Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 05.05.26
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West Coast Danno
12:34
Hey Ray… So glad you and the gang are all staying put. Regarding Boz, over/under $7 million for his new contract? Also any other players under contract who might be re-worked or extended?Thank you!
Ray Fittipaldo
12:34
Aubrey from the Cowboys is making $7 million a season. Boswell will be in that ballpark.
MikeM65 in Florida
12:35
For years the Steelers had two coaches designing and calling plays for the defense (Mike Tomlin and his DC) and a single OC running the offensive.  Do you envision a more creative offense now that two coaches are designing it?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:35
God I hope so.
West Coast Danno
12:35
Of all the ten draft picks… which one are you most excited to see this weekend? I know it running around in shorts but still who are you going to focus on?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:35
Allar with Bernard and Iheanachor a close second and third.
MikeM65 in Florida
12:36
I just read your article about multiple young QBs and was curious when you said draft slot mean nothing in the NFL.  I've also read the Allar is a third round pick and is a lock to make the team.  So.... if Rodgers is back and Howard clearly outplays Allar in the preseason, who are the QBs on opening day?  I cannot believe the #2 would have no NFL experience.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
But that's exactly what McCarthy did in 2008 with Matt Flynn as his backup to Rodgers.
Peter
12:37
Last year the Steelers made a couple of significant trades after the draft. If they were to do that this year, what position would it be for or which player could they look to unload?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:37
Every year is different. I don't expect that to happen this year.
George T
12:37
Ray, when AR signs do you see MR getting any playing time in the preseason games.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
Rodgers might play a series or two in the preseason so yes Rudolph will get some time, but the focus will be on Howard and Allar.
Pittfan
12:39
Hi Ray. I've been around since the 70s and have grown accustomed to winning football. I even applaud ARII for not giving in. The Steelers need a QB. We saw the best (and worst) of Rodgers last year. He may, but probably won't, help the team win a playoff game. The Steelers got both of their HOF QBs after bad seasons. Is there a chance they turn to one of the youngsters? Who knows, they may be good enough to squeeze out 9 wins with one of them. They've done it before.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:40
Yes they have. They eked out eight wins with Duck and Rudolph in 2019 after Roethlisberger was injured. That was a different coaching staff though. I thought that was one of Tomlin's best seasons coaching.
Steelers Nation Jersey Chapter
12:41
Ray, do you think the Steelers would look to say Derrick Carr if Aaron Rodgers does not sign?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:41
I hope not. If Rodgers retires they have t embrace playing a young QB. It's time.
Yancey
12:41
Is Roman Wilson WR4 or 5 or is he in jeopardy of being released?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:42
I don't think he'll be released, but there is no doubt this is a huge spring and summer for him. He failed to develop under one staff. Now he has a second opportunity with new  coaches. If I had to predict right now I'd say he's the No. 4 or 5. I think Bernard is the No. 3.
cal
12:43
do the steelers have a shot at getting comp picks like last year or not because of the amount of signings we made?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:43
Certainly not like last year, but they are in line for a couple I think.
Eric
12:44
Surprised they didnt draft a MLB since it was a good crop of talent? They happy or is that just how the board fell?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:44
Probably just how the board fell. They had some interest in the position based on their pre-draft visitors.
scoman
12:45
"If Rodgers retires they have t embrace playing a young QB. It's time." Too bad their young guys are not good enough to be drafted in rounds 3 and 6. The Steelers have botched the QB position so much and there is not plan for recovery.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:45
It's hard to get a future franchise QB when you're picking in the 20s every year.
Eric Witt
12:48
Which steelers breakouts out in 25-26, I am thinking DK with the additions to the room
Ray Fittipaldo
12:48
That would be nice. I don't think they envisioned an 850-yard season when they signed him to that contract.
MikeM65 in Florida
12:48
When the Steelers signed Watt before last season it didn't seem like a smart business move, but it did seem like a 'taking care of our own' move.  Do you think other players look at that as a 'pro' when considering coming to play for or staying with the Steelers, or a 'con' because smart business decisions can make for a better roster?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:49
I think for players on the team it's a pro because once you start your career somewhere there is a familiarity there. And with the Steelers, Watt has enjoyed a lot of success. I think home-grown players appreciate that. Maybe an outside free agent has a different view of things.
George T
12:50
Ray, I have heard Germie Bernard being compared to Hines Ward, if he does get to be close to what Hines was a
what a pick he would be
Ray Fittipaldo
12:51
Well, Hines was a third-round pick and played like a first-round pick so it would be the same with Bernard.
STEEL72
12:51
Were you surprised the Steelers didn't attempt to bring on Jeff Caldwell after the draft-- his measurables seem pretty rare at the WR position?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:52
They had him in for a visit. Maybe the Chiefs give him the best opportunity to get on the field. Or maybe they gave him the most money. Or maybe the Steelers decided to had enough receivers after making their 10 picks.
12:53
Thanks for all the questions this week. We'll do it again next week.
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