Ray Fittipaldo: Welcome to my Steelers chat. Post your questions and we'll get started soon.
Salvatore: Hey Ray! Love your chats. Do you think the hire last year of Tom Bradley and now the new DB coach tries to have a different perspective on how to draft db's? I guess so far Edmunds has had positive impact on the team. Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo: You have to remember the scouts and GM Kevin Colbert do most of the legwork on the college prospects throughout the year. The coaches get more involved in the scouting process in January, February and March as time permits. But I do think it's good that Bradley and Austin have college experience. The NFL passing game is adopting more college principles every year and those guys saw what those offenses looked like first-hand. Plus, Austin has more extensive experience in the NFL so that will help too.
Regent Sq: Ben led the league in pics. The number of pics is increasing per year. He also led the league in passes within 3 yards of the line. Does Ben or does the coach dictate how much they run the ball and if a fullback is used as part of their offense?
Ray Fittipaldo: It's a collaborative effort. Randy Fichtner was pressed throughout the year on the pass-run ratio. He was never ever concerned about it. At least that's what he said publicly. I think they need to readjust their offense a bit. I'm not saying they have to get back to ground and pound because the league has changed, but they led the NFL in passing attempts by 45. That's almost a whole game's worth of passes. They weren't as successful as I think they hoped to be so I think there is some room for new thoughts on how to approach 2019. We all saw what the Patriots did with their ability to control the game with the run.
Ralph: Don't you agree that Mr Rooney is being to family like when wanting to meet with Brown? Why should he care about the trouble maker any more?
Ray Fittipaldo: Maybe he wants to find out exactly what happened to make Brown so angry. Something like this has never happened before on this scale for the Steelers. I am sure Rooney wants to avoid something similar happening in the future. He might not get any answers, but what's the harm in trying to find out. If there is something he can change when it comes to dealing with future players or team dynamics then I don't see the harm in meeting with him. Even though it might not be fruitful.
Joe Steel: Ray, While AB has obviously been heading down the wrong path for a while now, it seems to have gotten steadily & exponentially worse ever since he got knocked out by Burfict in the playoffs a few years back. I seriously think head trauma could be a factor in his erratic behavior. What do you think?
Ray Fittipaldo: That's speculation. I'm not saying you're wrong, but we don't have any scientific evidence that's what happened. And I think some of his behavior predates that hit. Remember what Ryan Clark said a few weeks back after Brown signed his second contract in 2012. Things definitely started to change then.
Mr.Bling: Can we just get along? Keep Bell and Brown, and go forward. Is it better for us to keep them or just let them go.
Ray Fittipaldo: Let them go. You don't give Brown away because that's not good business, but if you can get a decent draft pick for him then start over with players that want to be with the team.
Eric S.: What are some off-season necessities in your eyes?
Ray Fittipaldo: First and foremost, ILB and CB and of course WR if Brown is dealt.
Eric S.: Which player(s) do you believe can step up and be leaders of character for this football team? (Polamalu, The Bus, Clark) we need someone to step up.
Ray Fittipaldo: Well, Cam Heyward can be a good leader. So can Maurkice Pouncey. But it's difficult to lead in that locker room when guys like Antonio Brown have a different set of rules than everyone else. So the head coach has to set the tone and improve the culture. Then his leaders will be able to lead more effectively. If you're looking for young leaders, T.J. Watt is a guy who can definitely step up and take on a bigger role in that regard. I think he's earned it, and I think more leadership from guys like him are needed in that room.
Mike J: What would think the Steelers record will be next year? Looking at the schedule l believe 10-6
Ray Fittipaldo: Way too early to tell. We don't even know when the games are scheduled yet. We just know the opponents. I will say this: If they address their needs at ILB and CB the defense can be much better. And that's the unit that let them down the most late in the season. Unlike a lot of folks, I'm not expecting a total rebuild. This team can get back to the playoffs with a few tweaks.
Greg: Brown’s behavior is making me question the policy of signing bonuses. Last CBA limited rookie contracts. Maybe the next CBA should limit signing bonuses so young athletes are more incentivized to act professionally and less like an a pre-paid jerk. Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo: That's a good thought, but we're trending toward more guarantees in contracts than fewer. GMs just have to make sure they're signing the right guys. Remember the Steelers signed Brown to his most recent contract just weeks after the whole Facebook Live episode. Colbert and Rooney can shoulder some blame in how this all unfolded as well. Brown takes the majority of it, but they knew to some extent that Brown was a handful to deal with. Not this extent, but they knew there was some baggage.
