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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 03.18.19
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Ray Fittipaldo
11:52
Welcome to my Steelers chat. Post your questions and we'll get started soon.
Paul
11:53
Your thoughts on the Barron signing? Seems like he can replace both Bostic and Burnett. Do you see both of those players being released? Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
11:57
I think it can work out well for the Steelers. As you note, he is an ILB and he has the versatility to play dime LB as well. I'm not exactly sure what their plans are, but they're paying him $6 million a year so you know he's going to be on the field most of the time. As for Burnett and Bostic, I think Burnett will be released. Bostic could be cut too. They can save $1.8 million by releasing him. Or they could opt to keep him as a backup. He's a cheap backup if it comes to that.
Ryan in Philly
11:57
Hey Ray! With the signing of Mark Barron, it offered flexibility for the draft. I think they see if Bush falls, and if he doesnt they draft Haden's future replacement. What do you think?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:58
You are correct it does give them some flexibility. I still think they might trade up to get Devin Bush or Devin White, but now they're not desperate to make that move. If it's too expensive they can sit tight and draft the best player available.
Kyle
11:58
Is the addition of Mark Barron a sign that the front office doesn't think they will get a shot at Devin White and is not in love with Devin Bush?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:58
I think it was a safeguard.
Ken Ward
11:58
Hi Ray. With the recent signings of the positions of need, do you expect  the Steelers to move up and grab an impact player like one of the Devins, or will they just wait and until 19 other teams pick before they make their pick. Love the chats, thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:00
If they can make a move to get either of the Devins -- and it's not over-the-top expensive to do it -- I think they'll try to get one of them.
Dubs in Cincy
12:00
From the looks of it, Barron offers more versatility and possibly filling in for Burnett and Bostic. Smart move with some upside or is it just another low cost low reward fill in?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:02
It's not low cost at all. He's making $12 million over two years. That's a mid-tier signing as was Steven Nelson. The Steelers realized they had some rather big holes and they needed to put up some cash to fill those needs. Barron can cover better than Bostic or Vince Williams. He's only 230 so he'll be tested in the running game. Then again, lots of teams are playing smaller ILBs now. It's a trend with the way passing has taken over the NFL.
Kyle
12:02
The front office has addressed the 3 most pressing needs during free agency.  Do you think this makes them more likely to stand pat and take the best player available at 20?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:02
I don't think it changes their approach. Gives them some flexibility though.
Ken Ward
12:02
Were you surprised that Shade Tree was signed? I though with a deep DL draft, he might be gone. Can they still release him later? thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
12:04
Dan McCullers moved past L.T. Walton on the depth chart last season. He dressed for nearly every game. He didn't play much, but something seemed to click for him. Not sure if he gets more playing time next season, especially if they draft one in the middle rounds, but if he's your sixth DL that's OK I suppose.
RJT
12:04
Ben has struggled early in the season the past few years. I think he gets too much time off in training camp.... full day, half day, off day... do you think their approach with him will be different this year?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:05
They're trying to manage an aging quarterback while taking a look at their younger QBs. It's a delicate balance. I don't expect his training amp reps to increase this summer, but we'll see.
Guest
12:05
Do you think we draft a TE in the later rounds or go with the current TE’s on the roster.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:05
I think the middle rounds. They need a backup. Can't count on getting someone like that in the later rounds.
Joe in Orlando
12:06
Ray, thanks for the chats. I am still stunned by the Fort matter. Still cant believe he was not tendered or signed yet we signed Chick?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:06
The Eagles signed LJ Fort last week. And they couldn't tender him. He was a UFA.
Paul
12:06
How far can the Steelers realistically move up in the first round? How far up would say a 3rd and 5th get them?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:07
A few spots.
JP in Dayton
12:07
When do you expect Ben to be signed?  Thought it would have happened by now.  Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
12:08
I thought it might have happened Friday because he was due a $5 million roster bonus that could have been spread out in the next contract. But they could still make it happen this spring. They weren't close on an extension last week, but things can change quickly.
Paul
12:09
It seems like Bush has to be the Steelers top target in round 1. If he’s not available when the Steelers draft, what do you see the team doing? Defense would still have to be he priority, right? Would OLB possibly come into play?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:10
After all that's happened in free agency I still think the Steelers have pretty much the same needs. I still think ILB is priority No. 1 followed by CB, WR and S in no particular order. Now that they signed CB Steven Nelson and WR Donte Moncrief I think S could be in the mix in the first few rounds now if they really like a player. Morgan Burnett is likely to be cut and Sean Davis is entering the final year of his rookie deal. That's a sneaky need for this team.
CaineMAnderson
12:11
Thanks Ray for the chats.  It feels like Kevin Colbert has done a great job in free agency and is trying to avoid what happened LY when they sat back and relied on the draft to address needs.  In your opinion has the organization been aggressive enough in FA prior to drat?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:12
Colbert has been aggressive, and I think it was needed. Not sure how it works out, but he's tried hard to improve this team through free agency.
Paul
12:12
If DK Metcalf was to fall to the Steelers, and Devin Bush is still on the board, what do you think GMKC and Tomlin would do?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:12
Take Devin Bush.
Scott B
12:12
Is it just me but I kind of like how everyone is talking and predicting the Browns to win the AFC North.  The Steelers always seem to play better being the underdog, and with a chip on their shoulder.  Do you think they will trade up in the draft to grab one of the top ILBs?   I hope they do.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:12
If the price is right I think they do.
scrub
12:12
What do the steelers do if Bush and White are not available?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:14
Good question. I suppose Greedy Williams, the CB out of LSU, would become an option if he's still on the board. How about this name? Brian Burns. He's a LB from Florida State. He might be available at that point. He's listed as an EDGE player or ILB, but he's very athletic and could be versatile enough to play inside and outside. I'm kind of intrigued by him. The way he tested at the combine it makes me think a good coach might be able to make great use of him in an NFL scheme.
Bake
12:15
Are recent FA signings significant enough to change Bell comp pick from Rd 3 to 4/5?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:16
I don't think so. The Barron signing is not factored into the formula because the Rams cut him. Only Moncrief and Nelson are factored in. And remember, Jesse James and the others who left are factored in along with Bell. I still think it's a third-round pick, but we'll see.
Treesmann
12:16
Ray thanks for the chat    With the signing of Montgreif and Barron taking some of the pressure off filling those positions would this now open up potentially drafting a TE or RB in the first two rounds of a can’t pass up talent falls to them.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:17
Pretty good draft for TEs and RBs. As I mentioned earlier I think you could see them taking a TE in the middle rounds. I just can't see them taking an RB early or even in the middle rounds. James Conner proved he can be a starter and Jaylen Samuels was good when he had to play late in the season. Maybe fifth round or later.
Jake in DC
12:18
I think one of the most infuriating things about this offseason is just how much national media is trying to put Ben in the same conversation as AB in regard to locker room toxicity. Ben's not perfect, sure, but come on they aren't even close. How does this kind of story keep finding traction?
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