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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 02.11.25
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:20
Probably after the combine.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
12:20
What kind of cap hit would Minkah create if he is traded or waived after June 1st? His contract is an albatross IMO.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:21
Post June 1 cut is a $6 or 7 million dead cap hit this year and then the rest is dead cap money in 2026.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
12:21
I heard there is a split in preference in the organization with which QB to bring back. Is Fields the leader in the clubhouse or does Tomlin want to run things back with Wilson? Either choice is very underwhelming, and a mediocre season is a guarantee.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:21
There is, but there is only one opinion, maybe two, that matter in that building.
Southside Jimmy
12:22
Hey Ray.  When do you expect a decision on whether the Steelers will offer/sign Fields or Wilson?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:22
By the combine or shortly thereafter.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
12:22
If a QB like Howard falls to the 3rd round, do the Steelers bite or should they ignore the pressure to draft a QB because of the multiple holes in several areas?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:22
I'd wait until Day 3 for a guy like Howard.
Darnell
12:22
Good afternoon Ray.  Other than replacing assistant coach Curry, are you expecting any other coaching changes?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:23
Yes I am but none that will move the Richter scale.
Bob Loblaw
12:23
Ray, something I noticed in Philly's dismantling of the Chiefs is that I can't recall the last time we had the SWAGGER. And if that is the incorrect word, then I'm referencing that gut feeling that our team has all bases covered and is about to hand it to our opponent-- that our players aren't just puffing up their chests. I really do not remember games in which we handled a good team from top to bottom. Does this register with you?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:26
Yes it does. And I think you are right. Art Rooney II said something in his postseason news conference a few weeks back about the team losing confidence. Or so he thought. I think you are right on the money, and I think a big part of it is that many of the players don't believe or fully buy into their offensive and defensive systems. Until that changes you're not going to see anyone on that team playing with swagger. Cam Heyward was quoted at the Super Bowl that the defense lacked "cohesion." Everyone in the organization needs to be on the same page. It doesn't feel that way with the Steelers at all right now.
Zachary
12:26
Appreciate these chats Ray.    Do you think the Steelers should expand their coaching staff?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:27
I've said all along I'd ;like to see them hire someone to help Tomlin with time management and challenges, etc. Maybe someone who can direct him on the analytics, that sort of thing.
TVC15
12:27
Hi Ray,  When the Steelers do make the playoffs they get stomped by halftime. Could they have beaten ANY of last season's playoff teams? AFC or NFC? At home or on the road?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:28
The way they were playing in December and January? Absolutely not. That team was god awful. But in November they beat the Ravens and Commanders, and they beat the Commanders on the road. They fell apart at the wrong time. I'd love to be a fly on the wall in that building this offseason as they attempt to figure out what went wrong. I'm guessing there is a lot second-guessing and soul searching going on.
Rich
12:29
Ray pretty discouraging that there is nothing changing at Steeler central
Ray Fittipaldo
12:30
Nothing of consequence from the outside at this juncture of the offseason. Let's see how the next few months play out.
Guest
12:30
According to Rooney the players want Tomlin backAre they content with being mediocre?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:31
My honest opinion: they're comfortable. I get it. Veterans are drafted and brought along in a system, have success in it. I think it's only natural. I'm not knocking Rooney, but I'm not taking advice from players on my head coach. I'm watching with my own eyes and drawing conclusions for myself. Change is inevitable and sometimes necessary for NFL franchises.
Sam
12:33
Lessons people are taking from SB:  DL and mobile QB.  But did anyone notice that Hurts can and does pass?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
He's played great in two Super Bowls now. I know having a great running game helps him immensely, but he made all the right reads against the Chiefs. When they were playing man and not accounting for him as a runner he'd escape the pocket and take off. When he had 1-on-1 matchups on the outside he dropped dimes. He's been really good in big moments. That's a big part of being a franchise QB. Go back to midseason and there were some rumbles of trouble in Philly between Hurts and A.J. Brown. But they persevered and Hurts played great in the postseason. Kudos to the Eagles for finding him in the second round. Hurts' college experience and exit from Alabama and his ascent in the NFL will make a great 30 for 30 on day.
Steeler Joe
12:36
Can you give us some idea of what's happening at Steelers HQ in the conversation about QBs? Is there a "Wilson camp" and a "Fields camp"? Is it that simple? Any thoughts on who is in which camp? And who will make the final decision?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
Tomlin is the head coach so I think his voice carries the most weight, but the front office and Art Rooney will voice their opinions as well.
Guest
12:37
Hey Ray.  Tomlin is clearly the most powerful coach in the league.  I'd love to know why.  It can't be based on his success because he's at a Marvin Lewis level.  It can't be based on skills like drafting, discipline, coaching hires, QB decisions, game planning, preparation, etc..  Is it just Rooney is so clueless in football that he doesn't know what else to do?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:39
He's not clueless. The Steelers Way is continuity. It's not working right now and every head coach has a shelf life, but I think the Rooney family feels very comfortable with Tomlin being the face of the franchise.
Word Salad Sandwich
12:40
Ray, Dan Rooney hired Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Mike Tomlin. Art2 has never had to make a coaching decision. Do you think the fear of making a bad hire contributes to Tomlin's "coach for life" status?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:40
I just feel like they believe they have a good coach and want to keep him despite of the struggles in the playoffs. They tend to look at things on much more of an even keel than the fans do.
Guest
12:41
Who are the top receivers in this year's draft in terms of selfishness, immaturity, and childish behavior?  Which receivers have red flags?  I'm trying to predict who we draft.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:41
This made me LOL.
Patrick
12:42
The Steelers never tear it down and start over, but you have talked that that may be the best way to get the next franchise quarterback. Are the Steelers stuck in no-man's land — good, but light years away from contending and is there a way to navigate turning good into contending? Thanks Ray
Ray Fittipaldo
12:42
Simply, yes.
Rick W
12:42
I know I'm a pain in the butt but am still waiting for you to give me a reasonable reason why you think Will Howard would not be a good fit for the Steelers.  As always, thanks for your input and great articles.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:43
I just think his ceiling is backup or average starter that's all. They need a franchise QB. Every team does. Doesn't mean Howard won't play for many years in the league. I hope he does, but I don't view him as a QB who can lead the Steelers out of the wilderness.
Fort Wayne Nate
12:43
Hi Ray. Do you think the market will be high for Najee in Free Agency since there's a deep RB draft Class? and can we keep Najee and Warren for a combined $10-12 Mill ?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:44
I'm guessing he's around $7 million a year when it's all said and done. You are right. This draft class does drive down the value of the free agent RBs.
artie bridge
12:44
Ray, I asked Brian this question.  He - understandably - didn't want to answer, so I ask you:  How long will it take the Steelers to be seriously competitive for a Super Bowl run?  I'd guess three years minimum, if everything goes just right.  Your take?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:45
They're not a year away. I've seen quick turnarounds in the NFL. Look at the Commanders. But until the Steelers get a franchise QB they're not close.
fvicchy@yahoo.com
12:45
Sir,  is there any way in which the ROONEYS  can be forced to sell the STEELERS ?
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