Dan Mucy: Hi Ray. Love your work! After the Twitter mess, what possibly can come of a meeting with AB and Art Rooney? Isn't enough, ENOUGH already? Also, can you really risk millions on Boswell next season, with so many other needs--and so many kickers who come cheaper? Thanks and keep up the great work! Dan
Ray Fittipaldo: See above answer for the question on the Brown meeting. As far as Boswell goes, he's a big cap hit if cut. They have no problem paying him if he gets back to his 2017 form. But they have to figure out this spring and summer if he can bounce back. If he can't then you cut him and eat the cap hit. But if you think he can return to form then you keep him because from 2015-17 he was one of the best kickers in the NFL. And he was clutch to boot.
Tucson: Why is Brown still stirring the pot especially with his recent criticism of Ben? He is going to get what he wanted, so why keep doing it?
Ray Fittipaldo: Great question. Someone theorized he's trying to sabotage his trade value so the Steelers will outright release him. They won't do that of course, but that might be his end game. Look at his mentor Terrell Owens. That's what he did in Philly.
Steeler Fam: I believe we have the 20 pick in the draft what is most likely to be available MLB or CB and if that is the case should they target one of the two in free agency so they only have to focus on one big target in the draft
Ray Fittipaldo: Check out my Steelers seven-round mock draft tomorrow at post-gazette.com. It's my first one of the year and it will give you an idea of their needs and which players might be available.
Heath Miller Fan: Ray, I enjoy your work. I realize Tomlin isn’t going anywhere this year but in your opinion how badly has his reputation taken a hit. Is the fact he is still head coach because he, Colbert and Rooney are all equally responsible for the lack of discipline i.e. late attendance at meetings (Bell, Brown), summer camp Latrobe rental home, twitter distractions (Bell, Brown)? Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo: I think there is a level of truth to what you said. The organization as a whole has to take some responsibility for the way Brown was handled. That being said, Tomlin is the head coach and it's his responsibility to handle these types of things. And he hasn't handled them very well the past couple of years. The James Harrison thing ended badly. Now Brown...Even the way Bell declined to take his phone calls, it doesn't speak very well to how he communicates with his players -- most certainly with his star players.
Ryno: Brown will meet with Rooney, but AB is still posting nonsense on social media. Any idea why Rooney is even bothering at this point?
Ray Fittipaldo: I think he wants to get his side of the story. That's it.
Ryno: The Steelers decided against taking an ILB last year in the draft when all of the best choices were gone by the time it was their turn. Are you aware of any inside linebackers that turned out to be really good that were chosen after the Steelers took their first pick, t maybe they should have grabbed?
Ray Fittipaldo: Um yeah, Darius Leonard was selected very early in the second round, only a few picks after the Steelers took Terrell Edmunds, and he made All-Pro as a rookie.
Gallo: If Bush or white aren’t there at 20 do the Steelers move down pick the best available or draft for a need at another position like wr
Ray Fittipaldo: I'd say CB unless you absolutely are in love with a WR that you think can become a star.
574 Fan: With Ben's attitude/leadership being questioned as part of the recent AB rift, what is your take on how affects the locker room? Why would his O-line love him if he had issues in this area, as some are suggesting? When you've done what he's done, for as long as he's done it, hasn't he earned the right to be critical of anyone he feels he needs to correct, even one of the great receivers in the game? Or is this more than that, is he really a difficult guy for some people to get along with?
Ray Fittipaldo: Obviously, he's not well-liked by everyone in that locker room. As you say, he doesn't have to be. But your leaders must have the respect of their fellow teammates. If they don't then it's tough to be a leader. I think Ben has the respect of many of the players in that locker room. Just not all of them. Maybe it's time to weed more players out than just Brown.
Gallo: What FA at the moment do you think the Steelers should target
Ray Fittipaldo: WR John Brown, who played for the Ravens last year. I don't think he'll be all that expensive. I think he played on a one-year $5 million deal last year. And that wouldn't preclude you from taking a WR in the draft if you like him. It would give you flexibility and not in a position where they HAVE to draft one.
Ryno: Did you notice ANY change in performance from Dupree as a result of moving him to the opposite side?
