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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 02.25.25
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:56
Greetings from Indianapolis. Let's get the chat started.
Farmtastic
1:56
Ray, what are your thoughts on Omar Khan's comments about Pickens? Seems they maybe want to get a deal done. Do you think they genuinely want to keep him or is there maybe a lack of interest in him from other teams? I thought maybe they'd wait until the draft was closer and try to deal him.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:59
I was standing next to Khan when he answered every question about Pickens and I did not for one second get the idea the Steelers will make a Pickens contract a priority. The most likely scenario is they keep him and let him play out the final year of his contract. A trade is a possibility too. But of course Khan isn't going to announce they'll listen to offers.
Hi Ray -
1:59
If you were Pickens's agent, wouldn't you expect a contract offer filled with team goals and performance bonuses where the Steelers tie comp to behavior and outcomes?  I can't see them doing anything else other than a trade.  Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
I think a new contract is a far-fetched scenario this summer. He has not behaved like someone they would want to have on their team long-term.
Hi Ray -
2:00
Where is the DB from Texas, Ryan Watts, expected to play this season?  SS, FS, SC, CB?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
Omar Khan was asked about Watt this morning. He said he was disappointed the injury occurred and acknowledged it was a serious injury. I didn't get the idea Watts was cleared to do football activities yet so it's probably premature to talk about future plans. If he does get cleared I'm thinking strong safety. That's where he was before the injury.
Hi Ray -
2:02
How long would you give Roman Wilson if he comes out of the gate slow or injured again this year?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:03
He's a third-round pick. They're not going to give up on him anytime soon. He has to be healthy and available. If he is, I think there is some talent the Steelers can use.
steve
2:03
If a player goes to training camp and refuses to practice until he gets a new contract, what can teams do to stop this?  I'm thinking Pickens might do this like Au
Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
Nothing really. They can be fined if they hold out, but if a player reports and doesn't practice there isn't any real recourse. Some teams might say they'll fine players, but those usually get rescinded once the player reports or signs a new deal.
Hi Ray -
2:05
Is there any chance the Steelers' relationship with Minka would allow for some discussion on reworking his contract to adjust to his performance? Or, at a minimum, spreading it out over future years?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:05
I haven't heard anything along those lines. Omar Khan was not asked one question about Fitzpatrick today.
Hi Ray -
2:06
Why did nobody ask Khan about Tomlin's performance? It's been abysmal and he refuses to make any meaningful changes.  Hell, bring in Mayo as an assistant HC and let him work on the defense so maybe Tomlin can get a clue on how to manage a game and not be so predictable.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:06
Tomlin does not report to Khan. He reports to Art Rooney II, who answered questions about Mike last month at his season-ending briefing with local reporters.
the real guest
2:07
Ray, Even George Pickens must understand that for him to cash-in in 2026 he must crush 2025. I think he can and will do that thus I hope the Steelers trade him while the iron is hot. I think contenders such as the Packers would consider trading a second and maybe a fourth to give Love a major vertical weapon. What say you?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
I would certainly listen. And yes, I'd take a second and a fourth for him I'd do that deal right now. It's a good draft, and the Steelers could use extra picks to fortify their roster.
TVC15
2:08
Would it be just as big of a waste of talent if the Steelers pick Ashton Jeanty as it was when the Giants picked Saquon Barkley?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:08
I agree, but I also think Jeanty will be gone well before the Steelers pick at No. 21
Tom
2:09
I'm enjoying the PG articles on best fits by draft positions. The RB one consistently says the Steelers are looking for big play explosiveness. Are they really? They've had that and kept him on the bench for 2 years. Why do we expect a change when they never do? They will target a big plodding back who can handle a lot of carries.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
I think you might be surprised. The Steelers would be silly not to draft an RB this year. The class is loaded. Paying Harris does not make a whole lot of sense in a year like this year.
Silent Bob
2:10
Hi Ray - Isn't a significant reason to pick JF over RW economics? Option one is to sign an older, smaller, immobile QB. Option two is to sign a much younger and faster QB - PLUS - at the same price - also sign a starting CB or DL free agent?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
Sure, but it's not that significant. I'm guessing only about $10 million a year. Wilson would come in anywhere from $20-25 million a year and Fields likely in the $13-15 million a year range.
Tony
2:12
Do you think the Watt extension will get done soon to free up more cap space before the new league year and before other pass rushers are paid or do you think it will drag into the summer?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
No. I don't think they'll get to that until June at the earliest and likely later. The last time the Steelers and Watt did a contract he did not sign until 48 hours before the season opener in Buffalo.
PODOG
2:14
Ray, I would like them to draft a QB next year. I would like Fields and Allen resigned this year what say you?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
Sounds like a good plan to me.
JPinPDX
2:15
Ray, did anything that GM Khan said, or didn't say, today surprise you?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
Not really.
TVC15
2:16
In 2025 if Tomlin's no losing seasons string ends and the Steelers miss the playoffs will there be any tangible "sense of urgency?"
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
In terms of Tomlin's job? No. He would still be owed $33 million or so over two more years.
Yitzer
2:17
Ray, could you explain all the DL techniques that are employed.  And which one is the most difficult to play.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
5 technique aligns over the outside shoulder of the offensive tackle. 3 technique aligns over the outside shoulder of the guard. 0 technique is an old-fashioned nose tackle who aligns right over the center. There are others... 4i technique aligns right over the tackle, etc. In terms of difficulty, I'm not sure one is more difficult than the other but nose tackles often occupy multiple blocks so they'd probably tell you it's most difficult
Eric Carr
2:21
Ray do you think we have any interest in Jonathan Allen? Hopefully for a mid to late round pick and hopefully with a restructure or extension to lower this yrs hit even though we can afford it
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
Allen is older and has probably seen better days. But if they can get him on the cheap then maybe I'd take a flyer on him.
Steve in Canton
2:21
Do you get a sense from Omar that the Steelers are more dedicated this offseason to filling the #2 receiver slot?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
Yes for sure. I wrote about that earlier today https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2025/02/25/george-pickens...
Eric Carr
2:22
Ray, if you had to guess right now, what position do you think gets addressed first and with the most money in FA?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
DL or WR. And probably that way in the draft too.
Steve in Canton
2:23
Is Stafford to the Steelers really doable for a #1 pick and $50M per year?
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