a coach still under contract?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:33
He is and it's not all that unusual to fire a coach when he is under contract.
Ryan
12:34
Ray which of our free agents come back I’m hoping Spillane gentry Boykin and Edmunds and Sutton comes back
Ray Fittipaldo
12:34
That's a good list. What about Ogunjobi? I know he's going to turn 29 and injuries are a concern, but I thought he played well for the most part.
Loudermilk's Dad
12:35
Is some of the lack of development of Diontae, Claypool, James Washington coaching related? Two second rounders and a third rounder that don't seem to have maximized their ability.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
Perhaps or maybe Claypool and Washington were overdrafted. The Steelers were so good for so long drafting receivers. Maybe they were due for a couple of clunkers. (By the way, I don't put Johnson in their category).
Guest
12:36
Ray what is your opinion on keeping William Jackson for next season.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
They would bring him back but it won't be under the terms of his current contract.
Tina F.
12:36
Hello Ray.  Might the Steelers use their picks in the second round to move up in the first round?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:37
Never say never, but I think they can use those picks to improve their roster.
Jeff in NC
12:37
Do you think the Steelers will try to bring Larry Ogunjobi back? Or will he be out of their price range?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:39
It's an interesting case. He agreed to play for $40 million over three years with the Bears before he failed his physical after having offseason foot surgery. The Steelers got him for $8 million on a one-year deal. He was on the injury report a lot this year but started 16 games. I don't know that he'll ever recoup that $13 million a year figure he was going to get with the Bears, but he's probably going to want more than a one-year deal this time. What we don't know is how many other teams flunked him on his physical. That will certainly play a role in his upcoming free agency.
Robert
12:39
Ray do you see the Steelers keeping Jackson?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:40
They showed no urgency to activate him from IR, but if he wants to come back on a cheap prove-it deal then I think they could add him to the mix. But by no means are they counting on him in 2023.
Taylor
12:41
Hey Ray, what’s the latest on Calvin Austin?    It seems the Steelers are expecting him to be healthy and productive next season.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:44
I talked to Austin yesterday at locker room cleanout day. I'll have a story on him next week sometime. He's behind, but there is certainly room for a No. 3 WR with Claypool gone.
Mason
12:44
Ray, you seem to specialize in the analysis of OL play. Could I be a starting center on a legitimate playoff team? Note: not the recent Steeler's playoff teams, but a legitimate one. Gracias.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:45
Sure. If not for a 50-yard field goal by the Dolphins they would have made it this year.
Stash
12:45
Ray, the other PG sports types seem to be gravitating to that quite lame mailbag thing, rather than face usually angry yinzers on a real-time basis. How long before you go in hiding?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:45
I plan to chat with yinz most every Tuesday during the offseason too.
Chase
12:46
Ray, you were clearly never in my corner during my days in the 'burgh. Looks like you may have some scouting potential. So what position do they fill with my precious DRAFT CAPITAL (sorry, Gene C)?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:47
No need to peg a position, Chase, but rest assured they'll use that pick on either an OL, DL, CB or ILB.
Keith
12:47
What are you hearing about Danny Smith retiring or being let go?  Thanks Ray.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:48
Nothing yet. I don't expect any coaching news this week from the Steelers unless it's late in the week.
TC in CLT
12:48
Flores would have to be hired as another teams head coach for Steelers to receive a compensatory 3rd  round pick right?  How is Pat F. injury
Ray Fittipaldo
12:48
Freiermuth has a sprained MCL. The injury won't affect his offseason. And yes on Flores and the compensatory pick.
Jeff
12:48
Ray, thoughts on Devin Bush? Is he gone and do they draft an ILB or sign free agent to replace him?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:49
Devin wants to sign somewhere where he can play. He doesn't have a future here.
DCSteelers
12:49
Of course Tomlin deserves some kudos for finishing 9-8.  That said, who cares about never having a losing season?  Can we trust this guy to take us into the playoffs and be competitive in the playoffs?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:50
Sure, and it should happen next season. They have a defense that is ready to compete in the playoffs. The offense has to get to that level, and it's Tomlin's job to make sure that happens.
Jay Daven
12:50
Ray, do you ever get insight to write a column from all these questions on your chats?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:51
I enjoy answering your questions every week. I can't say that's ever happened, but sometimes the light goes on with a question or a suggestion that can be developed.
Retire21
12:53
With 2 likely QB openings, what do you think of signing Chris Olukuso off the KC practice squad?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:53
You mean Oladokun, and he couldn't complete a pass a ball pass skel in camp.
Steel Russel
12:53
Was Sims really an upgrade of Ray Ray?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:54
He was OK, but they need a quality No. 3 WR.
Wil
12:55
Starkey, Cook & Pomp talking about JuJu this morning.
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