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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 02.25.25
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
$50 million a year for a 37-year old QB? Steelers won't be interested at that number. And probably not anything close to that number. I don't really get the sense they're the team for Stafford although I think the Steelers would listen if the Rams called.
Eric Carr
2:24
Ray did you see where Domonique Foxworth floats the idea of Tyreek to the Steelers? At first I thought no way with his decline this yr and volatility but then I thought he's just the type of WR MT loves and even a slightly diminished version of him would pay huge dividends for them as well as for GP
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
He makes too much money. And they don't even know who their QB is yet. That's the first domino that has to fall before they consider any WRs. Plus, didn't Hill say recently he wanted to stay in Miami? And the Dolphins said they wanted to keep him?
Steve in Canton
2:26
Any more cuts you see forthcoming similar to that of Preston Smith, such as Larry O. or C. Holcomb?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
And Cordarrelle Patterson. Those cuts will come in first or second week of March.
Steve in Canton
2:26
When will your next mock draft come out?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
After I get back from the combine. So sometime next week.
George T
2:26
Ray, I would not draft a WR this year for the group of WR are not the top of the line. I would rather we trade or sign for WR and maybe next year draft class will be a lot better.  Also since the year DL group is so deep maybe we look at drafting two or three.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:27
I like what you're thinking on DL, but I disagree about the WRs. I think there are some good ones. Might not be top-heavy with elite talent, but it's a good draft for WRs.
Steve in Canton
2:27
Do you see a complete overhaul of the QB room in 2025?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:27
No.
Steve in Canton
2:27
If DL Kenneth Grant of Michigan is on the board at #21, does GM Ray run the card up to Roger personally?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
Depends who else is available, but I can assure you it would be a slow job. I wouldn't want to tear my Achilles like Kaboly.
Steelers 307 fan
2:29
Hello Ray and thx for chats enjoy. Many writers suggest Omar Khan is willingly to be bold and differ from past operating models. What would be realistic bold move trade or free agency to give Steelers fan hope 2025 actually having shot at Super Bowl appearance?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:30
A QB who can elevate the players around him.
2:31
I think they can add a starting DL and a starting WR for sure.
Upstate NY Fan
2:31
I read your article on DL draft prospects for the Steelers.  How many "true NTs" are starters in the league?  Can the Steelers take this chance with a high draft pick?  It seems like running game strategies are making a bit of a comeback lately.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
Ideally, those guys would offer pass rush potential to be in consideration in the first round. But as you noted, bigger DTs with the ability to stop the run are more coveted now because the run game is making a bit of a comeback
Ryan
2:32
Good afternoon Ray do the Steelers resign Dontae Jackson he looked good when he wasn’t injured
Ray Fittipaldo
2:33
Jackson was decent when he was healthy, but back injuries are worrisome.
Rob
2:33
Hi Ray, What's the highlight of your trip thus far?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:33
Chatting with you, Rob!
Randi
2:34
Hi Ray, hope you’re enjoying Indy.  Have you heard if Fields has assured the Steelers that if he will be their starter, that he will not consider offers from other teams?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
I can assure you the Steelers are not talking to Wilson or Fields' reps about being a backup. It's with the understanding they'd be the starter.
Tyler
2:35
Ray, if Najee doesn’t return, can you name a couple of draft prospects that interest the Steelers in playing with Warren?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:36
Henderson from Ohio State. Johnson from Iowa. Sampson from Tennessee. I could go on and on. This is a really good class of RBs in the draft.
scott
2:36
why didn't you or anyone else ask omar about the big changes that were supposed to be happening? no major coaching changes and sounds like they want to run it back with one of the same qbs, pickens, minkah, watt, etc. why would they expect a different result from the last several years of mediocrity?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:37
Again, Tomlin does not report to Omar. They work together. Those are questions for Art Rooney, and he was asked them in January. Tomlin, by the way, is not doing interviews at the combine this week.
Wayward
2:38
Ray, what positions do you think they double dip, meaning multiple draft picks or F/A and draft? DL seems obvious, anywhere else?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:38
WR a possibility too.
Guest
2:38
Do you see Minkah being on the team in 2026?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:38
Depends on how he does in 2025. The dead cap hit is much less than it is this year if they wanted to move on from him.
Steve in Canton
2:39
Any interest by the Steelers in Diontae Johnson part deux at WR?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:39
Ha ha. He's worn out his welcome in just about every NFL city now.
Jay
2:39
Ray<do you think the 3game in 11 days last year was a factor in the level of play during that stretch?  may be not enough rest between those 3 games?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:40
It's not nearly enough rest, but the Ravens, Chiefs and Texans all dealt with it and dealt with it better than the Steelers. I won't make excuses for them.
JeffM
2:40
Ray, with the salary cap being what it is, can teams even afford to let a drafted QB sit and learn for a year or more? Seems to me it's hit it big on a rookie or try again.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:41
I actually think letting a QB sit and learn is the right call in some situations. Obviously, it depends on the QB. It worked for Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers, no?
Marnie
2:42
Hi Ray - enjoying the draft articles and appreciate the focus on how the player could fit with the Steelers.  I assume the focus is also on players likely available when it's the Steelers on the clock in the first round - then the rest or second and third day options, but can you confirm that?  also, last year, the PPG compiled the analysis into a single page on the newspaper website - will that be done again?  just makes it easier to find as we get closer to the draft.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:43
Yes, our Steelers big board stories with the top 10 or top 5 players at each position are based on who we think are possibilities when they draft. So, for example, I did not list Mason Graham because I think he'll be long gone. I'm doing the OLBs too and most of the guys I listed there are mid-round guys because I think that's the earliest they'll draft one.
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