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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 02.17.26
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
They have to figure that out. When you hit on a guy like Herbig in the draft you want to sign him to a second contract, but it's going to be hard for him to start unless there are injuries to Watt or Highsmith. Maybe they try to make a deal or maybe they just let him play out his contract and see where things stand next year at this time.
Frank
12:32
Hi Ray. I first want to say I appreciate everyone at the PG sports department and thank you all for continuing on in this uncertain time in local journalism. Sure hope some way is found to save this essential community resource you are part of. My question — have you heard any thoughts the veteran players have on the new coach and staff hires?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:33
We haven't had a chance to interview any players since McCarthy was hired, and we won't until OTAs in May. With the draft here this year maybe we get one or two that week, but players generally don't do a ton of interviews during the offseason.
Fort Wayne Nate
12:34
Morning, Ray. If the Steelers cut Jonnu and Queen, do you think they'll be pretty busy with Free Agency? Maybe a CB or WR signing? or do you think they'd spend the money on bringing back Pierre , Samuel or Isaac Seumalo?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:35
They'll sign a few players, but they never make a big slash in free agency. Did you see what the Dolphins did this week? They're this year's case study in why you don't spend big in free agency. You know your own plyers much better than you do those who played on other teams.
steelmann58
12:35
Hi Ray any possibility that either Watt or Highsmith are moved this Offseason?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
They have unusual depth there so I won't rule anything out. If you're Omar Khan you have to at least listen to what other GMs are offering.
Fort Wayne Nate
12:36
Do you think the Steelers will try to get more Comp picks for next year? Maybe if Aaron Rodgers somehow signs with Minnesota and Pierre, Gainwell, Samuel, and Isaac Seumalo, Calvin Austin sign big with other teams and we go light on FA signings.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
Last year was a little unique with Dan Moore signing the huge deal and Russell Wilson and Justin Fields also signing for decent money. They can certainly try to manipulate free agency again to acquire more comp picks in the '27 draft, but I don't think any of the guys you mentioned will approach what Moore, Wilson and Fields got in free agency.
Ryan
12:38
Ray will you be in Indianapolis if so i would keep a eye on the running back from Navy Eli Heidenreich he’s from Pittsburgh and i would like to see him become a Steeler
Ray Fittipaldo
12:39
He's on our radar. I'm sure we'll interview him for a story or for content on our YouTube channel.
Jbrownsteelers
12:39
Are we really going to bring Aaron back?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:39
It's trending in that direction. If Aaron wants to come back the Steelers will have him back.
Jeff
12:40
I thought Queen played well and is good locker room guy , Do you really think they move on from him , thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
12:41
They can save $11 million if they release him. But honestly, it's probably going to be up to McCarthy and Patrick Graham to a certain extent. If they feel like they have to have him then he'll be back. We don't really know how they feel about a lot of players. Maybe we'll get some insights at the combine next week.
Scott via Louisville
12:41
How does Cook just show up as the 4th ol and crush it?  If there weren’t multiple injuries ahead of him, this guy doesn’t get on the field. What kind of practices or evaluations are done to let him get lost in the shuffle?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:42
Sometimes guys just need a chance. Look at James Harrison and Alejandro Villanueva and many others over time.
Luca
12:43
Hi Ray.  There are many draft pundits reevaluating Garrett Nussmeier positively after his stellar week/game at the Senior Bowl.  Apparently he had a serious injury that affected his senior year.  Would you take a chance and draft him in round 3?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:43
They have three third-round picks so if they feel the same way then why not? Keep taking a QB until you find one, right?
Costner
12:44
What does moving up into the top 5 in the draft mean in terms of what draft picks get traded?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:45
Google Jimmy Johnson draft value chart. There are other draft value charts out there as well. They basically tell you the math equation it takes to move up. Every team has a draft chart of some sort they go by.
Art Amith
12:45
Put Buckeye fans at ease Ray, I can't be nearly as uncreative at Ohio State given the weapons at my disposal and talent disparity, right?  I do have a better QB and WR at OSU after all!
Ray Fittipaldo
12:46
I think Buckeyes fans will love Arthur Smith. He might even verse them in some military history.
Paul B
12:46
Hi Ray, I thought the playoff game really exposed the Steeler's offensive line. Should Steelers employ some more high draft picks on guards and tackles?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:48
The Texans did that to a lot of teams. But to your point, they need to take another step in their development. I wrote about that over the weekend. https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2026/02/15/nfl-free-agenc...
Gene
12:48
Do you think the Steelers can keep Gainwell this year?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:48
I think they will try. Rodgers loved him. All of his teammates valued what he brought to the offense. Those are the guys you try to keep.
Gianpaolo
12:49
i totaly get the saying of keep taking a qb until you find one... What if Will Howard is the guy?They wont really know what they have until he plays
Ray Fittipaldo
12:50
Right. But good coaches can find out a lot about a player in practices. That's why the Steelers like Howard. They saw him interact with his teammates in the spring and summer before he got hurt. He has a presence about him. He has leadership skills. He can move around a little. Now they have to find out if he can make NFL throws on a consistent basis and process the game the way McCarthy needs him to process.
Immaculate Resurrection
12:51
I am very intrigued and excited by MM coming home and think he’s going to surprise us with the teams improvement. Could we be better under him?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:52
Why not? Do you see what's happening with the Penguins this season? Sometimes change is good. I feel like I've been typing that sentence for eight years now. Oh yes, I have been!
Cdub
12:53
What would be Broderick Jones' salary if they picked up the option?  Is he worth it?  Would they possibly decline it and offer a lower salary?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:53
The projected number, according to spotrac, is $20.3 million. And remember, that's guaranteed with injury.
12:55
Ok thanks for all the great questions this week. Stay tuned for a time for next week's chat. I'll be in Indianapolis for the combine.
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