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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 08.19.25
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Tom in Dallas
10:24
Cam received a payment earlier this year.  I think I read it was around $13M.  If he does not play this year, would he have to return that money?  And possibly a portion of a signing bonus he received last year?  My real question, if he holds out, based on his age he will never recover the lost money, so doesn't he HAVE to play if even he doesn't get a new contract or 'sweetened' deal?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:26
No that was a roster bonus in March. Basically, it was the Steelers deciding they wanted to bring him back. Of course they did after he made All-Pro. And he doesn't have to do anything. He's made more than $130 million in this game. He'll be OK if he really wants to take a stance. I don't think he will, but he certainly has the means.
TVC15
10:26
"Hard Knocks" filmed the Steelers on a historic 5 game blowout losing streak to end their miserable season yet Tomlin remains talked about as at least a Top 5 coach. Is it just because everyone loves his affectatious gibberish? (To be honest with you.) Is that why the Rooneys hired him in the first place because they were "blown away" by it in his interview? It seems to never get old despite just 3 playoff wins in the last 14 seasons and none in the past 8.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:29
The only reason I'm answering this question is you made me look up affectatious. Listen, the Rooneys are tied to Tomlin for three more years because they signed him to that contract. Art Rooney II said recently he likes the way Tomlin can connect with young people. That's one of the reasons he's had so much longevity. And whether you want to believe it or not, it matters in free agency (Aaron Rodgers) and other acquisitions (Jalen Ramsey). Those guys wanted to play for Tomlin.
Weird Trades
10:30
Can we trade Thompson for Pickett (kidding)?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:30
Wouldn't it be funny if Pickett was traded again.
Andy Carnegie
10:30
GM Ray-do you think Austin III will start the year on the PUP list? If so, will that make the Steelers keep a WR that they otherwise were planning to cut (Williams or B. Johnson), now that Taylor was released?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:32
I did not think it was a good sign when Austin danced around a question about his availability for Week 1. My gut tells me he will, but there are more than two weeks between the preseason finale and the regular season opener.
AK
10:32
Which player is more likely to make the roster: Robinson or Bruener?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:33
Bruener is good on special teams. If they think they can sneak him through waivers they'll put him on the practice squad and roll with Robinson for one more year.
Jana
10:33
When are the Steelers required to tell the public more about Calvin Austin’s injury???
Ray Fittipaldo
10:34
Wednesday of the first game week.
SteelerMike
10:34
Do you and your counterparts have any confirmed plans around the Ireland game, outside of normal game coverage ?    I think P-G happy hour could be fun !  I might buy the first round
Ray Fittipaldo
10:35
Well then, we might have to explore that although I'm not a warm beer type of guy. Will I have options over there?
Rob
10:35
Do you see Yahya Black having the capability to start at any point this season?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:36
Not unless there is an injury, but I think he can in the future.  I don't think it's part of Heyward's calculus, but Black has been so good in camp that it does make me wonder if he could start next year.
Rocky Mountain Yunzer
10:36
Good morning Ray and thanks for your chats.  Assuming CAIII isn't ready to start the season, what do they do with him?  Do they have to put him on the 53 and then move him to IR or can they do something else with him where he won't count against the 53 -for instance can they put him on IR now?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:37
IR designated to return. Anyone who starts the season with that designation has to miss the first four games.
Ryan
10:37
Ray what do you think about Logan Lee he looked good when he had to replace Kuntz when he was injured
Ray Fittipaldo
10:37
He was OK, but they signed a snapper so obviously they only view him as a guy who can "get them out of the stadium" to borrow a Tomlinism.
Debbie
10:37
Good morning Ray.  Should Steelers Nation be concerned about the running game with only one preseason game remaining before the start of the regular season?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:38
I'm a bit concerned.
G Money
10:38
Cory Trice injured.  Calvin Austin injured.  I hear that Junno is also injured. Some of these guys are always hurt.  Is It going to be a problem??  Guys have talent but can't stay healthy
Ray Fittipaldo
10:39
Yeah eventually you have to make decisions on guys like Trice. He just can't seem to stay healthy. Giving Austin the benefit of the doubt he did stay healthy last season, but I'm sure it's going to factor into their decision about next season and whether they sign him and at what price.
Guest
10:40
I have similar concerns about not playing many first teamers in the pre-season, especially in the secondary.  It seemed to me there were open receivers (particularly in the middle) on several pass plays the other night.  I know we've upgraded there, but the lack of playing together will invite breakdowns, something we've seen a lot of in recent seasons.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:40
It might take some for the defense to find its rhythm.
10CC
10:40
Ray, any news on Howard’s injury?  Could he be put on short term IR?  Thank you.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:41
Tomlin is talking after practice today so we might get an update then.
Tommy from Florida
10:42
Good Morning Ray. Since this has been a wild and crazy offseason, would Khan even consider trading for Micah Parsons? Your Thoughts.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:42
About as much as Trey Hendrickson ha ha.
AK
10:42
It would be really funny if Pickett was traded to the Giants.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:42
Now that would be something.
Or the Jets.
Tommy from Florida
10:43
Mornin Ray, the Panthers have already stated they aren't playing starters.  How is Tomlin going to approach the last preseason game? Will we see starters? Lastly, Does Skyler make it over Mason or will they both make it and put Will on the PUP list? Thanks so much for your time.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:43
We'll find out later today when Tomlin does his presser, but I think he's going to continue to keep his starters out. Or most of them anyway.
Tommy from Florida
10:44
Haven't heard much about Jonnu Smith at all.  How'd he look in camp and how do you think they intend on utilizing him? Might we see him lining up at wr...Possibly some three TE sets at the goal line?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:44
He has a knee injury now, but he looked good when he was out there at Saint Vincent.
10:45
OK folks, time to get down to the facility for today's practice. Thanks for all the great questions. We'll do it again next Tuesday.
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