Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 07.08.26
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Ray Fittipaldo
11:36
I don't expect that either, but I find it hard to believe they would pay all three guys that kind of money in 2027 and beyond.
Fred
11:37
Good morning Ray!  Do you think Friermuth will be targeted more this year than last?  He has been a very consistent pass catcher when utilized, makes few mistakes and is very reliable.
Ray Fittipaldo
11:38
I do. He was labeled and typecast as a zone breaker by Mike Tomlin. I don't think the previous staff viewed him as someone who could have a lot of success against man coverage. It will be interesting to see if the new staff sees more potential there. Either way, I think there will be a big effort to get more out of Freiermuth
TVC15
11:38
Should JPJ have been listed as a Top 10 cornerback in the Jeremy Fowler ESPN oill?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:39
I could make a strong argument for him, but regardless he knocking on the door. The lack of INTs probably hurts him, but he was terrific in coverage last season. It's probably fair to list him as a top 10 cover corner.
Realist
11:40
Some Steelers fans think Howard would bring a mid round pick, which is ridiculous.  A good gauge of a Steeler player's trade value is at least two rounds worse than fans think it is?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:41
Not sure who those fans are, but not realistic whatsoever.
Ryan
11:41
Ray how did Gabe Rubio look during Otas and mini camp I’m looking forward to seeing what he does during training camp and during the pre season games
Ray Fittipaldo
11:42
Training camp is the time to evaluate OL and DL. Hard to come to any conclusions when they're not practicing in pads. Rubio will be in a battle to make the roster, but they like his size and versatility
Rick Woods
11:42
Ray, one angle of the Steelers four quarterback conundrum I haven’t seen discussed is Rudolph’s value to the Steelers next year. If they are truly committed to starting one of their young QBs next year, isn’t Rudolph exactly the type of guy you want behind a young QBs with no starting experience? Good teammate, willing to help, experience starting games, etc. In that case, it certainly would be easier to resign him if he is on the 2026 roster.
Ray Fittipaldo
11:43
No one was beating down his door to sign him last year. Not sure what makes you think he'd be hard to get two years later.
Footballtahn
11:45
have you ever seen a 6th round draft pick who has never played a snap in preseason or regular season generate so much optimism from fans and glowing comments from coaches as will howard has ?  The nfl is a franchise qb starved league. If he was really franchise worthy wouldnt he have been drafted at least as high as kenny pickett was?  Hope is important but false hope is desperation. Do you believe Howard is worthy of all this optimism.
Ray Fittipaldo
11:46
I don't think a lot of realistic Steelers fans are projecting him as a "franchise" QB. But there have been QBs from the middle and later rounds who have become solid NFL starters or good backups.
Nc Rob
11:47
Ray the schedule makers did no favor to HCMM in his first year. I understand we have to play a first place schedule, but the quick turnarounds of Thursday nights after Sundays, travel to France cutting prep/recovery time. It always seems that the Steelers get the short end of the scheduling stick. Am I mistaken?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:48
Every teams has its complaints with the schedule. In the end, you have to find ways to navigate it. Sometimes coach have to get creative and adjust their practices and approach based on the schedule. That will be the case for McCarthy this season, but he's not alone.
11:49
That's it for this week. I'll be back again next week for another chat.
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