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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 03.04.25
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
Tough to make any moves until they know who their QB will be.
AK
2:22
Steelers Nation seems to think that they can get a 2nd and a 4th for Pickens, which tells me they will definitely get less because the fans’ expectations for trades are invariably too high.  Maybe a 3rd rounder is more realistic?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
Depends when he is traded, but I think a second or a third is possible. Maybe a team like the Chiefs think they can make another Super Bowl run if they get him. They have a late second-round pick so it might be worth it for them. A team at the top of Round 2 would be much less likely to give away that kind of a pick.
AK
2:24
I’ve seen speculation that the Steelers could take any of the following in the first round: QB, RB, WR, OT, DT, or CB.  I know it depends on who’s available when they draft, but don’t you think it’s unrealistic that they use a first on a QB, since there won’t be a QB available with a 1st round grade.  Also since it’s a good draft for RBs, unlikely to take one in the first?  Seems to me WR, DL, or possibly CB are by far the most likely.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
You are correct and I might just leave it at DL or WR.
Sam
2:24
If the Steelers have their QB choices ranked, why not make it happen?  Waiting for the market to have its say is like waiting to see what the defense gives you -- instead of   using surprise to score first.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
Fields has to be willing to sign before free agency too. It's not a one-sided issue.
steve
2:25
I know the NFL has a tampering period that begins March 10 but can a team speak with agents of other teams players before this to determine possible interest of players before March 10.  It always seems like minutes after the negotiations period begins that alot of big deals are already made.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
That's what the combine is for!
Les
2:26
Your gut feeling on who the Steelers wind up with at quarterback.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
Fields but only with a slight edge over Wilson. I do think it will be one or the other unless both have unrealistic price tags.
Guest
2:27
Adams released, go all in to get him?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
Yeah just saw that. Another package deal with Rodgers? This is what Khan was talking about at the combine when it comes to signing WRs in free agency. It depends on the QB. If it's Rodgers then it makes a ton of sense to get Adams. But if it's Fields it wouldn't make as much sense. I do know this: Adams knows how to run the red line.
Guest
2:30
The more I think about the reality of where the team stands, especially with a young and unproven OL, depleted DL, I would not overpay for a QB if Fields chooses to move on.  Invest everywhere else and role with a Daniel Jones/Mason Rudolph/ Jackson Dart or Howard option.It will make no difference with Tomlin in charge.  It sucks to be TJ and Cam - they have little to no real change of competing for a championship.  Another reason to trade Minka.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
I agree. They'll have a price in mind for both players and won't overpay. That's when free agency gets silly. The Steelers typically do a good job of showing some restraint.
Eric
2:31
Jeanty, Golden, and Harmon are available at 21. Who would you pick and why?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
Harmon. Future replacement for Heyward and someone with versatility who can contribute as a rookie up and down the line. Golden would be intriguing too. Ran super fast at the combine, but this defense needs upgrading in the worst way on the defensive line.
Gino
2:35
Hey Ray, what are your thoughts on Isaiah Bond and Jimmy Horn, Jr. and where they may be taken in the draft?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:35
Bond probably second or third round. Horn a Day 3 pick.
Bond more intriguing for me and he'd be in that Day 2 range where they've traditionally taken receivers.
Jim Bow Dean
2:35
Fields is probably only going to get one more chance to be a starter and if he goes to a bad team, he’s likely to fail. Of all the QB needy teams, Pittsburgh is the only one to make the playoffs last season and probably the overall best situation. Assuming the Steelers want him, wouldn’t it be wise for him to stay?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:36
100%. That's why I'm surprised the deal isn't done if he is their choice.
Steeler Joe
2:36
Hey, Ray. Is interest in Fields driving up his contract demands to a point where it wouldn't be prudent (in amount or term) to try to meet them if you're the Steelers? Ditto Wilson ...
Ray Fittipaldo
2:37
Khan has to sift through all the BS. I'm sure Fields' agent is telling him that, but what was his market last year? Almost non-existent. He knows the system and built relationships with his receivers. If the Steelers want him to be their QB he'd be foolish to go to another team in free agency.
Southside Jimmy
2:38
Ray, when draft prospects are being evaluated, how much does their combine performance rate compared to what is on film?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:38
It's a piece of the puzzle, but the tape matters most.
TheRealArthur
2:39
Ray, thank you for your work and the chat time. Has their slow, methodical process cost them more money than this decision deserves? Wilson and Fields don’t seem to be the answer long term. Why drag this out this far and risk giving them more leverage than necessary. Have they overthought this and are now at risk for a worse situation than last year at the QB position
Ray Fittipaldo
2:40
It takes two to tango! Whether that's the Steelers or Fields' camp. If they were both on the same page I imagine this will get done before Monday. If it's not done by Monday I think there is a very real possibility it goes in another direction.
574 Fan
2:40
Let’s say the team acquires someone like Slayton in FA. If we are sold on Pickens being here next season and Roman Wilson being able to contribute, would this bring into play the possibility of the team drafting a TE on day 2?  Some interesting prospects, and AS loves to use them.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:41
Sure. Maybe not likely but it could happen. I've also brought up the scenario of Warren or Loveland falling to 21. Could the Steelers just design their offense around TEs like the Patriots did with Gronkowski and Hernandez? Unconventional? Yes, but they certainly had success with it for a while.
Scoop Gillespie
2:42
Ray, how likely do you think it is that we sign Dino as an UDFA. Bats thinks ha has no interest in pursuing an NFL career but I can't imagine his papa not at least giving him a shot to be in camp with the way he always has a couple of favorites that have no business making the team or playing as much as they do so there is no way he doesn't show some in this case
Ray Fittipaldo
2:43
Maybe he's at rookie minicamp, but I'm not sure if it's in his or the Steelers' best interests to sign him. If he's an NFL-caliber player it can happen anywhere.
TheRealArthur
2:43
Do you see DMJr 2025 success as a potential negative for Tomlin. If he outperforms Jones on his next team there will be more questions about Jones’ ability. If he plays RT well at his next team there will be more questions about this coach and staff’s ability to evaluate players
Ray Fittipaldo
2:44
Moore can't play right tackle. That's why Jones played on the right side the past two seasons. But yes, it would look bad for Tomlin and Omar and Andy of Jones doesn't work out.
TheRealArthur
2:44
Does Omar consider the draft capital he needs next year to move up for a QB in any trades he makes this season or does he worry about that in Jan 2026
Ray Fittipaldo
2:44
Good question, but he wants to build a winner in 2025. I don;t think he can concern himself with the what-ifs in the 2026 QB class.
Byner
2:45
Hey Ray.  With Deebo being traded to the Commanders, does the chances the Steelers may obtain Cooper Kupp increase?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:45
I think so, but they'll have their eyes on a number of WRs in the trade and free agency market. It's a big need.
Brian
2:46
Ray, I'm 0-2 so I'm hoping you'll be the guy to answer this question.  IF we trade Pickens, when might that happen?  Right after the league year opens?  A week or so before the draft?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:46
Next week. April 24 (draft night) or 2025 NFL fall trade deadline. Those are the three options if they want to maximize his trade value.
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