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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 05.27.25
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Ray Fittipaldo
10:25
Welcome and let's get started.
Dave Moody
10:25
Happy OTS's, Ray! If you had your choice of either: Wait for Aaron Rodgers, trade for Kirk Cousins, or ride with Mason Rudolph what would you choose?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:26
Wait for Aaron Rodgers unless he drags out his decision past minicamp in a few weeks.
Lee
10:26
Ray, how do you see the secondary shaping up this year? Will Corey Trice be getting more playing time?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:27
Not initially, unless there are injuries. They signed Darius Slay to play opposite Joey Porter Jr. They like Trice, but they couldn't go into the season with him slated as the starter because he's been injured so much his first two seasons. He's only dressed for six games.
brian
10:27
Good morning Ray, Re the tush push, I have not heard much about the defense not being allowed to push or aid another teammate when it comes to blocking field goals.  Doesn't this seem to be a double standard?  So much favors the offense.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:30
Even if they allowed defenders to to push each other coaches would never allow it. That's a recipe for injuries. The competition committee tried to get rid of the play because they believe injuries will result, but the data shows injuries did not rise. My opinion is you will see injuries rise if other teams start to do it more often. Let's face it. It was just the Eagles and a few other teams dabbling in the play. And when the injury data is present the play will be banned.
Rob in Meadville
10:30
How do you see the Warren/Johnson duo progress as the season progresses?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:32
I think Warren will start the season as RB1, but Johnson will have a big role. And eventually, because Johnson is more of a first- and second-down back, he could eventually take over as RB1 even though their touches and carries should be similar all season long.
jmacplaywright
10:32
I have a feeling that P. Wilson will be the most improved player on this team. Does that compute for you, Ray, or am I overestimating his talent level?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:34
Payton Wilson had a really strong rookie season, but I'm not sure his role is going to change. They acquired Malik Harrison and are paying him $10 million over two years. They also still have Cole Holcomb. Wilson will play, but I think it will be similar to last season where he plays in sub-packages.
Riley K
10:35
Hey Ray! How can the Steelers successfully balance building for the future, keeping core players intact, and maintaining smart financial management all at once? What should they do?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:37
They should try to get their QB of the future next spring, and I think that's their plan. As for everything else, they should do what they've always done. They'll sign Watt and pay him market value. He wants to be here and they want him to finish his career here. Keep the defense strong and try to hit it with the franchise QB in a couple of years.
JPinPDX
10:37
Good morning Ray and thanks for the chat. Is there one non-QB storyline that you’re most interested in following through until training camp?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:38
Watt, if he shows. Roman Wilson/Calvin Austin angling for No. 2 WR spot. DL reconstruction.
J D
10:38
Why are the Steelers only having 6 training days and not the total of 10 days?  Does MT think they peaked already?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:39
Many teams around the league eliminated a week. There is a movement afoot from the NFLPA to reduce the workload on players in the offseason. I think the Steelers ad other teams are trying to be proactive and give the players what they want without making it a big part of the next collective bargaining agreement.
Gino
10:39
Hi Ray, if Watt wants more money than Garrett to become the highest paid player at his position, do you think the Steelers will try to sign him before the Cryboys and Jerry Jones sign Micah Parsons?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:41
That would be the smart financial move, but I'm sure the Steelers and Cowboys are looking at the Browns' deal with Garrett and shaking their heads. He signed for $5 million more than the next highest-paid EDGE (Maxx Crosby). I'm sure neither team wants to be the team to exceed that number because they believe it's an inflated figure for the position. But it would be smart because if the Cowboys go first then the Steelers would have to exceed whatever they give Parsons.
Tim and Maria
10:41
Hi Ray, any word on who will be succeeding Craig Wolfley on the Steelers’ radio broadcasts?  Thank you.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:41
The assumption is it will be Max Starks, but there hasn't been any kind of official announcement from the team.
Steelerbybirth
10:42
Hello Ray - Thank you for keeping us in the loop sir! We appreciate ya. I realize Rudolph is not a pro-bowl caliber QB. I also realize Rogers is a hall of fame QB. Reality is Rogers is not the man he once was though. Maybe he gets us a couple more wins than Rudolph.  Fair enough? Please educate a layman fan as to what it is that Rudolph lacks. He surely seems serviceable if not a little more. Why was he seen so highly as a draft pick by the Steelers but then basically relegated as a second or third string QB. Rogers really that much better at this stage of his career?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:45
The Steelers believe Rodgers is the better option. Even at his age, I think Rodgers can still make all the throws better than Rudolph. He can't run or move in the pocket like he used to, but he can still sling it. And I think his experience is a factor. He's seen a lot in this game and I think that goes a long way with a coach like Tomlin, who is searching for that winning formula in the postseason. I think what you have to ask yourself is: would you rather than Rodgers or Rudolph starting a playoff game?
TVC15
10:45
Hi Ray,  Does Tomlin's coaching career (a.k.a. these next 3 seasons) end with a whimper or a bang?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:45
Or another three-year extension?
Ryan
10:45
ray with ota’s starting today will you be keeping a eye on Roman Wilson
Ray Fittipaldo
10:46
Yes I think a lot of people want to know if he's up to the task of being the No. 2 after the way his rookie season went.
Yogi in Yonkers
10:46
Ray, is there a de facto assistant HC since John Mitchell retired?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:46
No there is not.
Paul
10:46
Hi Ray, crazy to give a 30+ OLB QB money. If he wants 40m+ Trade Watt and move on
Ray Fittipaldo
10:46
The Steelers don't operate that way, but it will be interesting to see how this negotiation goes.
epiballo
10:47
Besides the home crowd, are there any tangible benefits from playing at home? In hockey, you get the last line change; is there anything comparable in the NFL?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:47
Nope.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
10:47
How do you see the TJ Watt contract situation playing out. Does he want to be the highest paid at his position or will he come off the 40 million per to help with the cap? Would you sign him for that much or would you franchise tag him or trade him before the season?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:48
I think they will get a deal done before the season and it will be at or slightly past the number the Browns gave Garrett in terms of guaranteed money -- and that's really all that matters. Don't get hung up so much on the $40 million a year figure. The proof will be in the pudding with the guarantees.
Yogi in Yonkers
10:49
Lots of these rookies and year 2 guys need to earn their pay on special teams. How do you think that bodes for Pierre, Patterson, Conor Heyward?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:49
None of them are guaranteed a roster spot, if that's what you're asking. I think all three will be pushed by younger players.
Steeler Joe
10:49
Hey, Ray! Beyond QB, what is this roster's biggest weakness right now?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:50
I think it's receiver provided Harmon and Black play well as as rookies. Still lots of questions about the DL in my mind, but I like that they addressed the position in the draft.
Yogi in Yonkers
10:51
Are you hearing who might be the target for QB4 in camp if Rodgers retires?
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