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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 03.17.26
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:31
I really like the Pittman trade. I know that's not a free agent move, but it's my favorite acquisition so far. He fills a big hole on the roster and the contract is for No. 2 money. It also leaves them room to draft a WR high.
Jlw3rd
12:31
Why did the Steelers let Connor Heyward walk given that they released Jonnu Smith?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:33
I'm guessing he didn't fit into Mike McCarthy's offense. He's a pretty unique player. He's first and foremost on any roster for his abilities on special teams. Beyond that, he's an H-back whose biggest contribution last season was as short-yardage QB. We don't even know if McCarthy will do the tush push the way Arthur Smith did.
David D
12:33
An NFL Insider reported the Steelers had reached an agreement with Trevor Hoffman then pulled back that claim. It was before the restricted FA tag deadline. Are teams allowed to negotiate with other teams restricted FA before the deadline? & if not could the Steelers be penalized for tampering? I see the Cowboys ultimately didn't tag Hoffman.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:35
They call him The Closer! And he has a terrific right arm! I'm kidding of course. I know you mean Brock Hoffman not the fireballing former Padres reliever. Listen, they might sign him in the future, but he's not a big name or a big priority at this point.
Pistol33
12:36
Any truth to either of the reports for QB's are linked to Simpson( Florio) or McShay ( Beck)?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
They're doing their due diligence on this QB class. Beck, by the way, is on a top 30 visit to the Steelers as I type this.
CG
12:37
Wow, Denver traded for Waddle.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
Just saw that. Looks like the Broncos are all in next season. They should be. They got close this past season, and the AFC does not have a dominant team.
JPinPDX
12:38
Good morning Ray. Do you expect that we’ll address OG in free agency, the draft, or both?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
Definitely in the draft and maybe a minor move in free agency like Hoffman.
Tommy from Florida
12:39
Hello Ray, can you explain to us how the gain or loss of compensary picks work?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:40
No one really knows the exact formula, but basically it's calculated by the number of free agents who depart your team compared to how many free agents you sign. Plus, the size of the contract and playing time matters. So Dan Moore signing that big deal with the Titans turned into a third-round comp pick.
Tdomenick
12:40
Why why all the love for the Ravens second best odds for Superbowl don’t get it
Ray Fittipaldo
12:41
The AFC is wide open. Who else are going to be the favorites?
Jim H
12:41
Ray, any idea how Mike M views the usage of Roman Wilson? I personally think he can be a great slot receiver if he can get his head straight. Will they draft a slot receiver or someone who can play inside & outside?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:42
They have not given up on Roman Wilson. I think there were some issues with the previous OC and with Rodgers, but the new staff wants to work with him.
Pentasuglia
12:43
With the QB options much stronger ger in next year's class why not load up on best players available, see what you got with Will, and attack the position next year?  This would prevent 2asting draft capital on a qb and Will would atleast get good experience towards being a backup and allow for a potential Rudolph trade???
Ray Fittipaldo
12:43
That very well could be the plan if Rodgers retires.
TODave
12:43
Hi Ray. What approach to you expect the Steelers to take with respect to starting left guard in 2026: 1.Go with who they have, possibly drafting a later rounds “developmental” pick, 2.Look for a starter prior to the draft through FA or trade, or 3.Draft a starter with a early pick? Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
12:44
Or 4. draft a Mason McCormick type in the middle rounds and have him compete with Spencer Anderson.
But I wouldn't be surprised if they drafted a guard in the first round who won the job. That's a distinct possibility.
Nick
12:44
Hi Ray- is Jamel Dean actually that big an upgrade over James Pierre?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:45
Pierre is making $ million a year on his Vikings contract and Dean is making $13 million a year on his. Money isn't everything, but there is a reason for these contracts. But good for Pierre for getting that pay bump. He had been going year to year on vet minimum deals. That's a great contract for him.
Cdub
12:46
If they do a deal with Broderick, it'll probably be for less than the fifth year option.  What do you think it'll take for him to sign?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:47
It's so hard to say given the injury. If he gets a clean bill of health maybe Jones would want to bet on himself and get to free agency next year. Left tackles are always in demand.
Cynthia
12:47
Will the draft bring in PGH have any bearing whatsoever on the “splash” they might make one night one?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:48
No. This is not a very sexy draft. Beyond Mendoza there might not be another QB taken in the first round. In a perfect world, the Steelers could have announced a QB and had that moment, but that doesn't look like it will happen.
Bud
12:48
Hello Ray. Do you think the Steelers would get enough value at pick #21 if they took a guard?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:49
If he's the best player available, sure.
J D
12:49
Ray, in order to be stout on defense do you think it's best to draft a defensive lineman in the first round and move up to get him if needed?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:49
Eh, I don't think this is a great DL draft.
Pittfan
12:49
Hi Ray. I often wonder, like in the case of Gainwell, who makes the final decision regarding the next team and contract. Could the Steelers have had him back for another 2 million or was he going somewhere else regardless? I just can't see in any player's case an amount that small not getting a deal done. Especially if the team finds that player valuable.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:50
It always come down to money. This was Gainwell's first chance for a big money deal. And he got it. But it also comes down to fit. And I think Rico Dowdle is a better fit for Mike McCarthy than Gainwell. They have a history together in Dallas and there is a comfort level there for McCarthy.
JP
12:51
Is there any data on probability of landing all-pro players in earlier rounds vs mid/late rounds? Why can’t they burn all of the picks for 2 or 3 top players if most draft picks dont make the team anyway?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:52
I came across a pretty good thread on this subject on reddit. But obviously, most the majority of All-Pros are selected in the first round and then it declines by round. But some interesting stats if you have time to go down that rabbit hole.
Noah Kravitz
12:52
Hiya Ray hope you're doing well.  Do you buy that Will Howard buzz is just smoke for the Steelers to take Simpson at 21?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:53
I don't think the Steelers will take Simpson at 21, and the Howard buzz is real in the sense they like his potential. That doesn't mean he's a future franchise QB. Just that they are intrigued by his size, skill and leadership abilities.
Draft King
12:53
Where do you put the odds that the Steelers will pick Ty Simpson at 21?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:53
50-1
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