While these players are seemingly in good standing with the team if the right scenario plays out the Steelers may part with these four veterans.
The Steelers have been one of the more consistent teams over the past two decades, and much of that has been due to their willingness to part with veterans on the team when a better option presents themselves. While releasing a long-time, fan-favorite player is never easy, sometimes it is the necessary move to make in order to save cap or allow a younger player an opportunity to play more.
As for the fanbase, releasing these established players typically comes at a shock, but the team is here to build the best roster even if it comes at the cost of a few veterans’ jobs. Here are the four Steelers that could surprisingly get cut after training camp.
Steelers Chris Wormley
On the surface, Chris Wormley’s job would appear safe to the average fan. He was a decent rotational defensive end and he signed a modest two-year deal to remain with the team during the offseason. In the draft though, the Steelers traded up to select defensive end, Isaiahh Loudermilk, a telling sign that the team wasn’t content with the line depth as is. While Loudermilk is instant competition for a fringe roster option like Isaiah Buggs, Wormley shouldn’t assume his spot is safe.
For starters, the team could easily get out of his contract if they wanted to with minimal dead money. As well, Loudermilk is a similar style of player to Wormley, as both are taller and leaner defensive ends. If Buggs gets back on the right track in 2021 and the team doesn’t want to risk losing their draft investment in Loudermilk, Wormley could be out the door sooner rather than later.
Steelers Justin Layne
To say that I have low expectations for Justin Layne this season is an understatement. Despite the team having their depth chart at cornerback shredded this offseason, Layne is far from a lock to make the team. The former third-round pick was leapfrogged by then undrafted rookie James Pierre last year, and now he is resting on the laurels of his skills as a special teamer in order to make this roster.
While special teams is important, the team is flush with players that can make an impact there. That doesn’t mean the team will cut Layne, but if they did, they could easily replace him in that phase. As for his defensive skills, his coverage is below average, and his play recognition is mediocre. He came into the league as a raw corner granted, but he hasn’t shown anything over his first two seasons to indicate he is improving.
With the starters at the position seemingly set heading into training camp, Layne will be battling with a slew of undrafted players for one of the last two to three roster spots. He has a slight advantage given the Steelers’ sizable investment in him, but his lackluster play and legal troubles make him far from a lock at this point. If his struggles continue and some of the other depth options step up more, Layne will likely be out the door.
Steelers Benny Snell Jr.
The only safe player amongst the Steelers running back room right now is Najee Harris. While not everyone will agree with this sentiment, the next safest back on the roster may be Anthony McFarland. While his rookie season was a dud, he is the only back with breakaway speed on the roster. That leaves Benny Snell, a player who is similar in style to Harris and Kalen Ballage, as the one fighting for a roster spot.
Now, the team could keep four running backs here, and at that point, Snell would be safe. But with Harris expected to take on the bell-cow status at running back, having a fourth back doesn’t make a lot of sense. Snell could still stick as a power back and short-yardage option, but he struggled in that role last year. Conversely, Ballage was one of the better short-yardage options in the league in 2020, so he could take that role from Snell.
As it stands right now, Snell likely has the edge due to his familiarity with the team. That said, his spot is far from safe, and if Ballage can prove his value even in a limited role, it could force Snell off the roster. Snell has to look like a capable role player before camp finishes up. If he doesn’t, he may just lose his roster spot to Ballage.
Steelers Vince Williams
Vince Williams was already cut once this offseason, as the Steelers were forced to release him in order to save cap space. He re-signed a few weeks after that for a minimum deal and is currently penciled in as the starter alongside Devin Bush. While a player with his status and ability to start should in theory be safe, the inside linebacker group should be a competitive group this offseason.
Robert Spillane will certainly be trying to regain the starting role he was forced into last season, and rookie Buddy Johnson has the athleticism and skill to be a long-term option at inside linebacker in this league. Having those four battle it out for the starting role doesn’t diminish Williams’ odds of making the roster though. Instead, it is the likes of Marcus Allen and Ulysees Gilbert that could undo him.
If Williams is forced into a depth role due to Spillane and/or Johnson, Allen or Gilbert could end up proving their worth on special teams. That would make them far more valuable in that depth role than Williams. Gilbert especially has a lot to live up to, as he was one of the most hyped players for the Steelers last year before once again struggling with injuries. If Williams can’t secure a starting role and the latter options prove their worth on special teams, Williams may not fit on this roster in 2021.
While the Steelers still have to get through camp, these four veterans could surprisingly find themselves as free agents after the roster is cut down. Keep an eye on them heading into camp, because if they struggle or look lackluster in comparison to their competition, they could be out of a job come the end of summer.