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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 05.24.22
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
I don't know about that. You have to look beyond that. He's helped put together a very good roster, but would you feel the same way if Tom Brady never signed there and they continued to be an average or slightly above average team?
Guest
2:19
Hi Ray - my guess is that Tuitt will not play and/or be ineffective this year if he does show up.  The soft hand reflects the sensitivity of mental health issues.  Can't really fault the Steelers for 2021.  That said, isn't it in everyone's best interests to move on and not have this hanging over the team heading into a new season?  Could we/should we make a move to bring in another player?  Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
After being in the locker room today I have a feeling the Steelers are trusting Tuitt to get in shape on his own and the next time they'll see him in the mandatory minicamp in June.
Guest
2:20
I hear a lot of people hyping up Najee Harris. Maybe it’s just me, but I thought his running style was soft last year, often blown up by DBs, and unable to break tackles or make much yardage after first contact. His style reminded me more of Bam Morris than Jerome Bettis. I know he didn’t have the greatest O Line, but I was surprised by his lack of power at times.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
We must have been watching different games. He might not be a bruiser, but he runs hard and plays hard. Plus, as you said, his offensive line stunk.
Jeffrey P
2:21
Any news on Pickett & Austin signing their contracts? Still unsigned last I saw.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
All of these rookie contracts are predetermined. They'll sign eventually.
Guest
2:22
Hi Ray - it's more probable than not (sorry GOAT) the Steelers will miss the playoffs this year.  There is nothing negative about the reality that this is not yet a Super Bowl roster.  That said, should we consider trading Johnson for 2023 draft capital, avoid the holdout, and give the combination of Claypool, Pickens, Austin, Boykin, Miller and Freiermuth time to gel and see what happens?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
No they won't do that. Johnson is their No. 1 receiver and his skills can help them win games this season.
Guest
2:23
Hi Ray - do you pay Johnson the $15-$17 million now or take the cap space in 2023 and compensatory pick in 2024 if they don't trade him?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
I like Diontae Johnson and think someone will pay him in that ball park. I just don't get the idea the Steelers will be that team. They've had great success drafting and developing receivers over the years.
PghFANinCali
2:25
HI Ray.
Given an equal opportunity for all QBs in camp
What happens if Mason Rudolph wins the starting QB position and the 7th draft pick performs second best?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
I'll pull a Jim Rooker and walk home from Latrobe if that happens.
Mike from D.C.
2:25
What do you make of Diontae missing his kids camp, if anything?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
After reading Brian's story, my first thought was why in the heck didn't he just fly in Saturday. If he or his agent has been paying attention the airlines haven't exactly been reliable the past few months.
Glynda
2:26
I really enjoyed watching Brian’s Song and wonder what your favorite football movies are.  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:27
Little Giants maybe. I don't think the definitive football movie has been made. The Natural and Fields of Dreams are two great baseball movies and no football movie comes close in my opinion.
Andrew Ross 412 NYC
2:27
hey ray, second question. Do you think we need a try battering ram to back up the first round Rb selection from last year. I’m NOT comfortable with the guys we have in the stable behind RB1. What say you ? We need a ram rod that make something out of nothing. Like the bus.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
Not a bad thought to add some variety to the room. I watched Warren from OK State today. He's a little bowling ball, but he looks like he's going to be tough.
CenterGetsTheSquare
2:28
IMO, Center is the most important OL position and we have had an unbelievable series of HOFers and very good ones at that position. Why did we think an undersized guy (Green) and an incoming natural Tackle (Cole) could excel there?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
Cole has never played tackle in the NFL. He's not a natural tackle.
TSH
2:29
Hi Ray, your coverage and podcasts with Brian are excellent - thank you!  GM Question - What is your opinion on criteria for the GM Search?  Relationships with other teams?  Talent evaluation?  Football IQ? etc.?  Thanks Much!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:30
Talent evaluation is the biggest thing. Of course a GM has to foster good relationships with other GMs for trades and such, but for me it's evaluation.
Gordie Lockbaum
2:30
You must choose one as the top priority over the other.... What's more critical to NFL success and why?  1.) Good strategy / schemes / playbooks or 2.) talented/skilled players.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:30
2
Daniel1111
2:31
If the Steelers think their chance of signing DJ is less than 25%, they should trade him and get a 1st round pick. This is something the Steelers should do to have 2 1st round picks to address some much needed talent. Don't just let DJ walk away for nothing even if the Steelers have to be without him next season.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
I don't think they could get a first-round pick for Johnson.
Bethel Yinzer
2:31
Ray, heading into this season, what previous season (maybe heading back many years) does this upcoming season most resemble, and why?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
2002/03... when there was uncertainty at QB
Tyler
2:32
Any thoughts you would like to share on the comments made by Whaley concerning Jack Ham?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
Jack Ham would be a Hall of Famer in any era. Period.
Danny Russell
2:33
Could the coaching staff see enough during the next month to name a starting QB or will training camp and pre-season determine the starter?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:33
There will be a competition in camp. They're just installing the offense now.
The GOAT of Ernie Holmes
2:33
I see Tuitt coming back with something to prove. On another note, do you think any of the new RBs has a chance to make the team?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
One of the undrafted free agents could give Anthony McFarland a run for his money.
Danny Russell
2:34
Will any of the off season activities take place at Heinz Field?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
No. OTAs and minicamp will be at the South Side and training camp is scheduled to return to Saint Vincent.
Pittfan
2:35
Hi Ray. I don't know how far back you go. Do the Steelers win at least one more Super Bowl with Marino?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:36
I don't know, but I like their chances better with Marino than Mark Malone, David Woodley, Bubby Brister, Neil O'Donnell or Kent Graham. That's for sure.
kevin in Punxsy
2:37
Ray, I read, today, that Cam Heyward practically guaranteed that Tuitt will be here for the official start of training camp, if not sooner.
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