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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 07.28.20
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:53
Ok let's get the chat started.
BB
1:54
Ray - Thanks for the chats and insight.  Why would the Steelers add to the running back room?  Seems to be pretty low on the "needs" list....thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:56
Well, maybe it's merely the Steelers scouting department having good memories. In 2016, Wendell Smallwood, who was signed earlier today, ran for 79 yards on 17 carries and scored a touchdown in a 34-3 Eagles victory in Philadelphia. And judging from Smallwood's career stats that was probably the best game of his career. Not sure why they added a player like Smallwood. Maybe another shoe is to drop, but he only had 22 carries last year. It's not like he was a much sought-after free agent. Obviously.
Billy
1:56
When do you think we will see Cam Heyward get a new contract? Will it get done before the start of the season?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:59
That's one of the top questions between now and the season. The pandemic has not made this easy. Teams weren't doing contracts from May until July. A few like Patrick Mahomes got done this month. But not a lot. I do know the Steelers value Heyward and he is their top priority. In a normal year, he's probably already signed by now. But this is not a normal year, and it's up in the air as to whether the team does a long-term deal with him. With a minimum $175 million salary cap floor for next season (down from $198 million this year) it's going to be hard on a lot of teams to sign star players.
Alan in Nashville
1:59
Hi Ray! It’s sort of funny how some fans are panicked by next years cap as though the teams are getting ripped off or something. I think many fans don’t realize that the cap is FOR the owners bottom line and cost control. That being said, have you heard any speculation about a temporary modification of the system or an “uncapped” year like we did a while back in I think 2011? Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
No I have not. The best-case scenario for the Steelers was a flat cap that was distributed over a five or six-year period. That did not happen. So it looks like the Steelers are going to be cutting some veterans early next year. And maybe not signing some players they would in the past.
NYCJOHN
2:01
how do you think the season will play out considering that some players might opt out of playing? Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
Good question. Already today, the last time I checked, six Patriots players decided to opt out. With 90 players on the camp roster it would be a surprise if at least one Steelers player did not opt out. The big news would be whether that player is a starter.
Questfor7
2:03
2 first rounders, a third and McDougall for Adams and.a  Fourth? That Minkah trade for just a first is looking a steal!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:03
Yes I wrote something about that yesterday. In essence, the Steelers are getting two more years of Minkah for half the price. I'd categorize that as a good deal.
Tunch
2:04
Will Wisniewski be unhappy if he ends up as the all purpose back up? I have to imagine he envisioned starting?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:05
I talked to Wisniewski after he signed, and he was told he would have an opportunity to compete for a starting job. He wasn't promised anything. Obviously, having the offseason wiped out hurt his chances of earning a starting job. But he's been in this position before. Most recently, last year in Kansas City. He's a pro and knows how to prepare. If and when he is called upon, he'll be ready. And that's part of the reason the Steelers signed him.
Scott
2:06
Your "gut feeling" - will we get through this season??
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
Impossible to even venture a guess on this. We just had the situation this week with the Marlins having an outbreak in MLB. There almost certainly will be an outbreak in the NFL. It's all about how it's handled and how some of these cities handle the virus.
Jeff M
2:07
I was surprised to see them add Smallwood to an already crowded RB room. Is there another domino to fall, such as an RB opting out? Have you heard any rumblings about Steelers opting-out.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
I haven't heard any rumblings about players opting out, but like I said above, I'd be surprised if someone from the Steelers did not opt out.
Leroy
2:08
Do you think this will be Ben's last season with the Steelers. With such a high cap hit next year do you see them moving on?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:09
And be stuck with a $44 million cap hit or whatever outrageous number it is? The Steelers plan to have Ben for two more years. After that, it's up for discussion.
Bill's Dad
2:11
What are the chances Tomlin's clock / game management has improved? Any word on utilizing advanced analytics like the rest of the league?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
The Steelers have always used advanced analytics. They just didn't really have a name for it. As for the clock management/game management thing they did ave Teryl Austin in the booth last season to help him on challenges.