Ray Fittipaldo: Not really. He still isn't able to bend the edge and get to the QB. He takes circuitous routes and often gets washed out of the play. I did, however, see a big difference with Watt. He talked openly about being able to see the field better from the left side. And he was much more productive so it was definitely worth it.
Gallo: Should the Steelers go after a cb in fa instead of the draft even if there is a top corner still available due to the fact they haven’t drafted or devolved a cb in a while and instead go with a known commodity
Ray Fittipaldo: Yes. Coty Sensabaugh, who started the final half of the season, is an unrestricted free agent. You have to find a potential starter in the event you don't get one in the draft. That doesn't mean you have to spend $15 million a year on the top CB in free agency, but you definitely need a stop-gap to hold place while the rookie develops.
Wallguy: Do you think the Steelers would trade AB for anything less than a first round pick. I wouldn't. We have him under contract for three more years he can either play for us or can sit out for three years and not get paid.
Ray Fittipaldo: At this point, I'd take an early second-rounder.
Larry in KY: Mornin' Ray. We presume MT will begin to run a tighter ship. How hard will it be for him to change his stripes? Disciplined coaches, such as Belechic, Landry, Grant, were that way from the gete go. Can MT make the change?
Ray Fittipaldo: That's a good question. That's a veteran locker room that will be watching closely. Good players and good leaders crave discipline. I think your core players can handle a change. The questions is whether some of the others on the roster could do so after being in a country club atmosphere for so long.
Charlie : Hi Ray, appreciate the effort you put into your chats. Obviously sample size is very limited, but what sense do you get of how high the Steelers are on Mason Rudolph after year one, based on what they’ve seen in practice?
Ray Fittipaldo: I don't think they know. They saw him compete last spring and summer but not much after that. He was the third-string QB and ran the scout team once the season began. He took very few reps with the starters, e=or even the backups, once the season started.
Retire21: Scenario where Steelers don’t get what they want for AB, would they hold out for mincamp, training camp or early season to see if a one or more teams’ top WR goes down? Raiders got a No. 1 for Amari Cooper after season started.
Ray Fittipaldo: Not an ideal scenario. You'd have to pay him his $2.5 million roster bonus March 17. And you'd have to deal with the distraction for a few more months. If you have to do that to get fair value then maybe, but ideally they'd like to rid themselves of the distraction he has become before March 17.
Will: Someone had a twitter poll: AB and Steelers 1st for Peterson and a 5th. I would not do that, would you?
Ray Fittipaldo: I would not do that.
J.P. from Quebec: Hi there Ray, have you heard anything on the Brown situation about the Steelers discussing with any team on a deal and what do you think the Steelers would accept to get rid of a serious problem
Ray Fittipaldo: I think the trade talks will heat up at the combine next week.
john: Ray good afternoon. What is the best we can expect in return for Bell ............... and Brown............ ? thanks
Ray Fittipaldo: For Bell, third-round compensatory pick if he is allowed to walk this year. As for Brown...depends on what happens in the next month. It's so unpredictable because his behavior has been so unpredictable.
jake: best guess, our 2 starting ILB's next year are? our 2 starting CB's are? our 3 WR's next year are?
Ray Fittipaldo: Vince Williams and a rookie. Joe Haden and a rookie. JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Washington with a rookie pushing Washington if need be.
TShip: Hi Ray, What's the minimum you would trade Brown for? I"m thinking nothing lower than a 3rd. They don't want him back but just can't give him away.
Ray Fittipaldo: At this point, I would not accept anything lower than a second.
The Ville: Ray, any chance the Steelers place the transition tag on Bell, match the offer he negotiated and agreed to from another team? Might be a good game plan to move to a heave run game after losing AB in the passing game. This will also prolong Ben's career and give the D a break while dominating TOP. Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo: I don't think that can happen now. Too many hard feelings on both sides.
ALB: Ray, are you looking forward to a couple months from now when AB and Bell are history and you can spend your discussing football?
Ray Fittipaldo: That'd be nice.
Ryno: Do you see any way Bell actually makes up the $14.5M he just gave up? That is a lot to make up.
Ray Fittipaldo: It only takes one team, but the Todd Gurley situation late in the season was not a positive development for Bell and his quest to get $17 million a year. Maybe not even $15 million a year. We should find out his true worth in a few weeks if he hits the open market.
DJ cain Little Rock Arkansas: Ray will AB be on the Roster for 2019?
Ray Fittipaldo: My guess is no.
