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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 03.18.25
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:29
What are his other options?
Darkness Retreat
12:29
For a third round pick, who would you rather roll the dice on? Joe Milton or Jaxon Dart?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:29
Dart.
DL Impact Players
12:30
Hi Ray, since the Steelers missed out on any starting DL in FA, and they no longer have a 2nd round pick to even attempt to draft a DL in both rounds 1 and 2, doesn't it make it 100% certain (or close to it) that they have to draft one in the first round?  I know it's still early and trades can happen between now and the draft, but this could be their biggest issue if they stay put with no 2nd rounder, thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:30
That's the way it's trending. I've been on the DL train for the draft since the season ended.
Jeff M
12:30
Hi Ray, I wish they would move past ARod. But do you see them waiting it out as long as it takes? No reason to rush if they moved on from Russ. Flacco and Winston aren't going anywhere. Although I would rather someone more like Wentz or Lock. Not that any of these options are appealing.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
You're right. None of them are very appealing, but something intrigues me about Flacco. When the Steelers played the Colts last fall his arm still looked very strong. His mobility would be an issue and you could argue Mason could provide the same type of play. But they have to add another QB or two anyway.
Jim
12:32
Have you heard any word about possibly trading for a QB? Willis, Milton or Cousins? Why are we even giving Rodgers the time of day?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:33
There is no way I'm giving up a third for Milton, which is reportedly what the Pats are asking. Cousins is coming off a bad year. Maybe you can convince yourself his Achilles injury was a factor in that. But do you really want to give up any kind of pick to get him? I'd just let the Falcons continue to pay him. Eventually, they'll cut him. They already committed to Penix as their starter. They're not going back on that now.
JJ
12:34
Do you think Mason Rudolph is a legitimate starter in the NFL (as I do)?  Also, IMO I don't believe there is a QB in the NFL who can take this average 'O' to the super bowl, or even a playoff run.  Your opinion.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:35
He's never been a full-time starter so it's hard to say that. But at this point what's the worst thing that can happen? The Steelers go 5-12 and they get a top-5 pick. That's what they need to reset.
Jim
12:35
Do you think we really wanted Fields as the starter? Seems like we could have had him if we wanted him, Jets price would have been easy to surpass. Or does letting him leave tell us everything we need to know.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
I'm still shocked Fields would want to start over with another team when he's already been through so many changes in his young career. I think ho got bad advice or was so turned off by his experience with the Steelers that he was never signing here. I'm leaning toward bad advice.
Gino
12:36
Hi Ray.  Kiper has Jason Dart being drafted among the top 10 in the first round.  If the Steelers really like him, could you see the possibility of trading up to get him?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
With what? They don't have a second-round pick.
Jim
12:37
Do you think we made a mistake letting Roberts walk? He was our best run stopper last year.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:37
He's getting older. I get it. I think Malik Harrison is 5 or 6 years younger.
George T
12:37
Hi Ray, I think the reason Rogers has not signed with us yet is because Art will not let him have #12 since no one has used it since Terry retired.  Steelers need to move on from him for all he want’s is to be the center of attention what do you think.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:37
He wore 8 with the Jets.
Steeltree
12:38
One thing the last 2 superbowls have shown with Purdy and Hurrs is that you don’t need a top 10 QB to reach the big game.  Both teams were successful with strong running attacks, great defense and opportunistic passing attack.  Given the options available until that franchise QB finds his way to Pittsburgh, the Steelers best chance for success means getting a dominant DL or 2 in the draft and coaching up all those high picks on the Oline to make over running game go    Do you ou see a different way forward
Ray Fittipaldo
12:39
I'm with you on building up the trenches. I disagree with you on Hurts. He vaulted himself into that top tier of QBs because of the way the Eagles won the Super Bowl. The game was in his hands and he was great. Yes, he has weapons and a great running game. I understand that. But you have to perform at the highest level when the money is on the line. He's done that time and time again.
RW from Boston
12:40
Ray…. Could you please explain to the masses why it would have been bad business to sign Justin Fields for $30m guaranteed and forfeit the comp pick they are now in-line to receive for letting him walk?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:41
He was 4-2 as a starter because the defense was great early in the season, he made a few big plays (mostly with his feet) and didn't make many mistakes. He's not a QB who can win with his arm. You have to scheme it up with him. The Steelers were willing to do that, but it's not like he was ever going to be the second coming of Lamar Jackson. He's not that type of player.
mrbig
12:42
Kind of embarrassing that we're in a qb bid with the (lowly) Giants for a 40+ player released by the (also lowly) Jets... yes?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:42
The optics aren't very good, are they?
TX Pressure
12:42
So Rodgers had better offensive weapons and traded his own All Pro wr to the Jets yet scored less than the Steelers, less yards per game, lower QB rating and QBR than both Russ and Fields - and this will get the Steelers a playoff win?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:43
It's not really a matter of that. It's a matter of whether he's a better option than Wilson at this point.
Ned Ryerson
12:43
Is the waiting on Rodgers situation a metaphor for clinging onto the 'never had a losing season' hope?  In other words, it seems that the only hope of keeping that meaningless streak alive hinges upon Aaron Rodger's decision. Plus this is at best a one year deal that does NOTHING to solve the long term issue of a 'Franchise QB'.  Tell Aaron thanks but no thanks, invest the cash elsewhere, and move on w Mason and whatever they can muster in the draft.  They need at least 2 more QBs anyway.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:44
I'd say more clinging to the hope they can still contend.
Johnny U
12:44
Regardless of what you think about MT as a head coach there is no question he is most responsible for lowering the standard of this team.  Once a proud organization is now the brunt of jokes.  This nonsense a players coach is misleading.  When you do not hold players and coaches accountable yeah they love you.  Why Art II puts up this is hard to understand? There is always some risk in change but also great rewards.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:45
Maybe in three years... when that $50 million is paid out.
Gene
12:45
Ray who would you want at QB this season Rodgers, Wilson, a rookie draft pick or just go with Mason?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:45
I would have said Rodgers hands down a week ago, and I think I'm still in that camp. But the idea of just moving on with Mason is growing on me.
Mike in Virginia
12:46
Do you think the current players have a preference for QB, and if so whom? It's got to be really hard to go through all they do to get their bodies ready for the regular season if they think they have no chance to win because of who is under center.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:46
We got a little sense of that with Cam Heyward's comments that were going around on social media earlier today. It seems he's fed up. He's the leader of the team so he likely speaks for a lot of others too.
Jay
12:46
Thanks for the chats Ray. I said at the end of the season that every position group of Baltimore, except maybe Edge, was better than us. With DK added we probably have the WR edge. Maybe corner will break even if JPJ improves. Potentially inside LB if Wilson and Queen get better. Still far behind B-More. Do you agree with my assessment?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:47
Yes. And most of it has to do with the Ravens having Lamar Jackson more than anything else.
TX Pressure
12:47
We assume the O line will be better but Fautanu off major surgery, lost Daniels and Moore - who I didn't like but was a 4th round and didn't miss games.  Right now they are not better and no swing tackle.  Rodgers, Russ, or even Rudolph and behind this line there will not be time - this could get ugly.  At what point can you address it in the draft wtih the holes at D line, QB, RB, and still WR?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:48
I can't see them using a pick on an offensive lineman until Day 3. Just way too many other needs.
Plumbster
12:48
Ray, knowing QB is the top draft priority in 26, why not let Mason play, draft a developmental QB this year after round 3 and tell Rodgers to pound sand. Everyone would benefit including the disgruntled fans who would finally see a plan. Can’t understand what Rodgers brings at this point.
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