Jack splat
2:12
Ray has there been any discussion with the Steelers on how sports writers will be able to report on games during the season
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
Nothing specific yet about reporting on games during the season. We did receive word last week about how we will report during training camp. Basically, fewer reporters can watch practice. There will be a pool report and all access to interviews will be via zoom calls and phone calls.
Ron
2:13
If the cap gets cut to the 175m limit next year, do you see Ben or other veterans willing to help out with their salaries?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
It's an almost unprecedented situation so it's hard to answer this question. I do think some veterans might have to take a pay cut to keep their job. You know teams will keep their stars and that costs a lot of money. And you know young players on rookie contracts are desirable because there is cost control. So who is at risk? Yep. The middle-class veteran.
Guest
2:16
Greetings Ray. Not really a question. More of a venting statement. This is the first time in my life I am not excited about football. Politicians letting their cities burn; Governments punishing business owners but letting criminals burn and loot at will; The NFL injecting politics and social issues into the league; Players supporting a Marxist entity where the "leader" of BLM was quoted saying they will burn your city to the ground if they don't get what they want. I love the Steelers but I am truly sadden by what I have seen and heard.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
Thanks for your opinion. I just happen to think the vast majority of Steelers fans and football fans overall are looking forward to a season after all that's happened in 2020.
Steelrz99
2:17
Hi Ray, if Kerrith Whyte isn’t on the big roster do they put him on the practice squad? I thought he showed promise last year. Would other teams be interested enough to sign him off the practice squad?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
Perhaps. The Steelers had injuries last season and signed Whyte off the Bears practice squad. So anything is possible. He has a skill set NFL teams desire: speed.
Turk in MD
2:18
Hi Ray. Thanks for the chats.  What are the differences between an ILB/hybrid LB/and strong safety in today’s sub package game?  All three seem to have similar body types.  Is it speed, strength, skill, or something else?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
Not sure I completely understand your question, but I'll give it a shot: A hybrid linebacker is usually a converted safety that is big enough to play the run and good enough to cover some TEs and RBs. Mark Barron is a good example of that. He came into the league as a safety and transitioned to hybrid LB.
Ron
2:20
Is it on any of the expert’s minds that a vaccine or the lack of a second wave could make this the greatest and most successful football season ever? Think of how amazing the season could be if things turn around with the pandemic and politics...we need something positive on which to focus. The timing of the NFL season could end up being just right...
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
I like the optimism, but the spikes in cases of COVID-19 is not a good development for any of the sports leagues that are trying to get off the ground this month.
Tunch
2:20
Banner or Chuks, in your opinion? If Banner, were the scouts misguided in their effusive praise of Chuks upside?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
I think Okorafor gets first crack at it. He's a third-round pick. That's not a throwaway pick. And, other than the injury that derailed him last season, the potential remains.
Ron
2:22
What do you think about Mr. Bell having the audacity to criticize Jamal Adams for being ‘dishonest’ and forcing his way off the Jets? Bell couldn’t give his teammates a straight answer, then  proceeded to leave a much better organization...all to ultimately got a worse deal/lose money. He has hurt his career, and he looks like an ordinary running back in that offense. He is a terrible rapper and apparently not that bright, so I don’t know what he’s going to do in a few years....I realize this is a bit much to say, but to be such a hypocrite when he himself couldn’t handle the criticism from peers or their input into his business.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
Yeah Ron I have to be honest. I've kind of enjoyed tuning out whatever Bell has to say since he left the Steelers.
Ron
2:23
My original post on this issue was too long, but, basically, do you think Bell is a hypocrite for criticizing Adams’ behavior in forcing his way off the Jets?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
I guess you can look at it like that. You're saying Bell forced his way off the Steelers. You can look at it that way. Others, probably Bell, just view it as a business decision.
Tunch
2:26
Who are more accurate in their assessments: those that say Pouncey is overrated, or those that say he is one of the best in the game?  Does not seem to be many in the middle......
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