JotCast | Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 05.06.25

Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 05.06.25

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Joe from NC

12:25

Shouldn't we have signed Gainwell to at least a 2 year deal as a fall back to Warren becoming too expensive to retain next off season?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:26

Or maybe they just plan on drafting another RB next year or re-signing Gainwell to another one-year deal. Third-string RBs don't usually get more than one-year deals in free agency.

Ryan

12:26

Good afternoon Ray what do you think about the draft pick of Will Howard i think he will do good in camp and pre season Go Steelers

Ray Fittipaldo

12:27

Why not in the sixth round? Give him reps in camp and the preseason and see what he can do. He's a grinder, a survivor and a winner. Those are good qualities to have if you're fighting for a spot on an NFL roster.

Brian L

12:27

Hi Ray, what role do you see Logan Lee playing in this defense?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:27

Hard to say since he was injured all last season. If he's healthy I'd imagine he'll challenge for a spot on the 53-man roster and a spot in the DL rotation.

Linebacker Lounge

12:28

ARIi said they would wait “a little longer” a couple months ago? Has it been a little longer or is this more “minutia” ?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:28

I think that was six weeks ago at the owner's meetings (end of March). I think a little while longer could be a few more weeks or even months.

My Name

12:28

Why didn’t the Steelers have a press event for Mason Rudolph when he resigned, or did I miss it? I am curious as to why he chose to resign with a team that has offered him so few opportunities in the past when allegedly other teams had offers out there for him this offseason. Was wondering if there were any promises made by the Steelers or something to that effect that made him more comfortable with the decision.

Ray Fittipaldo

12:30

I don't think it was intentional not to have one for Mason. They usually bring those guys in all at the same time. They sign their deals and then do some interviews with us. If I recall, Mason signed the day the Steelers introduced Slay and the others. So Mason likely came in a day or two later than the others who signed earlier in free agency.

Zano

12:30

Seems some fans are hellbent on creating a narrative that the Steelers do not like Pickens and wanted to trade him but that doesn’t seem to be the case at all. Do you think they may extend him?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:30

I don't.

beanzostill

12:31

You hit the nail on the head on "right coaching and right situation"... doesn't seem like those add up on a MT led team. Do you believe they can develop any QB worth their salt in Pitt w/the staff they have in place?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:31

Let's see what Arthur Smith and Tom Arth can do. I'm willing to give them a chance.

Ty Hink

12:31

Ray, beanie bishop had a couple big games last year and some very timely interceptions. Who is his main competition this season, Echols? Another DB?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:31

Echols.

12:32

The people who advocate tanking don’t understand NFL players or coaches and certainly don’t understand the Steelers.

Ray Fittipaldo

12:32

Amen

12:32

Understand the lack of room for expansion at the practice facilities, but the food options, weight equipment, and training staff seem to get bad reviews, too. Is it time to say bye bye to Pitt and run this thing like an NFL franchise?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:33

The weight room and training staff are separate from Pitt. The same company runs the cafeteria for both teams.

Mediocre Mikey

12:33

It appears that both Edmunds and Sutton are out of the NFL at young ages. Edmunds is only 27. Isn't this a harsh indictment on the Steelers ability to evaluate and develop DBs? They are probably the two "best" of the entire Tomlin era.

Ray Fittipaldo

12:34

Sutton played eight seasons. That's not a short career. Edmunds seven. Same thing. Maybe they didn't develop as you had hoped, but the average NFL career is something like 2 years or thereabouts.

Ray/OC

12:36

Hi Ray: Lots of discussion on TJ's contract renewal. My sense is don't re-sign him now, have him play out the season and re-evaluate. Then Franchise him for 1 yr, guaranteed. This way the Stillers get 2 more years of TJ. Then it is time for him to head to the HOF. Thank you!

Ray Fittipaldo

12:37

You don't franchise tag players like TJ Watt or for that matter any player who has been with the team for that length of time. It's used mostly on players coming off rookie contracts.

BPOS

12:37

Its is maddening watching them run the most conservative vanilla game plan in the NFL game after game. How many times must we hear how teams know what's coming and poke fun at the plan. They've taken the joy out of watching the games. I know they play to what they think the talent can support, but if sure feels like they are under utilizing them. We now have a strong 1 and 2 receiver, hopefully a more dynamic RB, and improved line play. Is there any hope of seeing a more dynamic offense or more of living in our fears of no mistakes?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:37

I'd hate to see your question if it was during the season and the Steelers were 0-4!

Fred

12:38

Why are fans treating Watt like he’s washed up

Ray Fittipaldo

12:39

Probably because he didn't have his usual spectacular season. It was only very good. Plus, when you lose in the playoffs people freak out and blame the stars. Listen, TJ has said he's willing to adapt later in his career. He said he'll switch sides more this year and move around the defense more. At least he's thinking of ways he can improve and improve the team.

Carl in Carrick

12:40

Hi Ray. If you’re Omar next year and have a choice of Klubnik, Nussmeier and Sellers, who are you drafting and why? Thanks.

Ray Fittipaldo

12:40

Too early to say. All three could be first-round picks though. Have to wait and see how they and the others play in 2025. Lots of football to he played.

Mike in Virginia

12:42

How many more wins a year is Mason Rudolph's goatee worth, in your opinion?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:42

Gotta be worth at least two.

62 Stack Monster

12:42

How many more years can Cam Heyward continue?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:43

If he plays the way he did last season the Steelers are hoping he can do it for five more years. He's 36 today. Happy birthday Cam. Obviously, Father Time never loses, but Heyward is giving him a run for his money.

Ryan

12:43

Are there any glaring holes on the roster outside of QB? I liked the offseason acquisitions.

Ray Fittipaldo

12:44

Not really. They might be a little weak at a few spots, but they can always add after camp is over when other teams cut down their rosters.

Doyle37

12:45

Are the dates set for the 2026 draft ?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:45

April 23-25.