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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 03.04.19
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J.P. from Quebec
12:17
With all the comments from Mr big chest aka Antonio "Bozo the clown" Brown  about the Steelers organisation, can't the Steelers suspend him for the remaining years of his contract for his conduct towards the team? It would teach him and all others like him to work with their team and not against them if they want out???
Ray Fittipaldo
12:18
It's not that easy. The NFLPA would get involved, and the Steelers would have to prove he was insubordinate.
574 Fan
12:18
Just a comment - I want to thank you, Ed, Gary, and the rest of your PG writers for delivering the facts on the locker room drama of the past several months.  The national media has been so pro-Bell, pro-Brown, anti-Steelers/Ben that it's ridiculous.  Ed made a good point last week about many in the national media relying on info from agents.  I'm thankful for the PG online so that I can get the real scoop out here in Indiana.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:19
Thanks. I'll pass it on to Ed and Gerry. Remember, all those personalities on the NFL Network and ESPN have agents so they're biased. One analyst for the NFL Network has the same agent as Bell. I think most fans in Pittsburgh realize the bias that is involved.
MattinNJ
12:19
HI Ray and thanks for the time. Did you see any corner backs in the combine that would be available and are worth an early pick for the Steelers? Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
12:22
Good question. Not a good day for the CBs. Greedy Williams ran well. I think a 4.38, but he struggled in the on-field drills. He's shaping up as a boom or bust type of prospect. Byron Murphy ran a 4.55 and Deandre Baker a 4.53.  Murphy measured in at 5-10 too so there will be questions not only about his deep speed but his height and ability to guard big receivers. I think Murphy might be the safest pick among those three, but the Steelers are probably asking if the value is there at 20. We'll have to wait and see.
Phillip
12:23
I'm of the opinion that a 2-TE offense with McDonald and another athletic TE would be an awesome way to build around Ben and Juju...not to mention helping Conner with another blocker. It wouldn't be a popular pick, but are there any TEs you could see the Steelers taking in Round 1-2?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:24
I just can't see them using a first-round pick on a TE when McDonald is on the books for about $6 million a year. If you invest in a first-round pick this year you're married to two TE packages for the next few years. Maybe you can get away with that if the TE is a really good WR, but I don't know if I'd want that if I was the offensive coordinator.
OHIO412FAN
12:26
What kind of approach can we expect to see the Steelers take in FA? Targets? Who stays and who goes?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:26
Still a little early for that. The front office will get back to Pittsburgh tomorrow, huddle up and get their game plan together. I still think CB is a position they might pursue in free agency.
OHIO412FAN
12:26
I know it’s been rumored for a long time, but when are the Steelers expected to officially get the new contract extension with Ben done? With that in mind, is this going to help out the salary cap situation? I’ve heard rumors that this is the focus.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:27
They met with his agent in Indy. I think it's their preference that it's done before March 13. But no hard deadline.
OHIO412FAN
12:27
Do you see the Steelers taking a WR like Metcalf, Brown (Hollywood), Brown (Ole Miss), etc if the top ones fall into their laps? Or, would they only do that if they get a top 1-2 Round Pick?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:28
I don't think Metcalf will be there at 20 and I think they steer clear of Marquise Brown. AJ Brown is really good. Not sure I'd take him in Round 1 though when so many other needs have to be filled. I'd scoop him up in the second round if he was still available though.
Will G
12:28
Who do you see the Steelers targeting at ILB and CB?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:29
Devin Bush and Devin White for sure are the top two ILBs. The DBs are more up for debate. I think they'll be talking that out over the next few weeks before the draft.
Salami Phil
12:30
Do you think it's possible that Mr. Big Chest has a trade agreed to this week before the start of the new league year?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:30
It's possible, but I don't know if it's likely at this point.
Dave
12:30
It's pretty clear AB is trying to deliberately sabotage his trade value to hurt the Steelers. He'll still get what he wants but they'll get less for him now so he wins. Any chance the Steelers will not trade him and call his bluff?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:30
I think they want to be rid of his antics and sideshow.
Sarge in Blawnox
12:30
People compare AB to Amari Cooper getting a #1 pick. Is that a fair comparison being AB is 31 and is a troublemaker..bar has to be lower no?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:31
I thought it was a fair comparison before AB did those interviews and acted out on social media. Sure, Brown is 31, but he's much more accomplished than Amari Cooper. You can't even compare them.
574 Fan
12:31
Gilbert has been great when healthy, but doesn't it make sense to get younger (and cheaper) at T given how well Feiler and Orokafor (in a much smaller sample) played last year?  And if Gilbert is gone, do they view Feiler or Orokafor as the long term answer?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:33
Great question. I don't know their feelings on Feiler. He stepped up and played well when they needed someone there. But they felt guard was his best position before last year. Maybe he changed their minds. Okorafor was drafted in the third round so you're hoping to get a starter when you draft someone that high. They knew he had to develop. He was 20 when they drafted him. If he develops I think he's the long-tern answer. We just don't know enough about his development yet.
Jake from DC
12:33
Do you think we get a crack at either CJ Mosley or Kwon Alexander in free agency, and would you be interested in either for the money they would cost?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:34
No. The game is changing. The young linebackers coming from the colleges are the prototype -- fast, can cover, blitz and  stop the run. Not a lot of them out there other than White and Bush though.
Steeler Nation Michigan
12:34
No to Bush! Watch the Ohio State Game.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:35
I watched the Ohio State game. He wasn't as bad as you indicated.
Steelerfan In Cincy
12:35
Ray, with the draft being so deep with DL, will they drfat a tackle to replace Big Dan and back up?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:35
Yes at some point, but probably not until the third round or after.
brothervad
12:36
you hearing anything to corroborate Peter King's story that da Raiderz offered their 27th overall for Mr. Brainless?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:37
Gerry and I both reported last week the Raiders were in play for Brown's services. I haven't heard anything specific about the compensation, but the 27th wouldn't surprise me. Actually, that would give the Steelers the ammunition they need to move up and get a player like White if they truly believe he's the nest great ILB.
Wisconsin Winters
12:37
Ray, Would the Steelers consider Earl Thomas. He can provide leadership
Ray Fittipaldo
12:37
Too expensive. He wants to be paid.
HarrisburgSteel
12:38
How'd the linebacker Mack look?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
Mack Wilson? He didn't do much. I think he had an injury.
K dot
12:38
Honestly, why not try to send AB to the AFC east. Let the pats deal with him for 2 games a year like buffalo
Ray Fittipaldo
12:39
Brown would throw a fit if the Steelers traded him to Buffalo.
Ryno
12:39
Do you think Brown's behavior is hurting potential endorsement deals, current or future?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:40
Undoubtedly yes. You think it was an oversight he wasn't involved in the NFL 100 Super Bowl commercial? Advertisers already are proceeding with caution.
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