Kevin: The Steelers seem to down grade CB's in the draft if they aren't good tacklers. Based on the poor draft results is it time maybe they stress coverage ability much more that tackling ability ?
Ray Fittipaldo: I don't know that to be the case, but if it is, i say try anything because they haven't been very good at identifying CBs in the last decade or so.
Jay7: Say if AB is not traded and he skips camp and games, can Steelers basically get his salary back in the salary cap or would they have to suspend him
Ray Fittipaldo: If he holds out like Bell did they get that $ back.
Jay7: Ray, is AB purposefully trying to hurt the Steelers by his tantrums so that they do not get the desired return?
Ray Fittipaldo: That is a theory. The end game, I suppose, is the Steelers decide to release him. But Rooney won't do that.
Ralph LA: At the start of the year I was ecstatic to see that Switzer seemed to be a competent insertion for kickoff returns. I know there’s always preseason competition, but is that position pretty much settled now?
Ray Fittipaldo: Their return game was OK. Just OK. I think they can upgrade there if the right player comes along.
Jerry: You say get rid of the players that don't respect Ben. Why is it all about Ben oh because he's the QB? Players will not want to play for the Steelers because Obviously Ben don't respect players either!!
Ray Fittipaldo: Who said Ben doesn't respect his teammates? You believing Antonio Brown?
Craig: I think AB is angling for a new contract from another team he gets traded to. He’s full of it. It’s not about winning or he wouldn’t be flirting with the 49ers or willingly asking for a trade knowing he could go to a team with a terrible QB. Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo: He said that's not the case in his impromptu Twitter Q&A Saturday afternoon. But who knows?
Poochie: The Steelers need immediate upgrades at OLB, CB and ILB. If we trade Brown for a high draft pick shouldn't we use that pick on defense as opposed to drafting another receiver?
Ray Fittipaldo: You're on the right track. Read my mock draft tomorrow on post-gazette.com!
Bob from Poconos: There is a lot of speculation that 2019 could be a make or break year for Coach Tomlin. He has been a head coach for 12 seasons, what are the chances of major improvement in the areas where he struggles, such as preparation for sub 500 teams, Control of players such as AB, clock management and challenges?
Ray Fittipaldo: He better improve. If he's not signed to a contract extension the writing is on the wall. He has to get back to the playoffs and create a winning culture again.
chest up eyes up grow up: Is Art going to lay out the Steelers options to Antonio in no uncertain terms or will he play the peace maker and capitulate to some of the FUD (Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt) that AB has been spewing?
Ray Fittipaldo: Honestly, I just think Rooney wants to know his side of the story so he can attempt to prevent this from happening again. I don't think there is any way Brown can return to the team.
Polamalu43: Ray, better trade? Ab to Cards for 4th round pick and LB Hassan Riddick OR AB to Oak for 5th round pick and CB Gereon Conley?
Ray Fittipaldo: No thanks to either.
George in OKC : Isnt funny how the draft works? The ravens jump the Steelers in the second round and draft Max Williams. The Steelers take J James in the 5th. James is rated as the number two TE available and Williams is rated as just a guy
Ray Fittipaldo: I know. The draft is so unpredictable. Funny how that works out sometimes.
Doyle37 : Why won't Steelers trade up to get quality CB or LB ? A 3rd round pick can't be that valuable .
Ray Fittipaldo: They might. But you can't give up your entire draft to do it, especially in a year when you have so many other needs.
Swannie: Ray - How much, if anything, does Mr Rooney reveal after his meeting with AB?
Ray Fittipaldo: Good question. Art usually only talks once or twice a year, but he could have something to say after this is all done.
Abe: How much can the tell about Boswell in the spring and summer? Don’t they pretty much need to see him in game pressure situations?
Ray Fittipaldo: You can create competition in training camp and then certainly in preseason games. It's not the same pressure as real games, but you can learn what you need to know.
George in OKC : Even if they added a few difference makers this year via the draft or free agency, is there reasons to optimistic about the defense. Maybe it’s more of what there doing instead of who they are doing it with
Ray Fittipaldo: I think the talent, or lack thereof, is more of an issue. No doubt they can get better in all areas, but I think talent is a bigger issue than you let on.
The Windber Rambler: After Antonio leaves, what attribute in a potential drafted Recieiver do the Steelers value the most, you think?
Ray Fittipaldo: Speed, ability to stretch the field, a playmaker. JuJu and Washington aren't fast. They're not slow, but they don't threaten safeties down the field.
