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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 03.15.22
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:55
Good afternoon. Let's get started.
TXSteeler
1:55
Trubiski, Rudolph, Haskins - one of the latter two almost as to be released prior to the season no? Even if just for modest  cap savings
Ray Fittipaldo
1:57
I doubt all three will be on the roster come September, but for now let the QB competition begin! Should be a fun summer in Latrobe.
artie bridge
1:57
Ray, give us a % break out of opening day starting qb: MT? MR? DH?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:57
Trubisky 70%, Rudolph 29%, Haskins 1 %.
CP in NYC
1:58
Chuks for $10mm/year??? What are they thinking?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:59
It's a three-year deal worth $29.25 million, but there is an out after one year. With the out the Steelers would have to eat a $6 million cap hit. That's not ideal, but it gives them a chance to evaluate Chuks for another year, and they can still draft and develop a tackle if they so choose next month.
Bernard
1:59
Do you have any idea if Tuitt is anywhere close to playing shape?  I read he was meaningfully over weight last summer before he decided to skip the season.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
Tuitt did not report in shape. It was a difficult summer for him after his brother died in June. Word is he wants to play. We'll see if the Steelers want him back. He's a good player if he's healthy and available.
Jay
2:01
Hello Ray.  Hope all is well.  Are DT, S, CB the biggest needs now?  Can you still see a stud OL at pick 20?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
I have a hard time seeing an OL at No. 20 now. It would appear they're setting up to select a defensive player. Almost all of their signings to this point have been on the offensive side of the ball. Kevin Colbert is doing what he always does. He's filling holes in free agency so the Steelers don't HAVE to draft a certain position in Round 1. They can sit back and let the draft come to them.
Bernard
2:03
With the recent FA moves by the Steelers and the Browns no longer in desperate need of a WR in RD 1, any chance the Steelers might take a WR at 20 if one of the top-rated prospects such as Wilson or Olave fall to them?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
Never say never, but they've been so good at identifying quality WRs in the middle rounds that I doubt it. Colleges are producing WRs every year. You can get a good one in the second, third, maybe even fourth round.
Bernard
2:04
Biggest needs come draft day post yesterday's various moves?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
Right now -- secondary. But let's see what else they do. Could still re-sign some of their own or sign other guys. Only second day of free agency.
Bernard
2:04
If the Steelers signed or drafted a legit NT or improved the middle of their DL, would yu expect to see an immediate improvement in D Bush performance?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:05
I think it would help, but I'm not going to lay everything off on the DL. Bush has issues of his own he has to work through.
Shawn
2:05
Now that the Steelers added two lineman , resigned chuks, do you see them restricting or releasing anyone to give them more flexibility to add few more pieces ? I like Robinson from Chicago , or Wagner.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:06
I'm surprised they haven't released Schobert and Banner. Should happen anytime.
Guest
2:06
WR depth is weak what have you heard to address the issue
Ray Fittipaldo
2:06
Lots of good WRs in this draft. Definitely need to add one, but I don't know if that has to happen in free agency.
Yuri
2:07
Good afternoon Ray.  I haven’t heard or seen that Jordan Whitehead has re-signed with Tampa or signed with another team.  How would you compare him to Edmonds?  Thank you Ray.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:08
Whitehead is a good player. I would say he's better in run support, a harder hitter than Edmunds. Edmunds improved the past few years and knows the defense, works well with Minkah. It was kind of a flat market for safeties until Marcus Williams signed with the Ravens today. Maybe things will pick up later on today for guys like Edmunds and Whitehead.
BostonArt
2:09
Hi Ray.  Thank you for taking the time to do these chats.  I'm finding FA enjoyable for a change.  Use to be just wait until it's over and see what mid to bottom tier guys got signed for depth.  While they haven't (and won't) make a splash signing, activity on the first day is a nice change.  I see agreements for signings so far as positive and opening up pick 20 to just about any position.  Still think they're going OL or DL with 20 but less impactful right now if a WR, CB, or S drops to them.  What's your opinion on how they've opened FA?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
I like how they attacked a weakness and addressed the offensive line. Daniels and Cole slot in as starters. Trubisky is a low-risk signing. Not paying him a lot and can still draft a QB in the near future if he doesn't work out. They had money and are spending it at positions of need.
On The Road
2:11
The Steelers were the one of the worst defenses against the run in 2021, yet they appear to be bringing back all the D-linemen from last year (Tuitt is still a ?).  Please tell me they will not do the same with the linebackers.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
I can't imagine Schobert will be back on his current deal. That's a huge cap hit for someone who wasn't a three-down player by the end of the season.
Matt - Michigan
2:12
Hi Ray - should we expect to see Schobert and Banner released/restructured/resigned? if yes, when would it likely happen?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
By tomorrow I would think.
TJ
2:13
Hi Ray -With the Signings of Daniels, Cole, and Chuck can you see us drafting any lineman early?  I think Cole will be a reserver? and does that Mean our Starting Center is Green ?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
They're paying Cole $15 million over three years. They like him. He's is not going to be a reserve. I think it means they believe Green underperformed last season and has to address his issues with technique before he can become a full-time contributor.
Matt
2:14
Ray TY 4 chats! I like the Trubiski signing as long as they draft a qb this year or next! This take away pressure from having to trade up to get one, would you agree with that strategy? Or do Steelers think the is the heir apparent?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
Trubisky is probably a bridge QB, but hey maybe he'll flourish in a new system and benefit from being around new coaches. Anything can happen, but $14 million over two years for a starting QB isn't bad. I have to imagine he's the lowest-paid starter in the league not on a rookie deal.
Luis
2:15
Ray, any chance Steelers make a play on a big defensive piece like Myles Jack or Honey Badger? Love to see Jack on this team! Is he a fit?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
I could see them adding on defense, but I'm not sure it's going to be a big name.
Jay
2:16
Hello Ray.  Is Trubisky much better than Mason plus a starter for the money we spent?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
We'll see. There will be a competition. I will say Trubisky is more mobile and has skills that translate to what Matt Canada wants to do. But he has to earn it in camp.
West coast Steeler fan
2:17
I trust our GM, but am a little concerned we don’t have any quality corners signed.  It seems like you need 3 good corners ( not great) with todays NFL. Do you see us adding a good corner or just fill the position with journeyman?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
I'm surprised Witherspoon hasn't signed yet. Maybe that is coming. But you are right. They need to add in the secondary and particularly corner. Good draft for corners so maybe that's what they're targeting.
TJ
2:18
if Davis is there at 20 and Pickett and Willis are gone i say take him. You Turn a weak spot from last year to the strongest position group on the team . now that we have made some moves i could defintely see us adding a cb, s, or ILB with that first pick?
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