JotCast | Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 03.15.22

Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 03.15.22

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Ray Fittipaldo

2:18

Based on what's happened so far in free agency it appears they believe they can land an impact defender at No. 20.

Tom M.

2:19

The OL was not good. Now they give Okorafor $10MM per year. Was it just guilt by association or did they overpay for him?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:19

Going rate for a starting RT, but as I said earlier there is an out in the contract after one year. If he doesn't live up to the contract they can move on.

Ryan Madison

2:20

Steelers age on offense -

Cole (25)
Daniels (24)
Moore (23)
Dotson (25)
Chuks (24)
Muth (23)
Gentry (25)
Claypool (23)
DJ (25)
Juju?? (25)
Najee (24)
Trubisky (27)

Ray Fittipaldo

2:20

Needed to happen. More importantly, Daniels can play. He should help improve that running game. And while Cole isn't as well known the Steelers really like him.

Wayward

2:21

Thanks for the chats Ray! Was Cole signed to play G or C? With his and Daniels signing do the Steelers go OT in round 1 or do they look at dline in the 1st round?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:22

We haven't had a chance to speak with Kevin Colbert or the new players yet, so I don't have concrete answers for you on where these guys fit in. But if I had to guess I's say Cole is at center and Daniels at right guard. But they both have versatility. Daniels played left guard, center and right guard for the Bears. Cole has played center and guard. And we know Kendrick Green is versatile, too. They'll have some options.

me again

2:22

Ray, The FA moves seem to change the outlook for the Steelers first 3 picks. Perhaps no QB and no OL (maybe a OT with the 3rd pick). Anyway it seems other areas of need have moved up. Agree?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:23

Agree. Their plan might be to go defense in Round 1.

Hammering Hank

2:23

With the signing of Chuks, Cole and Daniel’s does that end the OL rebuild?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:24

Probably. Moore likely stays at left tackle. I suppose Dotson and Green battle at left guard. maybe they still draft an OL early to compete at one of those spots, but I doubt it.

Jeff

2:25

Thanks for the chats Ray. Holy moly busy day for the Steelers! Curious your take on Daniels and Cole. I really like the Daniels signing. Also feels like we overpaid a little for Chuks. You agree? Fun to see this for yinzers, we are usually waiting until the draft!

Ray Fittipaldo

2:26

I agree the number is high for Chuks, but again they can get out of the deal with a little pain if he doesn't play well.

WattsburgDan

2:26

Hey Ray. Can you tell us about the C/G (Cole) that was signed? Good acquisition or not?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:27

Cole is good in the run game. Daniels too. It's obvious they want to improve there. And it makes perfect sense with a new QB coming in. They'll lean more on the running game this year if it's effective.

Killerbee

2:27

Two additions on the OL via FA does that push up DL up the list with pick 20?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:29

DL, CB and maybe ILB if they don't do anything there the rest of free agency.

Tom M.

2:29

Now that Trubisky is onboard, there’s been a lot of discussion about Rudolph. But my question is what does this mean for Haskins? Why would he want to come back to be 3rd string or do the Steelers even want him back at this point?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:30

Let him compete. If he's not a backup by September then maybe he'll be cut. Believe me, what to do with Haskins is way down their list of worries at this point.

Alaska Steeler

2:30

Will Daniels, Dotson and Green now compete for starting guard position(s)?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:30

Daniels is a starter. The other two will compete.

Brian in CA

2:31

Trubiskys contract is reported to contain significant incentives. How do those figure in the cap?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:31

They won't unless he reaches them. And I doubt he reaches them.

Wisconsin Winters

2:31

Ray are they done making FA moves? Time to concentrate on the Draft?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:32

I still think there are a few more moves. Might be mostly their own guys, but I don't think they're done.

Wicker68

2:32

Are you hearing anything on Terrell Edmunds?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:32

He's testing the open market to find his value. Soft market so far for safeties. Not sure where he fits in at this point.

Wisconsin Winters

2:33

Was D. Bush playing through and with an injury last year, or did he truly regress that much?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:33

He was coming off major knee surgery. He had some issues coming back, but there are other issues, too.

Wisconsin Winters

2:34

Will Tyson A. be able to participate in all of the camp activities?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:34

I think he'll be ready, yes.

Fan from Saskatoon

2:34

With Joe Haden drawing very little interest so far in free agency , could this work to the Steelers advantage and get him re signed .

Ray Fittipaldo

2:34

Maybe. That's the double-edged sword of free agency. Sometimes the market doesn't work in the players' favor.

Brah

2:35

So online is set based on the two free agent signings and commitment in the previous draft...I assume the Steelers go all-in on the defense with a wr somewhere?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:35

I think that's a very solid prediction.

Jay

2:36

Hello Ray. Is Jordan Davis a legit pick at #20? I still cant see the value in NT at this day and age. The value just isnt there for the number of snaps.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:36

The Steelers have to be more convinced Davis is more than a nose tackle. That's the only way they take him at 20. Tested extremely well. Tape is great from Georgia, but the question is: why did the Georgia coaches not play him on passing downs?

2:38

Hi Ray, great chats! Did they every announce Trubisky's salary?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:38

2 years, $14 million with incentives.

PaulB

2:38

Were you surprised by Chukes O getting a pretty big contract?

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