Jeff M: Do you think signing either Sean Lee or Thomas Davis and drafting an ILB early could help fix the problem there?
Ray Fittipaldo: I wouldn't be opposed to Sean Lee at the right price. He still under contract with the Cowboys but is a candidate to get cut. Thomas Davis is too old in my opinion.
WV Black & Gold: Ray, which do you think bothers players the most? That Brown acted the way he did, or that Coach Tomlin openly gave him a different set of rules. Thanks for the chat!
Ray Fittipaldo: Both.
Pammy Whammy: Do you foresee any officiating changes coming down the pike as far as holding the refs more accountable and setting them up better for success instead of failure? Full time employee status, maybe?
Ray Fittipaldo: The owners will discuss that at the combine and again at their spring meeting, but I don't get the sense that there will be significant changes.
Ralph LA: Were you at all surprised at how well Cleveland did this season, especially with the midseason change in coaching? Have they drafted their way out of the cellar?
Ray Fittipaldo: It's hard not to when you draft as high as they have been the past few years. They were bound to get better, and they are. It's all about the QB. They seem to finally have one.
Mike: The Steelers appear to be placing more value on controlling where Bell ends up over compensation for losing him. Smart or not smart?
Ray Fittipaldo: I think it's smart if you know what you can get in return before you place the tag on him. If not, then it's not a smart move. Kevin Colbert is a smart GM so I think he'll have it figured out.
Smith: I wasn't dissapointed at the season at all. All games were competitive. Lots of story lines. This is supposed to be entertainment right?
Ray Fittipaldo: I thought it was about winning, but OK.
JL: What are the chances at this point that we get anything for Brown?
Ray Fittipaldo: I think they'll get something in return, yes.
Doyle37 : Wouldn't signing S.Lee preclude us from getting compensation for Bell ?
Ray Fittipaldo: It depends on what he signs for, what Bell signs for. I think that's why the Steelers are considering the transition tag. You'd take the guesswork out of the compensatory formula.
Glen: Hi Ray, would you do Antonio Brown for Patrick Peterson straight up?
Ray Fittipaldo: Yes, in a heartbeat.
Greg: How about more Nix this year, like back in the day when Bettis had Kreider?
Ray Fittipaldo: You don't have to convince me. You might have to convince Randy Fichtner and Ben Roethlisberger though.
Ryno: DHB is supposed to be the fastest guy on the team, so what is he doing wrong to never see the field as a receiver?
Ray Fittipaldo: If speed was everything Renaldo Nehemiah would be in the Hall of Fame.
Larry in KY: %Pitt covets a fast WR to spread out the field, but NE (the gold standard) seems to win with fast guys (Edelman) running slant patterns. Precise patterns, all-out effort. Agree?
Ray Fittipaldo: They had Josh Gordon to stretch the field. They adjusted when they had to adjust. Every coach wants the ability to stretch the field. It makes it easier on the offensive coordinator to get players open. It's that simple.
Jerry: Ray Ben calls out players to the media instead of behind closed doors that's disrespect! Ben get Haley fired. Ben has to much control that's a problem no one seems to talk about.
Ray Fittipaldo: I don't think it's disrespectful of his teammates. I wouldn't do it if I was him, but I have a hard time saying he disrespected his teammates by doing that. It wouldn't be my way to lead, but...
Doug from Raleigh: If the Steelers don't receive an acceptable offer for Brown, and they won't release him, then what?
Ray Fittipaldo: Hold onto him into the summer and see if a team becomes desperate for a WR. Injuries happen in camp and preseason games, GMs become desperate or think they're just one piece away...
Rob: Ray, do you think the Steelers miss the presence of Dan Rooney?
Ray Fittipaldo: Sure. He's a Hall of Famer. But that's not to say the organization is lacking in leaders now.
Ocala Ron : With a number of quality tackle prospects on the roster and Gilbert’s availability issues can you see the Steelers trying to trade him for a draft pick or even including him in a trade with Brown or Bell?
Ray Fittipaldo: More likely they'll just release him than trade him. Not sure what he'd bring in return to be honest. He's 31, one year left on his contract and has a long and recent injury history.
Ray Fittipaldo: Thanks for all the questions this week. We'll do another chat next week before the combine starts. And don't forget, my first Steelers seven-round mock draft debuts tomorrow at post-gazette.com.
First Published: February 18, 2019, 3:36 p.m.
