The Steelers need to improve some roster spots still before the regular season and these free agents could be an answer.
The Steelers have trimmed down to their initial 53 man roster and added another 15 to their practice squad upon writing this article. Other teams made some interesting moves as they also had to get down to the NFL’s requirement for the regular season. These free agents and practice squad members could interest the black and gold before the regular season begins.
None of these names are sure-fire-bets to join the team but all of them could improve the team if they would be signed. All of them are talented players and possess some better potential than those currently on the roster as they get ready for week one against the Buffalo Bills. It will be interesting to see the roster shuffle across the league before teams start to hunker down for the schedule that they are all about to fight through.
Cam Newton, QB
Cam Newton was the biggest surprise cut during the final day. The New England Patriots decided to let the veteran go and opted to start their first-round quarterback, Mac Jones. Newton might not seem like a top target for Pittsburgh but he would be an upgrade over any backups on this roster. Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins showed some promising moments during the pre-season but they’re nothing that will help your offense thrive in case Ben Roethlisberger got injured.
This free agent has lost some of his throwing touch but he has been able to lead offenses up and down the field. His athleticism matched with Matt Canada (offensive coordinator) would be an interesting marriage. He would bring a new element to this team in case he ever had to step into a game.
Corn Elder, CB
The Steelers just traded for a lengthy outside cornerback in Ahkello Witherspoon, but they could still use another slot cornerback. Corn Elder is one of the best names in the NFL and one the Steelers should have some interest in. This player is currently a free agent after being cut by the Detroit Lions out of camp. He is more of a depth signing than anything that can play some slot for this team.
The biggest aspect that would attract the black and gold is his special team’s experience. He has a bunch of tackles and some playing experience during his young NFL career. He would be a nice addition to any team searching for some depth at the position and someone that can provide special teams play off the bench.
The Lions did cut this player and they’re in desperate need of players, especially on defense. The fact that he did not make this team does raise concerns but his chance to join Pittsburgh would be a huge boost for his career. He would not have to play on defense, unless injuries pile up, and would just focus on covering kicks and punts. That could help a player stick around in this league for a while and coordinator, Danny Smith would like to add a player of this caliber to strengthen that special team’s group even more.
Nickell Robey-Coleman, CB
Nickell Robey-Coleman is currently on the Detroit Lions practice squad so the Steelers would have to sign him off of there. He is a journeyman across the NFL and has a lot of experience in this position. He has not been the most consistent player when it comes to his performances on Sundays but this veteran would be an upgrade over some of the lower-tier players at the position currently. This would be another depth signing that would strengthen what this team currently has on their roster. Robey-Coleman would be a welcomed addition over a player sitting on the bottom of the depth chart that struggled throughout camp but still made the team.
This player’s best seasons were with the Los Angeles Rams as he had a decent stat sheet. He totaled 20 passes defended and three interceptions from 2017-2019. This was a good player until he left LA and his career began to wind down some. He has not been that same level of player but that experience and ability show that he could potentially get back there. Bringing him aboard is a signing of someone you know what you are getting. A guy that has shown ability and would be a reliable corner if you needed him in case an injury occurs.
Dakota Dozier, OL
Dakota Dozier is another guy that the Steelers would have to sign off another team’s practice squad. The biggest intrigue about this guard is his experience in the NFL. He has started a big chunk of games for the Vikings with varying results. He would not have to come in and start for Pittsburgh but he would provide some solid depth.
Bringing in a younger veteran player is normally a solid bet as the team gets someone capable of handling starting reps if need be. Rashaad Coward and B.J. Finney are back on this roster and that helps with the depth department of the interior offensive line but none of those players have the amount of starting experience as Dozier. This Viking has more starts than both of those depth players listed above throughout their careers combined.
With all of that said, this potential option is not going to join the team and become the next David DeCastro but he would be an upgrade for this roster. His ability and starting experience would be a nice boost to this offensive line group. He could play either side in case of injury during this season. He could also start if a player like Trai Turner starts to struggle and an answer needs to be found. This seems like an easy decision for the black and gold to make but this addition will have to take a wait-and-see approach going forward.
Jimmy Moreland, CB
Jimmy Moreland is one of the most interesting options for the Steelers to bring in. He has a lot of slot-corner experience in the NFL. He is a decent player that was let go from the Washington Football Team after that secondary group got sifted through. The camp battle for that position was fierce and this player was waived with an injury settlement. He is currently a free agent but the black and gold will have to do their homework on him. If he checks all the health boxes then this player should get offered a contract by another team if Pittsburgh doesn’t pounce first.
It was just mentioned that the Steelers acquired Ahkello Witherspoon via trade from the Seattle Seahawks. The trade has yet to be formally announced by the team upon writing this article. Many figure that it will be another draft pick being shipped off to Seattle in this trade. Maybe corner doesn’t seem as much of a need then but Moreland seems to be the better of the two currently. This injury could become a major concern for any team inquiring about this free agent before the regular season begins. Even after this trade, the Steel City team should be interested in bringing in a player with the experience and starting capabilities of Moreland before the year begins as long as his health checks out.
The Steelers could still make some moves before the regular season commences. These players could be some solid addition to improve this roster as soon as they set foot in Pittsburgh.