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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 03.17.20
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:55
Welcome to my Steelers chat. Let's get started.
DaquidoBazzini
1:56
Hi, Ray - With Hargrave officially gone, are there any FA's on the market that the Steelers might have a chance of getting? I've heard a slight buzz on Billings. I don't believe McCullers is even close to an option in solving this DL hole.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:57
There's not going to be a lot of money left for free agents unless they sign Cam Heyward to a new deal soon. They probably have about $7-8 to spend now. So you might be able to get a guy like Billings for less than that. Or they might just go with Alualu, Buggs and McCullers and a maybe a draft pick in a rotation as nose/end.
Ryan
1:57
Did ILB just climb up the list of needs in the draft and/or free agency?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:58
They certainly have some depth issues at ILB/hybrid safety. A guy like Cam Sutton can always play dime linebacker in a pinch. But ideally, a guy like Ulysees Gilbert steps up or they add a player in the draft they can develop. Devin Bush is going play all the snaps now if he's healthy. But they need a good backup plan if he gets hurt.
Heath Miller Fan
1:59
Ray, thanks for the chats. There’s a lot to discuss. Please, please tell me the Steelers are going to cut Berry??? My question is behind closed doors despite what Steelers brass have said publicly, do you believe the Steelers will look to draft a 3 down back they could turn to regardless of Conner’s health?  Thank you.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
I think they would have cut Berry by now if they were going to do it. The big wave of cuts came yesterday. Not sure many more are coming. As for a three-down back, if they do draft a RB that's what they need. They don't need another Jaylen Samuels or Benny Snell. They need someone that can potentially take over for James Conner in 2021.
pdxJaxon
2:00
Ray, With the loss of Barron And Matakevich, am I wrong to think that ILB Becomes a top need now ?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:01
It's a need, but I don't know about a top need. I had safety as a need before this happened. So maybe it just makes it a little more likely they'll take a player like that in the draft.
DaquidoBazzini
2:01
How much do you think that WR Tee Higgins and RB Zack Moss could fall with their lower 40 times?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
Higgins could fall some. Same for Moss, but GMs pay attention to the tape. If these guys made plays in college there won't be a lot of questions about a bad workout.
Alan in Nashville
2:03
Good morning. More of a comment than a question. The next year or two, no matter how we slice it, will be the end of an era for the Steelers. With the exception of the 80's, they've been amazingly consistent contenders. They sort of "lucked" into the current era by having a down year in 2003 (6-10) and having so many franchise QB's available in 2004.I'm just hoping they hit on some sort of luck or else we just might find out how the other half lives. I just hope it doesn't take some 2-14 teams to dig their way out. Not to be negative.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:03
Hey Big Ben has two more years left. They could be good ones. But I know what you mean about the '80s. That was a tough time with QBs.
Steeler in Virginia
2:04
You're about to get this question 1,000 times, but how much cap room do we think the Steelers actually have right now? And do you believe it will be used more on internal guys (Finney perhaps) or to go out and add depth in a few spots?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:05
After they tender Hilton, Feiler and Banner I think around $7-8 million. So there's some wiggle room to make a move, but nothing real significant.
Georgia Steeler
2:05
Ray, The Steelers can't be excited with their Running Backs returning to camp whenever that will be. I guess they will not get a keeper at #49. What do you see happening with the running game this season. Thanks for the chats.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
The running game isn't just about the running back. It's about the QB, FB, WR and especially the offensive line. The Steelers had season-ending injuries at QB and FB. Injuries at WR and TE and a line that underperformed as a result. I think they need to upgrade along the line. They need to get better talent in there. They need to develop a running identity. It doesn't have to be their offensive identity overall, but they have to be able to lean on it when needed.
JerseySteel
2:07
Hi Ray - How do you think they replace Hargrave? FA or draft and if draft - how high?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:08
Not sure they take a DL before round 4. With two picks in the fourth round I can see one of those being a DL. Or, as I said earlier, they can piece it together with Alualu, Buggs and McCullers and try to make it work.
Raymund
2:08
Ok so the ravens keep getting stronger now up front defensively, a cheap QB, one 1st Rd pick, 2 2nd’s, 2 3rd’s, 2 4th’s to begin with.. We have few picks, I love Big Ben but sorry he is getting to much money from our cap space so we are with tight hands in FA.. it looks like Ravens Division already all the way.. Am I missing something Ray? Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
They were good last year so yeah they'll be in the mix this year. Clearly, they're gearing up for running teams. Calais Campbell and Michael Brockers are big defensive linemen that can help stop the run. I think that was a big concern for them after Derrick Henry ran all over them in the playoffs.
Frankenmason
2:10
Am I over thinking the Steelers looking to make a bigger move in free agency than originally speculated?  Seems like they are reworking more contracts than anyone expected.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
Even with all those moves, I don't think there will be enough money to make a big move.
Rob
2:11
Crazy money being spent on average players. If you are Bud Dupree’s agent, how much are you asking per year on a long term contract?  $20 million. Or Feiler’s agent?  $10 million?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
They can place a second-round tender on Feiler for about $3.4 million and then deal with signing him to a long-term deal after next season if they want. Dupree might be able to command $17-18 on the open market, but he'll get $15.8 million if the Steelers come to terms with him on a long-term deal.
Dr G
2:13
I believe the Steelers will not draft a RB early, but will instead focus on TE,
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
Maybe, but it's not a deep TE class.
Blacey
2:13
With the cap space now available, do you see the team going after a TE and/or an o lineman. Is so who might be their targets?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
Someone like Delanie Walker makes sense on a one-year deal. Walker wasa good player for a long time for the Titans. He's older than you'd like for a free agent, but short-term and low cost, I'd explore.
Paul
2:14
Ray thanks for all your great work and providing us with an escape today!
Travis
2:15
after the recent roster cuts and contract restructurings. Does it look like they will try to sign TJ long term this year?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
Not sure if it happens this year, but they want to keep Watt for a long time.
Bake
2:16
Ray, I'm a little surprised Barron cut loose.  Seems to me it is easier to find a guy to play in Vince Williams style (strong against run game) than Barron's. Do the feel U. Gilbert is ready for sub package play and replacing Bush in case of injury?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
Unless they sign someone else they're going to need Gilbert to step up. I suspect they'll draft a safety or ILB to add depth, but it's definitely something they have to shore up.
norm_brennan
2:17
Seems to me Dupree has improved consistently and is a complete OLB.  Your thoughts??
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
The 2019 season certainly was his best one to date. And yes, he plays the run well, too.
JerseySteel
2:18
Hi Ray - I know the TE class isn't deep. If the top 2-3 TEs were still available at #49 - would any of them be better than McDonald when healthy?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
Not right away. But maybe one of them can develop and become a quality TE down the road. I'm just not all that excited about any of them. I suppose if I had to pick one to like it'd be Harrison Bryant of FAU.
steelbydesign
2:19
You mentioned Walker on a 1 year deal... When's the last time they signed ANY free agent to a 1 year deal?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
Chickillo, Foster. Ha ha. It's all about the structure.
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