As mandatory minicamp and other offseason events come to a close, the Steelers roster is beginning to take shape. The team will obviously have to cut many of the players before the season, but Pittsburgh can also make additions. While many teams elect to focus internally during this time, the Steelers have a history of making moves right before the season.
Over the past 10 seasons, the Steelers have added at least two players each year to the team after the end of minicamp. They average around three per year during this stretch. It is also important to note that this is only accounting for players who made the final roster.
Some of these additions ended up becoming major contributors to the team. Just last season defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi was signed in late June. He was a key part of the defensive line rotation last year and was re-signed again for 2023.
In 2021, the Steelers either signed or traded for Trai Turner, Melvin Ingram, Joe Schobert and Ahkello Witherspoon. All four of these acquisitions got significant playing time throughout the year and made big impacts.
The Steelers roster is already relatively complete with no glaring holes. Unlike in years past, the organization won’t have to rely on a signing to play a huge role. The most likely scenario is that the Steelers sign one or two solid depth pieces to ensure quality production.
The biggest position of need for this is slot corner. While the team added Patrick Peterson in free agency and Joey Porter Jr. in the draft, however, neither fit well in the slot. The team signed veteran Chandon Sullivan earlier in the offseason but he has some concerns. Another veteran could be very useful.
Another spot where a cheap veteran could be useful is in the backfield. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren are both phenomenal backs, but behind that, there is little proven talent. If either were to have an injury, especially Harris, the running game could be in trouble. A proven back on a small deal could be a great addition.
Defensive line depth could also prove to be useful late in the season. This position is actually one of the team’s biggest strengths, but you can never have enough depth. The starting trio of Heyward, Benton and Ogunjobi are clearly great. Even the backups of Breiden Fehoko, Demarvin Leal and Montravius Adams are solid. Regardless of how good the position looks already, the Eagles proved last year that rotating quality defensive lineman is almost impossible to stop.
In the slot, there is two names that stick out; Bryce Callahan and Troy Hill. Both cornerbacks are 31 and have played on multiple teams around the league. Bryce Callahan seems to be the more talented option however he has some injury concerns. Troy Hill is also larger and therefore better against the run from the slot. Nonetheless, either corner would be a great addition.
Running back is a much trickier position. At this point in time, Dalvin Cook is still available as well as Ezekiel Elliott and Kareem Hunt. It is highly unlikely the Steelers go after one of these backs because of the amount of money the want. A far more likely scenario is the organization targeting players like Giovani Bernard or Kenyan Drake to give Harris some insurance.
Trying to predict a defensive line signing would be almost impossible. There is so much solid talent available it is just a matter of who fits the system the best. Some options the Steelers could go would be Dawuane Smoot, Linval Joseph or Shelby Harris. Former Steelers Chris Wormley and Tyson Alualu could also be in play.
It is extremely likely that the Steelers will either sign or trade for another impactful player before the season starts. While this player may not be as important as in years past, these small moves are what could create a Superbowl Steelers roster.
Stay tuned for more exciting NFL content, including roster moves, in depth analysis, and more news from around the league.
Feature image courtesy of Steelers.com
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