You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 9.24.18
powered byJotCast
Ray Fittipaldo
11:56
Welcome to my Steelers chat. Post your questions and we'll get started soon.
Pammy Whammy
11:57
Have the STeelers told Bell's agent to pursue a sign and trade? What teams would be able to pull this deal off?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:59
In this instance, because of the franchise tag, there cannot be a sign and trade. The Steelers or a team that is willing to acquire him can pay him more than his $14.5 million tag value (per week of course) but they cannot add years. In other words, Bell's tender only runs through this season. He'll become an unrestricted free agent in March unless the Steelers decide to tag him again.
jimmyo
11:59
How does the Bell holdout effect the Steelers salary cap?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:00
They receive $853,000 back into their 2018 cap every week he misses. So they've gained $2.5 million in cap space in the three weeks. But I'm not sure what good it does them. Who are they going to go out and sign now?
RealSteel
12:00
Do you think Bell is hurting his standing with other teams with his holdout?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:02
Yes. If I'm an opposing GM or coach I am wondering why he is jet skiing and playing host to rap album release parties. He already is in the NFL drug program. He is subject to a drug test upon signing his franchise tender. If in fact he does that this year. Now Bell is leaving it up to teams to wonder about his commitment to football. Is he someone who has interests away from the game that detract from his ability to do his job? That's for 31 other GMs to decide.
Linebacker Lounge - 3Rivers, MI
12:02
Live from Tampa! Who starts tonight Burns or Sensabaugh? Thx
Ray Fittipaldo
12:04
Good question. The coaches are probably having that conversation today. Based on Burns' demeanor after Saturday's practice and reading the tea leaves I think Sensabaugh will play significant snaps tonight. But I don't know if he'll start.
Zack BB
12:04
Any credible chatter you have heard about Bell being traded? Any rumors of teams?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:05
As of Sunday morning, no teams had reached out to the Steelers. That could have changed once it was leaked they would listen to trade offers. But understand this: the price to acquire Bell begins with a third-round pick. That's what they would receive in compensation from the NFL if he leaves in free agency in 2019.
Lebo Cake Eater
12:05
What do you make of Sean Davis's play? Is he still learning the position or is he tentative in the D scheme?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:06
I thought he did some good things vs. Cleveland. No one played well against KC. Too early to tell, but he I know he and every other defensive back has to have a bounce-back game tonight. Tampa is playing well on offense.
Kevin
12:06
Is it time for Tomlin to go along with the defensive coordinator? Or is this the new norm in the NFL?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:07
Only three weeks in, so it's tough to say if this will be a record year for NFL offenses. Let's wait to see how things play out a bit. As for Tomlin and Keith Butler, the Steelers don't make coaching moves during the season. They wait until after the season. There is plenty of time for both to turn things around this season.
Pammy Whammy
12:07
Would a Bell trade have to include a player(s) that would help the Steelers THIS year to make sense?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:07
Maybe, but who is giving up a good player for a rental?
Mitch
12:07
Are the L. Bell trade rumors similar to the Big Ben rumors we heard in 2013 or is there more to it than that? Who would want a player that isn't guaranteed to be with their team past this year, and how much is that worth in return?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:08
Exactly my point. Bidding begins with at least a third-round pick.
Jim
12:08
If Bell is ends up coming back at week 10 does he even dress?  If no injuries I could see the Steelers tell him to stay away.  What do you think?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:08
Depends what their record is and how the playoff chase is going. If there is a playoff chase at that point.
Frank
12:08
Any team have enough money under the cap to afford taking on Bell?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:08
A handful.
Devin B
12:09
Though I believe it's very unlikely, do you believe the Steelers will be able to trade Bell and if so, what's  the most they could get? Most everyone thought nobody would give up a 3rd round pick for Martavis, but it happened.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:09
It definitely would have to be the right trading partner. I'm assuming it has to be a team with playoff aspirations. And I'm assuming they would be willing to make an offer the Steelers can;t refuse. Otherwise, I don't see it happening.
SF Steeler
12:10
If Bell loses $10 million by not showing up, how does he think he will ever get that back.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:10
Obviously, he thinks there will be a team that will overpay for his services.
jackprosciutto59
12:10
With 2 OL  started out tonight, do we expect a more conservative offense?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:11
I don't think so. The Bucs have struggled defending the pass. You have to draw up a game plan to attack the defense. I'm sure they'll try to establish the run, but the Bucs secondary has struggled so I expect to see a whole lot of Ben Roethlisberger dropping back in the pocket tonight.
Rob
12:11
Do you think the Steelers will play more zone or man against Fitz?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:12
I think they'll use a little of both. Sensabaugh is better in zone. Burns, if he is on his game, is capable of holding up in man coverage (despite his performance against KC). And Joe Haden can play man coverage well.
Kool-Aid
12:12
Hi Ray, Under the cba rules what would be the Steelers options if Bell sits out the entire year?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:12
They could tag him again or let him become a free agent.
Guest
12:12
What would you deal Bell for at this point ?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:14
I suppose I'd deal him for a second-round pick in 2019. Maybe I'd hold out for a little more -- say a fourth-rounder too. I'd definitely try to find the best offer. Still weeks away from the trade deadline.
Bobby Walden
12:14
Do the Steelers believe in their punter Jordan Berry? Matt Wile provided strong competition in training camp and has averaged 50+ yds per punt in the last two games as the starting punter for the Vikings.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:14
Not as much as they did when they decided to cut Wile.
JoeB
12:14
Does the Browns win and Chiefs absolutely dominating offense change the perspective on the Steelers' first two games?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:15
Not with the Browns winning. There might be some credence to the belief that the Chiefs will have one of the league's top offenses. It still doesn't excuse all the mental errors that happened in that game.
Numbers
12:15
Should the Steelers tag Bell again and then trade him? Should be able to maximize there return-Khalil Mack
Load More Messages
Connecting…