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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 03.05.24
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:01
OK let's get started.
Eric
2:02
Do the Steelers trade DJ? If so, what compensation would you expect to receive in return? Thanks for these chats Ray!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:03
The Steelers have two NFL-caliber WRs at the moment and one is Johnson. I don't see how they trade away one of their best offensive players unless they can get a great return. I'd say a second-round pick. And I don't think a team will offer a second-round pick for a mercurial WR entering the final year of his contract.
Tina
2:03
Good afternoon.  After the combine, do you think the Steelers prefer Powers-Johnson or Adam Frazier ?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:05
Still might be a little early to make a call there. Powers-Johnson has been healthy and has aced the draft tests thus far -- the Senior Bowl, combine, etc. Frazier is just getting healthy now, but he only did position drills and the bench press at the combine. I think the top three centers might be closer than some realize, but I think JPJ has the edge now because he's been able to participate in the entire predraft process.
TheSatndardisStability
2:05
What do you think of the proposal to adopt the XFL kickoff? I’d like kick returns to come back. Touchbacks are a waste of time.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:06
I understand wanting to reduce injuries, especially head injuries. But I hate the proposed new onside kick when you'd have to declare when you're going to do it. So no more surprise onside kicks. "Chan, surprise onside? Surprise onside. I'm not leaving anything in the bag."
Bear
2:06
Is Braden Fiske an option for the Steelers d-line?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:08
Fiske had a really good combine. I think he's going to rise up draft boards. Day 2 option in the second round I'd say, but he's a 3-technique with some ability to play DE in sub-packages. So, in other words, he'd be the long-term replacement for Ogunjobi and not Heyward. That's OK, but it doesn't solve what happens when Cam retires.
Tom88
2:08
Hi Ray, Salary cap issue here: How is it the Bengals, Ravens and Eagles who are substantially better than the Steelers have much more cap space than Pitt.  None of their superstar QB's are on their rookie contract either.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:09
I'm sure you are aware the Steelers spend big on defense. They have the highest-paid defender in the NFL in TJ Watt. And Minkah and Cam earn top-5 money at their positions. It adds up.
Steve in Canton
2:10
Hi Ray, great combine coverage last week. Any word on the roster status of P. Peterson or A. Robinson as the new league year gets closer?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
Not yet. We should hear something in the next six days. The legal tampering period begins next Monday and I would think all of their cuts would be made by then.
G man
2:10
Hi Ray.  What positions do you think the Steelers will target in free agency?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
ILB and CB -- targeting starters. A No. 3 WR. Maybe a DL.
Guest
2:11
`Since our needs are many, would it make sense to trade down and pick up and extra pick if we can find a partner to do so?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
Yes it would. I agree, but you need a partner who wants to come up and get a player.
Jay
2:12
Hello Ray, always appreciate your coverage.  The steelers have desperate needs at CB, C, T, DL, LB, and WR.  It will be a great draft at OL, CB, and WR.  Normally steelers like to at least have depth at the position of need going into the draft.  I think by diluting the need and sign cheap depth at all 6, maybe focus on just 3 with little better quality, and take OL, WR, and CB with the top 3 picks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
That's one way to go about it. The Steelers don't typically spend big in free agency so they're usually signing mid- to low-tier free agents in free agency. Maybe Khan will switch it up one of these years and make the big splash signing, but that hasn't been the way the Steelers typically approach this time of the year.
Steve in Canton
2:14
What one combine player at would you want to fall to #20 who the Steelers would run to turn the card in for?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
There are a few. I run the card up for Fautanu, Latham and Fuaga. Not sure any of them will still be there though. Quinyon Mitchell would be tempting if he was still on the board too.
Ed in Carrick
2:16
Dalto Schultz of the Texans just signed for 3 years &36 million with $23 million guaranteed. Is that in the Freiermuth range?  I am going on the assumption they will extend Pat.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
That sounds about right for Freiermuth too, give or take.
Guest
2:18
Hi Ray... where do you see Benton long term in base D? As a 3T, 5T or NG?  I get that he will be 1 of the 2 DT's in nickel and dime.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
He's a nose in base, but he showed the ability to play in sub last year, which is nice. He's got a bright future.
Scott
2:19
Ray, If you had to put your finger on the primary factor that has caused the Steelers recent run of mediocrity what would you say it is?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
Goof question. I'd saying drafting in the 20s and 30s for as long as they have has taken a toll on the roster. The elite players are found at the top of the draft. Also, not having a succession plan for Roethlisberger has hurt them. I wrote a story that appeared in Sunday's paper about how the Packers develop QBs. The Ravens did a great job with Lamar Jackson. Neither franchise was worried about hurting the feelings of their Super Bowl-winning QBs who were in the process of aging. Looking back, maybe the Steelers should have approached the final years of Roethlisberger in a different manner.
Texas Steel
2:22
Hi Ray, players used to consider the Steelers a prestigious organization, now the players are giving poor grades on a variety of things, grading the franchise toward the bottom of the barrel. What do you think is the reason why?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
Players like to complain. I see the KC Chiefs got an F for ownership too. They seem to be doing just fine. I don't put a ton of stock into those surveys. Players are in and out during the season, and I'm not sure who voted. As for the facilities, we all know it's a big issue. The Steelers can't expand at the South Side. They need a new practice facility, and that's why David Morehouse was hired last year. BUt it's not going to go up overnight.
Jeff M
2:24
Trading up in the draft with so many needs seems like a mistake. But moving back  and adding another 3rd or 4th might be a good move. What would a trade back between 25-30 look like?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
Maybe, but remember this is a shallow draft because of the fringe prospects staying in college to collect NIL $. So you better know if you trade down that you'll be able to get a good player.
Matteo
2:25
Do the Steelers actually have any serious interest in Justin Fields or Russell Wilson or is that all just rumours from the media?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:29
I think they'll listen on anything that will improve their roster, but it has to make sense. I've tried, but I have a hard time making the Russell Wilson thing make sense. He said recently he wants to win more Super Bowls. I'm quite sure he didn't mean as a backup. And we all know the Steelers want to find out about Kenny Pickett this season. So unless they do a 180 and go in a completely different direction I don't see that one happening. The Just Fields thing is problematic for the same reasons. Sure, you can probably get him for a Day 2 pick, but if he's not your starter then why do it? The only way I make a deal for Fields is if I'm moving on from Pickett. And I just haven't heard any rumblings from anyone in the organization that they're ready to do that. Maybe we'll all be surprised, but I don't get that sense now.
Matteo
2:31
Do you think Jackson Powers-Johnson is near the top of the Steelers draft board?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
I'm sure he's among their top centers, but I don't know where he is on their draft board.
Mary Breaks Down Your Ours
2:33
Sweat from Texas in play.for the Steelers in Round 2? That's quite a "Hampton-like NT", IMO - agreed?=
Ray Fittipaldo
2:33
I don't think so. They got their nose tackle last year when they drafted Benton in the second round.
Matteo
2:34
what do you think are the Steelers top 3 priorities this offseason
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
Center, right tackle and corner.
ILB and safety too, but that's more free agency than the draft because it's not a great draft for ILBs or safeties.
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