XFL players the Pittsburgh Steelers could potentially look to add
With recent cancellations of the XFL, a few names exist for the Pittsburgh Steelers that could be solid additions to the roster.
Hours ago, the XFL announced to the public that it is officially ending their debut season due to coronavirus. A bright, new league that immediately drew fans in, seeming to get everything right that the AAF couldn’t, and some things even the NFL can’t. Thankfully, the XFL is allowing its players to sign with NFL teams as early as Monday morning, I am hopeful the Steelers will land some promising players.
Not too long ago, a fellow writer of the Still Curtain team, Mr. Christian Brown, highlighted a few names with one being QB PJ Walker, who is already drawing interest from multiple teams, that could bode well for the Steelers. Days into free agency and with clear holes still across the roster, Pittsburgh could be in play for solid, cheap options from the XFL pool of players.
WR Cam Phillips
Sure enough, as PJ Walker terrorized any opponent whether it be as the XFL’s passing leader or as a dynamic runner out of the pocket, his number one option on the outside was just as a dominating factor for the Houston Roughnecks offense. WR Cam Phillips, a fan favorite for the Dirty South Texas team & one name that may become popular quick.
XFL’s leader in receiving yards (455), receiving touchdowns (9), and receptions (31), while being responsible for the longest play on the season (84 yards), it simply looked easy for Phillips. The go-to man for the league’s number one scoring and passing offense, the Virginia Tech alum proved he’s ready for a second chance in the NFL.
Previously undrafted in 2018, Phillips had a one-year stint with the Buffalo Bills until getting waived in August of 2019. Mainly a practice squad player that appeared in only two games for Buffalo, this deterrence didn’t stop from the player he is today.
A playmaker that just about scored once out every four times he caught the ball in the XFL, this production is a shadow to what he was as a Hokie in college. Predictably, the touchdown rate isn’t as high, but to back-to-back seasons of 70+ catches, 900 receiving yards, & 5+ touchdowns, earned him First-Team All-ACC honors in 2017. However, after revealing he played with a sports hernia that required surgery, and him from playing in his last bowl game, the combine, and a poor pro-day showing, the trail of misery killed all hype but provided encouragement.
Fast forward to now, the sure-hand 6’, 200 pound WR is someone that will show his work on the field rather than athletic testing. A threat with the ball in his hands, Phillips is only 25 years old and though riddled with minor injuries in the XFL that prohibited him from a couple of practices, never missed a game or underperformed.
A record-holder in college, a record-holder for the XFL, and a camp favorite for the Bills, Phillips should be an added name to the Steelers.