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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 08.24.21
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Ray Fittipaldo
9:50
OK let's get started. Keep the questions coming.
Guest
9:50
What chances do you give the Steelers adding another FA or trade to the 53?
Ray Fittipaldo
9:52
I think there is a pretty decent chance of that happening. I can see them seeking an upgrade at some positions when it comes to their depth. You might see that happen at OLB, ILB and maybe in the secondary. Perhaps a few other spots as well. But that's not out of the ordinary. They look at the waiver wire and add almost every year.
Artie Bridge
9:52
Ray, Considering Freiermuth's strong showing (not to overstate one pre-season game), would the Steelers consider trading Ebron?  If so, what would you predict they could get for him?
Ray Fittipaldo
9:57
I'm not sure I would do that and I'm not sure he would fetch more than a mid- or late-round pick. Here's why I would hesitate trading him: if Freiermuth has an injury there isn't another pass-catching TE on the roster. Zach Gentry looks like he's developing into a nice blocking option, but he's not going to be a mismatch in the passing game. I'd keep Ebron because he still gives you some value in the passing game.
Ryan
9:57
Can we put MUTH in the HOF yet? Is it too early?
Ray Fittipaldo
9:58
A little early. Ha ha. But he does look like he's going to be really good.
SteelersfanSLC
9:58
Seems like the additions of Pat F and Najee Harris are already paying off. How much better do you think this teams is compared to last year?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:00
They might be a better team, but in facing the NFL's most-difficult schedule, it might not be reflected in their record. And while Harris and Freiermuth should be standouts as rookies, it's hard to say how improved the offense will be because the offensive line has to play well in front of them. I still think the Steelers can contend, but I don't consider them to be among the favorites in the AFC.
Chris
10:01
Hi Ray.  Are the Steelers still considering signing any free agents, especially in the secondary?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:01
I think at this point they'd look at the waiver wire or trade before final cut-downs. Any free agents that are out there right now are out there for a reason.
herewego
10:01
Do you think we can win the division?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:02
Sure, but I think the Ravens and the Browns are better bets. The Steelers' schedule is very difficult.
Chase
10:02
Hey Ray, thanks for taking the time for these chats.  Do you think Pat F. will overtake Ebron for TE1 reps this year?  Or will they play them evenly?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:03
I think by the end of the year Freiermuth will play more snaps. But I think early on you'll see Ebron play a fair deal as well.
Joe
10:03
Hi Ray - the Tuitt situation is clearly delicate. Is this moving towards an injured list designation with an in-season return or will he be in a position, mentally and physically, to compete in week 1?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:03
Hard to say at this point. I wouldn't be surprised either way. As you mention, it's a delicate situation and not one a player encounters very often.
Retire21
10:04
I know it would be a reach and I don't want it to happen, but can you make any argument to not sign TJ?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:05
Not really. I hear the arguments about having a non-QB taking up that much of your salary cap, but the cap will be going in the coming years. And the Steelers have always signed their best players when they're in their prime. At least they've tried to do that with a few exceptions. When you have arguably the best defensive player in the league it's smart to try to retain him during his prime years.
Darnell
10:06
Hello Ray.  Your surprises (good and bad) of training camp and exhibition games so far?  Thank you.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:07
Mathew Sexton has looked really good as a punt returner. I had him making my 53-man roster over Ray-Ray McCloud yesterday. Cody White, another receiver, has looked good. As far as disappointments go, I'm not really sure anyone would fall into that category. Kendrick Green had his ups and downs, but that's expected with mid-round rookies. Same with Dan Moore. He had a really bad start to camp and has looked much better the past few weeks.
John in SC
10:08
Is there a better traveling team than the Steelers? I have traveled to many (and some obscure) places in the world, while always wearing some Steeler apparel, and you can’t believe how many people say something to me.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:09
None that I've seen. You show up at opposing venues and half the crowd can be Steelers fans any given week. Even in places like Dallas. It doesn't matter the city or the popularity of the team. Steelers fans find ways to get in the building and take it over.
Joe
10:09
Hi Ray - most assume the TJ deal gets done.  If it reaches a stalemate, do you turn to Minka's before the season starts to get at least one on them signed?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:09
I don't think it will come to that. I think Watt signs before the season and Fitzpatrick gets done next offseason.
Joe
10:09
Hi Ray - with smaller, run-at-hit linebackers, so you have any concern about the Steelers being able to sop the run?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:10
Sure that has to be a concern. There is more pressure on the front four now to make sure there aren't any gaping holes to run through. That's why they need Tuitt back ASAP.
Danno
10:10
Interesting how things playout sometimes. To me if given a choice between Dupree and Highsmith moving forward, I would go with Highsmith. Am I getting ahead myself?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:11
Probably a little bit. I too am high on Highsmith, but let's see him do it for an extended period when the games count.
Carl in Carrick
10:11
Hey Ray…I haven’t heard if Tuitt is going to play against Carolina.  Are Steelers expecting him to be ready for the regular season?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:12
I haven't heard that. He wasn't at practice yesterday. They practice today and tomorrow and that's it before Carolina.
Dan Bartoli
10:12
Do you have any idea what is keeping Benny Snell off the field?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:12
His injury has not been specified. He is practicing now and could play in Carolina.
Mike Summit
10:12
Ray - even with the addition of Schobert the Steelers seem thin at MLB. Do you see any more FA moves being made? Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
10:13
Perhaps yes. I think Spillane is a good backup. After that, it's a little thin. I know they'll probably keep Buddy Johnson on the roster, but he's a rookie who is still learning. Maybe they'll go with Marcus Allen as a fourth ILB or maybe they'll pick someone up off the waiver wire.
SteelersFaninPatriotsNation
10:13
For final cuts to 53, do you have any surprise cuts in mind? Someone like Benny Snell, Joe Haeg, Ray-Ray McCloud?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:15
All of those are possibilities. Haeg would surprise me though. The Steelers paid him a $1 million signing bonus. I don't think they'll cut him. And given their situation at left and right tackle I can see them keeping Haeg and Moore. As I noted earlier, I had Sexton over McCloud in my latest 53-man roster projection. McCloud has been hurt and Sexton has outperformed him. Snell is another interesting one. He's been hurt and Kalen Ballage has been good.
Jarvis Ragdoll Jones
10:15
Does Justin Layne deserve to make the 53 on merit or will he be there simply because the Steelers used a 3rd round pick on him and they failed to acquire a better option?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:16
They don't like to cut third-round picks after only two years so he might find his way onto the roster. However, James Pierre, an undrafted free agent last year, has already bypassed him on the depth chart.
21-58-66
10:16
Ray - Looking forward to seeing more of 22....you guys have all said he is the real deal. No way any of the current or recent backs gets to the edge and down the sideline on that short pass over the middle.....thanks.
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