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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 02.18.20
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:50
Post your questions.
Guest
1:50
Why does it seem we are always in salary cap hell and the Ravens, with better players, never are?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:53
I wouldn't say the Steelers are always in salary cap hell. It was only a year ago they went out and signed Steven Nelson and Mark Barron to big deals. Nelson got $24 million over 3 years and Barron $12 million over two years. And I also would not say the Ravens, with better players, never are. The Ravens most certainly had a better QB last season and it was a sharp move to acquire Mark Ingram. But overall, the rosters are pretty similar. That's why both teams have been competitive for most of the past decade.
Utah Jim
1:53
When can NFL teams start signing their own players new contracts?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:54
It can happen anytime. Other teams are signing some of their own free agents during this period, which goes until March 18.
DaquidoBazzini
1:54
Should we be confident that the Steelers will receive a 3rd Round comp pick in the upcoming draft? When will we know?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:54
Yes, it's looking that way, and they usually make the comp picks announcement right around the combine. So within the next week or so we should know the comp picks.
kent
1:55
Ray, What's your take on why the NFL reinstated Myles Garrett so soon. I thought they would want to send a stronger message with a much longer suspension to players that it isn't acceptable to do what he did. Obviously he wasn't recalcitrant as he jumped up accused Mason of racism. How is Mason supposed to get the respect of the Black players if they believe him to be a racist?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:58
I wholeheartedly agree. What was the hurry? He has to be reinstated so he can work out at the Browns facility? He can work out at Planet Fitness or wherever he can. He's a millionaire. He can afford it. Even if they wanted to reinstate him by the time OTAs start in May that's another two months he could have been thinking about how serious his incident was. And to your point on Rudolph, it's incredibly damaging to him as a player and person. He has to work for the rest of his life. This is something that could linger for a long time. That's why I'd sue Garrett if I was in his shoes.
abowers
1:58
I've read arguments that the reason the NFL has not made any audio available from the Steelers - Browns game is because of a provision in the CBA which prohibits the NFL from releasing audio of a mic'd player which may contain inappropriate language without the permission of the player.  Is that accurate?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:58
I don't know where you read that, but the NFL has said on multiple occasions that it did not release audio because there is no audio to release.
DaquidoBazzini
1:59
Didn't DC Keith Butler's contract end after the 2019 season? If so, I haven't heard any talk yet of an extension.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
The Steelers don't publicize the length of assistant coach contracts. Most are two- or three-year deals. It's not like player contracts when we know someone is up.
Leroy B.
2:00
On a scale ranging from probably to absolutely not, where would you put the chances of us seeing a 'Killer B' reunion/lovefest that puts AB and Leveon Bell back in the black n gold this season or next - or before Ben hangs them up?  AB is obviously looking for work, and Bell almost found his way back via trade last season and will likely be dealt by the J-E-T-S due to his salary and what he is producing for that salary.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
ABSOLUTELY NOT
Emilio
2:01
Ray, If Ben is fine and healthy and Brady is back with *pats* without knowing FA and Draft Yet, as of now who would you put as favorites to go further??Now with Bills they won’t have it as easy as always, and sure we have the Ravens as always..
Ray Fittipaldo
2:01
I'd say the Patriots, but not by much.
pdxJaxon
2:01
Hey Ray, Any sense if the Team would see Jonathan Taylor as a Feature Back or not ?
Decent Chance he's there in round 2
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
He's considered one of the top 5 backs in this draft. Some analysts have him as one of the top 3 backs. If the Steelers have a high grade on him then yes he'dd certainly be in play with that pick in the second round.
Yuri
2:03
Hi Ray...what do you think the ultimate fallout if any, will be from the Rudolph-Garrett incident?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
I think it depends on Garrett. If he opens up his mouth again I think you'll see court papers filed, and there would be a civil suit seeking damages for defamation of character. If Garrett keeps quiet -- as Mike Tomlin suggested to him yesterday -- then nothing more could come of this. Ball is in Garrett's court.
Jerry
2:04
What do you think about this. Cut Barron move Edmunds to his spot. Sign Sean Davis and move him to Edmunds spot. Your thoughts
Ray Fittipaldo
2:06
I don't know if you'd make your defense stronger by cutting someone who played a lot of snaps on defense and replace him with someone who has never played the position. Edmunds is entering his third year in the league. He might at some point become a dime linebacker, but I'm not sure it's now. Let's see if he gets any better at safety this season before juggling the secondary.
Mia
2:06
Who would you like or prefer all things considered for the next 2 Seasons at TE, Vance or Greg Olsen? Could steelers show interest in Olsen at least for one year?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:06
Olsen is too old. I saw he took a few visits, but not to the Steelers.
Winston
2:07
Ray...kudos to Coach Tomlin on speaking up for Mason.  Were you surprised that the NFL did not make Garrett admit he lied as a condition of being reinstated?  To date , there is no evidence to support Garrett’s claim.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:08
I don't think the NFL was on board with Garrett doing an interview and bringing up an accusation that was never proved. But they can't make him come out and say he lied. We can all deduce he's probably lying based on his language and the details of his story that make it seem far-fetched.
2:10
And one detail that was overlook from the Outside the Lines story: Garrett said Rudolph said the slur "as we were going to the ground." C'mon Myles, it's impossible to speak words like that while in the air. It's preposterous.
Ryno
2:10
So many national sports talking heads are saying what a wonderful guy Myles Garret is, but isnt this the same guy that punched an opposing player after a play had ended???
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
Yes he has a few bad marks on his resume in addition to this big one with Rudolph.
Nate
2:11
Hi Ray, thanks again for the chats!  Hypothetical:  if one of the top RBs (Dobbins or Swift) are still available around pick 40, should Steelers try to trade up to ensure they get one?  I know they have limited draft picks this year, but they could always give up a future draft pick (like Devin Bush trade).  Or do you feel none of the RBs are worth it in this particular scenario?  Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
No, I think they keep their picks because they have other holes to fill -- both on offense and defense.
Nate
2:11
Hi Ray, your thoughts and gut reaction on the Ike Hilliard hire?  Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
Longtime player in the league, has pedigree as a former first-round pick. Went into coaching right after his playing career ended. Seems like an NFL lifer. I don't know much about him other than that, but he did some nice things with Terry McLaurin in Washington. That wasn't a good team, but McLaurin had a nice rookie year, probably on par with Diontae Johnson.
Louis
2:13
Love the chats Ray.  A number of mock drafts have Jalen Hurts going to the Steelers.  I don’t see him as a Steelers type of qb.   Do you agree?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
You're reading the wrong mock drafts.
Ryno
2:13
Do you see any way  to do a longterm deal with Dupree so the tag amount wouldnt kill the cap issue for next season?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
Small chance at a long-term deal. More likely just a one-year tag because T.J. Watt is going to make more on his next contract.
MD
2:14
Bruce Arians and Tampa offer their #1 pick for Ben and the rest of his contract.  Colbert on a one year deal would say no, what would you say?  Would your answer change if Tua or Herbert were still on the board at that pick?  Would it change if Ben is still just throwing tennis balls on draft day?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
That'll never happen because the Steelers believe in Ben and respect what he's done for the franchise.
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