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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 02.03.26
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:35
The college game is much different. Different reads, reading half the field for many of them, etc.
Realist
12:35
Do you think Joe Greene would be an edge rusher if he were coming out of college now?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:35
No he'd be Aaron Donald.
Chill Dave
12:36
Hi Ray, what are the chances that the new OL coach will come in and teach entirely different technique to the Steelers young OL?  And is there a possibility some guys won't fit what McCarthy and the OL coach want to do?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:37
I would hope there is as little of that as possible. I do remember the guys telling me Meyer had them doing new techniques when he came onboard. Those guys are experienced enough now to adapt, but the Steelers should be hoping Campen stays for a while. Those guys need stability.
32 Was Great
12:37
Would you keep Seumalo for the right price or use some of the added cap space to upgrade the position with a younger vet? What do you anticipate the team will do?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
Seumalo was fine, but he's aging and prone to injuries. I think they get a free agent or draft someone who can compete with Spencer Anderson for the job, if Seumalo does not come back.
32 Was Great
12:39
Hi Ray. I thought Pat Meyer did a poor job teaching cut block technique. They all seemed to have the same technique so I don’t think it was poor habits or bad execution. Did you notice that during the season
Ray Fittipaldo
12:40
I honestly didn't notice, but it's hard to teach cut blocking when you're not going live. Even when they go live and tackle to the ground they're not cut blocking. That's something you only do in games.
LivingInMyFears
12:40
Thanks for the chat, Ray! I was enjoying reading Brian's piece on the chief of staff position and Steve Scarnecchia ... until I realized he was the video coordinator for the Patriots. Anyone going to point-blank ask him about the 2004 AFC Championship game and if accusations by Ben and The Bus can be confirmed? Come on! Someone HAS to ask him!
Ray Fittipaldo
12:42
The Steelers won't make assistant coaches available until minicamp and I'm not even sure chief of staff is considered a coach. Other than Spygate, what in the world would we ask him about? Is it hard to coordinate with Pitt on scheduling practices? Is it hard to get player to meetings on time?
J D
12:42
Ray, McCarthy had great facilities in Dallas for his team.  Do you think he will request an upgrade to the Steeler's facilities that have ranked poorly over the years?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:43
I think that's in the plans regardless. The lease at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex is up in 2030 and they know they need a bigger and more updated facility.
Linebacker Lounge
12:43
Fair to say Herbig will want to start and / or want a starter money contract? A lot invested in the OLB position and a need to to start sliding money to the offensive side of the ball - what gives?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:45
Well, he's under contract for 2026 so he doesn't really have a say in the matter. But the OLB position is one of the more interesting offseason discussions. They have three starting quality players. Do they try to move one of them? What would Watt attract in a trade? Herbert? I'm not sure, but I think Omar Khan will find out.
Linebacker Lounge
12:45
Does JPJ get extended or Gainwell get the first offer to avoid FA?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:46
JPJ has a year left on his rookie deal so he'll be addressed in the spring or summer. Gainwell can hit free agency in March so he's first in line.
J D
12:46
Ray, are the Steelers planning on getting a better playing surface, like artificial turf, for next year since their current grass field is a safety issue?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:47
Believe it or not, the players like the Acrisure surface over an artificial surface. It's considered safer.
Lenny from NY
12:47
Good morning Ray. What’s your take on Drew Allar?  I haven’t watched him a lot but know people who swear by him. They say he was in the wrong system.  I know he has a gun for an arm and could be good competition for Howard. Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
12:48
He's a wild card in this draft. I'm sure there will be some coach who will see his size and arm strength and think they can get more out of him. I'm guessing he goes in the second round, or early third round.
Dpreble001
12:48
Ray, a 3rd or 4th round pick a flyer on the Penn St qb,has tools ,big, arm needs development, a McCarthy specialty?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:48
Why not? Keep taking QBs until you find one.
Yates
12:49
Hi Ray-  what key decisions need to be made in advance of the start of free agency?  What are some of the upcoming key dates for roster bonuses for key players.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:49
It's usually early March right before the start of the new league year.
Tim and Maria
12:49
Hey Ray, would Boston or Lemon be the better fit in McCarthy’s offense?  Thank you!
Ray Fittipaldo
12:50
Hard to say. McCarthy had productive receivers of all shapes and sizes in his time in Green Bay and Dallas. They just need guys who can get open, catch the ball and catch the ball when it's contested.
Darnell
12:51
Ray, I enjoy your chats and hope you have the opportunity to do them for many years to come.  Are you hearing any rumors about free agents that may interest the Steelers or have expressed interest in signing with the Steelers?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:51
Thanks Darnell. It's a little too early for free agency speculation.
Chris
12:52
While Scott Tolzien did not get the OC job, Haslett reportedly turned down the TE/PGC job. Is there any particular issue behind the scenes making coaches not want to come?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:54
OK here's how this works: McCarthy lets them know they're not getting jobs because he has others in line to take those jobs. Their agents then leak to national reporters that they're staying with the Saints. Their agents are doing their job, trying to spin their situation in the best possible light. I get it, but fans should know how the sausage is made.
Black and Fold
12:55
Does having a football chief of staff create the risk of a power struggle between Omar and Scarnecchia?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:55
Not at all.
Mike P
12:56
Why didn’t Tomlin hold a press confernce on his decison. Seems unprofessional
Ray Fittipaldo
12:57
He was under no obligation, but I think it would have been nice for fans to hear from him the reasons why he left.
obxandy
12:57
When can Steelers sign their own free agents? Thanks. I enjoy your articles and chats.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:58
Anytime, but agents usually don't let their players sign this time of the year. They want to see what's out there for their clients.
Realist
12:58
I'd have been happy with 15 sacks from Wattgrinning
MikeM65 in Florida
12:58
Any idea why the pro bowl is selecting and interested in quarterbacks that aren't at the top of their game?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:58
Because no one wants to play in the "game"
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