JotCast | Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 06.04.24

Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 06.04.24

Prev Page View Full Chat

Ray Fittipaldo

10:52

That's certainly another way to look at it. You might be right in terms of the young Steelers coming along, but unless all of those teams are dealing with major injuries to their stars it's going to be a demanding stretch for the Steelers.

Justin

10:53

While I feel we do need a second receiver, I believe cornerback is just as important. If you had to venture a guess, will the Steelers sign a cornerback and if so, will it be Sutton / Peterson or someone else like a Howard or Jackson?

Ray Fittipaldo

10:54

My guess is Sutton or Peterson. I think they'll sign Sutton if his legal issues are dealt with and the commissioner doesn't give him a long suspension.

Benson DuBois

10:54

D-Line depth is a more critical need than #2 receiver. Do you agree?

Ray Fittipaldo

10:55

How about good D-line play overall? I know that hinges on Heyward's ability to bounce back, but there wasn't much production without him last season.

Guest

10:56

Hey Ray. I’ve heard many fans and commentators remark on Najee Harris’s decent production (3 1000-yd seasons) and relative lack of big, explosive plays. My head acknowledges these points as valid, but then my heart weighs in with something not captured by the stats: Najee plays his heart out. He fights for extra yardage nearly every time he touches the ball. He’s a warrior who has time and again put his body on the line, and a sometimes-inspiration to his teammates. If you were Omar Kahn, what weight would you give factors like these when (and if) a contract extension becomes a live issue again?

Ray Fittipaldo

10:57

I just think it's a business decision. The Steelers didn't believe he was worth the $7 million option in 2025. If he plays well in Smith's offense maybe they'll value him at $12 million over two years or $18 million over three years. I don't know what number the Steelers would feel comfortable with, but it's obviously not anything at $7 million a year on average.

10:58

Porter, Jackson on the outside, TBD in slot and Fitzpatrick and Elliott at safety.

Timmer

10:58

As of now, who do you see starting at cornerback and safety? Thanks Ray.

Ray Fittipaldo

10:58

Question to last answer.

Fuamatu Ma'afala

10:58

Hey Ray, are guys like Xavien Howard and Justin Simmons too expensive, or just not good fits for the Steelers defense?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:00

Too expensive. They signed Elliott and traded for Jackson. Jackson is making $6 million in salary this year. Elliott signed for $6 million over two years. Both are much cheaper than Howard or Simmons.

Joe

11:00

Ed Reed or Troy P. Who was the better safety?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:00

Troy Polamlau.

Zell

11:00

For RB's, 1,100 yards rushing in a 17 game season is 65 yards per game. I love Naj and he's a tough guy, team player, and so on. Just a comment

Ray Fittipaldo

11:01

Understood, but he has been durable. That's important.