4 outsiders who could end up on Steelers roster in 2021
By Tommy Jaggi
The Pittsburgh Steelers roster looks to be pretty much set entering 2021, but here are four players who could wind up on the team this year.
For the most part, even the most casual fans can predict many players who will be on Pittsburgh’s roster for the 2021 season. Barring any unforeseen signings, more in-depth fans might be able to predict as many as 50 of 53 players correctly.
However, even those of us who study the Steelers as a full-time job can’t predict every single player who will end up on the 53-man roster without an error. Each year, there are always a few outsiders who end up making the roster.
Last year, undrafted rookie cornerback James Pierre not only landed on the final roster but earned playing time on defense by the end of the season. This year, there could be a few surprises in store as well. Here are four outsiders who could end up on the Steelers roster at the start of the season:
CB Shakur Brown
Shakur Brown is a name that most Steelers fans are becoming familiar with. After testing poorly at his Michigan State Pro Day, Brown witnesses a monumental slide during the NFL Draft. The takeaway machine who was once projected to go as high as the third round this year ended up falling out of the draft entirely.
The Steelers capitalized on this priority free agent by signing him immediately following the draft. Because the team lost two quality cornerbacks this offseason in Steven Nelson and Mike Hilton, Shakur Brown stands a reasonable chance of making the roster.
Though the odds of undrafted players making the team are not good, Brown lands in a great scenario to potentially stick around. If Pittsburgh elects to look for outside help at the position, Brown’s chances of sticking will greatly decrease. But as of now, this outsider has a reasonable path to the roster in 2021.