With the NFL finalizing their initial rosters, here are 16 players who were cut that make a lot of sense for the Steelers.
The NFL cut deadline was today at 4 pm, and that means every team had to trim their roster. The Steelers made a slew of moves in order to get their roster compliant, but that doesn’t mean their moves have to end. There is now a surplus of talent available, and the team would be wise to help explore some other options to help fill out their roster.
The Steelers aren’t strangers to making late offseason moves. More often than not, the team looks to add a player or two late in the process to help fill out their roster. While the initial roster has been set, there are plenty of things that can and should be changed. Here are 16 released players that the Steelers should be trying to add.
*Note: This article is being written as of 4 pm on Tuesday. Everyone listed below is available as of that time.
Players that could benefit the Steelers on offense
Wyatt Davis, OG
The now former Viking third-round pick, Wyatt Davis was seen as a steal by most draft analysts. He never played during his rookie season and struggled with the regime change. There are a lot of questions with Davis, but he is a high pedigree player that could be worth the shot in the dark of him panning out for an otherwise bad offensive line.
Kendall Lamm, OT
Another offensive lineman, Kendall Lamm is much more experienced. He has been in the league since 2015, and while he has starting experience, he is best served as a swing tackle.
Again, the Steelers line was miserable last season and things don’t look great right now. Lamm could help provide competition to a made offensive line room.
Deonte Brown, OG
A name the Steelers had some interest in last year, Deonte Brown is a throwback guard. He has the size and nastiness to move people, but he is far from a refined product.
He only played in 30 snaps for the Panthers last season, but he could help solidify a shaky depth chart. He is a work in progress, but he has the potential to be a solid reserve guard.
Solomon Kindley, OG
Another offensive lineman which speaks to just how bad this group has been. That said, Solomon Kindley could be a solid add for the Steelers. The team had an interest in him before the draft, and he has some starting experience to his name. He would be a sensible addition that would add depth and provide a safety option if either of the starting guards continues to struggle.
Rashod Hill, OT
If the Steelers would prefer to have a swing tackle with starting experience, Rashod Hill makes a lot of sense. Another more experienced option on this list, Hill has plenty of starting experience since making it to the league.
He can play on either side and can start in a pinch. If the team wants to push their starting tackles, Hill makes the most sense.
Sony Michel, RB
The only non-offensive lineman on the list, Sony Michel is a former first-round pick that has bounced around. He was a surprise cut from the Dolphins.
While Jaylen Warren has been a fun pickup, Michel would be further insurance in case Najee Harris has to miss any time due to his current injury or anyone he may go through during the season.
Alex Leatherwood, OT
I mean come on; how could the Steelers not pursue Alex Leatherwood? Taken in the first round of the draft last season by the Raiders, Pittsburgh was heavily interested in Leatherwood. He can play either tackle spot or kick inside to guard. He has to be a target for this struggling offensive line.
Players that could help the Steelers on defense
Chazz Surratt, LB
Another Viking pick out with the new regime, taking Chazz Surratt would be another dart throw. The Steelers were interested in him coming out of North Carolina, but he saw zero snaps as a rookie last season.
The linebacker depth is pretty shallow, but Surratt could entice the team to add him. At worst, I expect the team to push to get him on the practice squad.
Rudy Ford, S
The Steelers lost two versatile safety options to injured reserve during camp. Assuming they want to replace some of that depth, Rudy Ford would make a lot of sense.
He has been around for a few years and has mostly served as a special teams player. He saw nearly half of the defensive snaps for the Jaguars last season. He can easily be a depth safety for this team.
Sheldrick Redwine, S
Kind of the opposite of Ford, Sheldrick Redwine was a starter for Cleveland before becoming more of a special teams player over the past season. The Steelers liked him coming out of school, and he can fill in as a backup safety while also serving as a special teams option. He is another low-risk option for the team.
Quincy Roche, EDGE
A name everyone should remember from last season, Quincy Roche went from draft steal to the one that got away. He played well for the Giants last season, but he was edged out by the new faces in New York. The Steelers got Malik Reed from the Broncos, but Roche is still a logical target to help fill out this depth chart.
Khaleke Hudson, LB/S
A name the Steelers were all over before the draft, Khaleke Hudson is a safety linebacker hybrid that seemingly made the shift to linebacker this season.
He didn’t last with Washington, but he could be a prime special teams player for this team. He hasn’t shown much on defense, but he makes a lot of sense for this team going forward.
Will Parks, S
Another experienced name to add to the secondary, Will Parks has been around the past few seasons. He has starting experience but is best served as a backup. Add in his special teams ability and he would be a smart addition to the roster. He would provide that versatile backup that this team has wanted this offseason.
Jarrad Davis, LB
It is no secret that Devin Bush has looked like the same player from last season. He is slow to react and may become a liability on this defense once again. While he isn’t a great player, Jarrad Davis is a sensible addition to this team. He can start if needed or just provide the Steelers with a capable veteran backup.
Jaquiski Tartt, S
The Steelers have seen their safety depth go from deep to extremely shallow due to injuries. One of the most experienced options is Jaquiski Tartt. He has been an efficient starter for the 49ers before the Eagles added him and eventually cut him. He can be that third safety that the team seemingly wanted to have on their roster.
The Steelers have trimmed their roster down, but that doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t add a few players that have been cut. There is quite a bit of talent now in the market, and Pittsburgh would be wise to pounce. Keep an eye on these 16 names as potential roster additions for the team.