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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 05.20.25
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:24
There are a few but they're either older or coming off down seasons. Any of "significance" was snatched up long ago.
Gabe Owners
12:24
Ray, How long do you think Jaylen Warren will hold off Kaleb Johnson as lead back?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:25
As long as he stays healthy he'll at the very least share the carries and touches with Johnson. They've gone to more of a rotation the past three years anyway. If you look at the Warren/Najee Harris touches they were very much equal.
That Guest Out West
12:26
So the owners are going to revisit the tush-push discussion.  Boy i remember when they use to change rules because of the way the Steelers played.  Sorry no question here just that thought
Ray Fittipaldo
12:27
It's a good debate. The Eagles found a loophole in the rules and exploited it. Good for them. But there are many respected NFL people who think it's a gimmicky play that doesn't belong in the game. Bill Cowher is among them.
Ryan
12:27
What do you think about the new rule proposal of changing the playoff seedings?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:27
I'm OK with the playoffs staying as they are.
Chaconutz
12:28
I know to take very little stock into what the national “sports reporters” say in regards to the state of the Steelers, but every time I get a notification on my phone, it’s another pundit predicting the Steelers to have their first losing season. Although that would be good solely to net another draft pick, I just don’t see that happening. What do you think?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:28
It's going to happen one of these years so they'll be right eventually. However, if Rodgers signs I think they have a decent chance to finish with a winning record and make the playoffs.
Guest
12:29
The mid-2020s Mike Tomlin Steelers are really starting to feel like the Jeff Fisher Titans -- mediocrity year after year, with an occasional first-round out in the playoffs.  If the Steelers whiff on their franchise QB next draft, what are the odds that Tomlin decides enough is enough and rides off into the sunset?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:29
He's a football junkie so unless he found a better situation I think he'd want to stay.
Rich
12:29
Ray I can't think of one cogent thing to ask you because I, like many fans, don't have any hope of a Super Bowl run until we make major organizational changes, starting with Tomlin! Thanks for listening!
Ray Fittipaldo
12:29
Thanks for venting Rich!
Guest
12:30
What are your thoughts on a Romeo Doubs deal getting done?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:31
He's got some baggage, but if Rodgers vouches for him what's the harm of acquiring him? He's in the final year of his rookie deal. If it doesn't work out you simply don't bring him back.
James Ryan
12:31
Hey Ray. Thanks for the chats. Is there any way the Steelers and MT decide to part ways after the season if the Rodgers thing blows up? It feels like it’s time
Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
Anything is possible, but the Steelers would still owe him more than $30 million over the final two years of his contract. I don't think they would eat that so it would be up to Tomlin to walk away.
Gabe Owners
12:33
How much longer do you think Cam Heyward can keep it going ?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:33
He played great last season. It's all about his health. He's a bargain if he stays healthy, but if he gets injured again that's a lot of money to pay out.
Doug from PA
12:34
Are the Steelers still thinking about Nick Chubb?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:34
I hope not. They'd have to have some guys get injured before signing him.
Dave Moody
12:35
With all the speculation about Aaron Rodgers, with the benefit of hindsight, wouldn't it have just been better to pay Justin Fields,draft a QB next year, and let the team develop?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:35
They weren't going to overpay for Fields, and I'm fine with that.
Doug from PA
12:37
How good can Troy Fautanu be in year 2 coming off injury?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:37
Assuming he's healthy, they think he's their best lineman.
Honest Abe
12:37
I don't feel like enough attention is being given to Khan's focus on solid character guys. Do you see this as a current focus?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
It definitely should be. I think they're trying to build around the right people, but there are always going to be personalities to handle.
Mother Goose
12:38
What is your take on why the past two year there seems to be the same story line around Lack of Dedicated QB and a futile search for WR2.  Seems like history is repeating itself in and uncomfortable manner, whats your take.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:40
My take is the NFL is a tough business once your franchise QB retires. The Steelers are finding that out. Other teams have struggled with it for years. As for the WRs, I think they're finally out of the hamster wheel with the divas now that Pickens and Johnson are gone.
BAB
12:44
It is clear. The Steelers need to find a quarterback. Is Tomlin without his faults, no. But he is a damn good  stubborn football coach. To compare the man to Jeff Fisher is asinine. Do fans realize at some point the Steelers luck in finding coaches is going to run out?
Ray, I’m starting to believe a lot of Steelers fans think they know more about football thanMike Tomlin knows about football. Please put the insanity to rest.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:45
BAB is on a roll.
Greg
12:45
Would Rodgers be allowed to change the play at the LOS? I really liked the Cincinnati game where Wilson could change plays, and I appreciate your reporting on that!
Ray Fittipaldo
12:46
Yes I think Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl winner, would be given that freedom. How much freedom? Not sure, but Smith and Rodgers are friendly and respect each other so that's a good place to start.
Scott via Kentucky
12:46
Can players go out on the practice field and run routes or go through walk throughs on their own. If I was a guy trying to make a team and potentially $1million dollars I’d want to be on the field everyday getting balls thrown to me or practicing my moves.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:47
Yes they can. It's a little more structured with OTAs and minicamp and there are some rules the coaches have to follow under the CBA. Once minicamp is over they can do whatever they want. It's common for QBs to work with receivers for a week or two in late June and July.
Follow Up
12:48
You say the Steelers aren't willing to eat $30 million to get rid of Tomlin after the season, but haven't they wasted more on players that don't live up to their contracts?  What's the difference with a head coach?  He is not living up to his contract, so he needs to be released.  I would argue you could gain much more by getting rid of the coach that has been a problem for over a decade than you could by getting rid of a few players.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:49
It's just not the way they do business. The Rooneys have money, but there are owners who are worth 10 times more who are a bit more ruthless with their coaches and walking away from contracts.
12:50
OK thanks for all the questions this week. We'll do it again next Tuesday.
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