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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 01.21.19
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Ray Fittipaldo
11:52
Welcome to my Steelers chat. Post your questions and we'll get started soon.
DaquidoBazzini
11:54
Hi, Ray….I’m curious what the salary cap ramifications would be if AB retired.
Though not likely, this is 30 year old man that seems to be full of surprises these days.
Ray Fittipaldo
11:55
In theory, he'd have to repay a portion of his signing bonus though I don't know the exact figure without looking it up. But he's not going to retire. He wants to be known as the GOAT at receiver. He is on pace to challenge all of Jerry Rice's records.
DaquidoBazzini
11:55
Morgan Burnett is the latest “unhappy” Steeler.
Is he gone?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:56
It won't be a big cap hit to release him -- less than $3 million. If he's unhappy the Steelers should oblige him. If I'm Art Rooney II and Mike Tomlin I want players who want to play for the Steelers. It's not like he had a great year. He is injury-prone.
Dave
11:56
From what you've seen from Artie Burns could they transform him into an effective nickel corner if they end up signing or drafting a worthy #2 opposite Haden?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:57
I don't see that happening. He's tall and fast -- the attributes you want in an outside corner. He just hasn't developed. Slot corners are generally smaller and quicker because they're covering small and quicker slot WRs... Burns doesn't have that type of build.
Dave
11:57
Do you see Burnett wanting out as simply unhappiness over how he's being used or does he want out of the circus?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:59
Either way, the Steelers should grant him his release. Why keep a fringe player if he's unhappy? It's not like he's a vital part of the defense. They won a bunch of games without him and they lost a bunch of games with him in the lineup. It's a no-brainer for me. Cut him loose.
Dave
11:59
Would the Steelers consider taking a look at Vinatieri? While 46, he's still pretty effective
Ray Fittipaldo
11:59
He an't kick forever and he had a rather big miss in the playoff game against the Chiefs. I pass.
Damian
12:00
Morgan Burnette popping off..now LJ Fort..do you think the lockerroom respects Tomlin as a whole..and will we see Ben clamor for a change if they miss the playoffs again?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:02
The way Burnett went about seeking his release was odd to me. Usually that type of stuff is done behind closed doors. There is no need for a player such as Burnett to call a national reporter to reveal the news. You almost never see that. I don't know if it's disrespect for Tomlin or Colbert or the Steelers in general, but it's odd to me.
Steve
12:02
Sean Lee-30 years old, would love to play in Pittsburgh again, wouldn’t cost a ton, large upgrade over Bostic and Fort (yes i know he has an injury history) are you taking a chance at 3-5 million a year?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:03
$2 million one-year deal. He's a bad injury risk and the Steelers have had too many of those bad deals in the recent past.
Paul from Louisville
12:03
What are your thoughts on the Steelers being better without AB or Bell??  Great players but maybe holding them back with the drama?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:05
Did you see the Patriots are in the Super Bowl again? They're there with Chris Hogan and Julian Edelman as their starting WRs, a broken-down Gronkowski and three RBs that share the carries. It can be done. I'm not saying the Steelers absolutely will be better without Brown and Bell. They have a lot of talent. But there is something to be said for a team concept that allows everyone a chance to be a part of a winning formula. If you missed Ed Bouchette's story last week on the star system and how it failed the Steelers you should go back and give it a read.
Damian
12:05
Bigger need 1st round..CB or LB?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:07
It's so close. It will be best available player when they pick. They are picking eight spots higher than last year so they might have better luck getting the player they need/want.
Drop Kick
12:09
Which positions do you think the Steelers might try to fill with free agent signings and which through the draft?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:10
All depends on what happens with Antonio Brown. They might feel like they need a veteran presence at WR if Brown is dealt. They'll need a veteran CB if Coty Sensabaugh isn't re-signed.
12:11
As for the draft needs, it's ILB and CB and then OLB in my opinion.
Jack
12:11
Should they trade up into the top 10 to draft LB Devin White or go FA and sign someone like Sean Lee who is injury prone?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:12
Going from 20 to 10 is expensive in terms of what you'd have to give up. There is another ILB beside White that is a good fit for the Steelers. You can read about it tomorrow. I have a story.
The Ville
12:12
Ray, what is your AB prediction? Staying or going? Seems like he is definitely gone at this point.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:13
If they feel like they can get fair value in return I think they'll trade him.
bob
12:13
Given the limited options at ILB.  Instead of reaching, why not try Bud at ILB with his speed and draft/sign the best player available.  Lord knows we have a lot of holes to fill
Ray Fittipaldo
12:14
Dupree is very good in coverage, but he's too big to play ILB. And I don't know if he'd be willing to switch positions. OLBs make much more in free agency that ILBs.
The Ville
12:14
Ray - do you see the Steelers more active in FA this year with more cap space than recent years?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:15
That could be the case, yes, especially if Antonio Brown is traded.
JoeB
12:15
Why was Saxon let go?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:15
Art Rooney II said he just felt it was time for a change.
Stillerfan
12:15
The steelers picked up Shazier's last option, any word on if/how he'll still be on the team?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:16
They're trying to figure that out. He wants to continue to rehab with the intent of resuming his career, but the Steelers would have to sign him to a players contract in order for that to happen.
Jay7
12:16
Brady and Belichick had tension. They sorted out and they are back to SB! Can Steelers can just take a cue from this team and sort this AB mess
Ray Fittipaldo
12:17
Yes, there was tension. But Tom Brady never missed practices or games because he was unhappy with the situation. He was a pro.
The Ville
12:17
Ray - what kind of return can we get for AB? At least a 1st, right? Can't move him unless you get at least that, IMO.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:17
Correct. Brown is still one of the best WRs in the game and only 31 years old. A first-round pick is the minimum I'd take in return.
Kurt
12:17
Do you think the over time rules should still be adjusted so each team should possess the ball even if the other wins the coin toss and scores? Pats benefited from playing a tired d and winning toss yesterday. Just like in super bowl against Atlanta.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:18
The Chiefs had them in three third-and-10 situations and couldn't get a stop. They didn't deserve to go to the Super Bowl. And it was so easy for Brady to convert those third downs. He had Edelman wide open on a couple of them and Gronk on another. It was like a hand off.
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