3 free agents Steelers should consider signing ahead of Week 6

Times are desperate enough for the Steelers to sign some free agents onto their roster.
Dec 29, 2019; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Bruce Irvin (55) on the field in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Dec 29, 2019; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Bruce Irvin (55) on the field in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
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Things have gone from bad to worse regarding the Steeler's current injury status. They were already missing plenty of quality players due to injury. Another week seems to mean another pile of injuries that are added to Pittsburgh's problems. Mike Tomlin has already ruled out plenty of players for their Week 6 game against the Raiders. It could create extra hurdles for the Steelers to overcome.

Injuries happen in the game of football, but it seems like this season has been tough for the Steelers on that front. They are missing three starters on the offensive line due to season-ending injuries already. They have also seen missed time by plenty of starters both on offense and defense. Pittsburgh will continue to have their depth challenged this week in Las Vegas.

It would have been nice to see some players come back this week like Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson. The Steeler's depth on the edge is going to be a huge challenge to overcome as T.J. Watt is the only legitimate starter there with Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig out this week. Those who are listed as "doubtful" will likely miss this game as well, which only expands the problem.

Desperation is something that the Steelers don't like to show. Sometimes injuries pile up enough to a point where even Pittsburgh has to try and solve it on the fly. If they want to add some outside free agents onto the roster, they have some options out there. It might not be a long-term fix, but the Steelers need some help in different areas at least for the short-term as they await others to heal.

Steelers might be desperate enough to sign some free agents

Michael Thomas

With trade rumors still in full swing around the Steelers, they still haven't pulled anything off. Signing a free agent like Michael Thomas might be the best course of action. The veteran receiver has been battered with injuries over the past several years, but he would be an upgrade over what Pittsburgh has right now. Thomas is a smart veteran guy looking to reestablish himself in the league.

Patrick Peterson

Beanie Bishop has been terrible since being shoved into the starting slot cornerback role, and we have a couple more weeks until Cam Sutton returns from his suspension. Pittsburgh should consider bringing back free agent Patrick Peterson. He might be slow, but he still made some plays in the slot last season. Don't expect Peterson to play on the outside anymore, but he could jump onto the field and help.

Bruce Irvin

Since the outside linebacker position is devastated by injury, the Steelers will try to find someone internally to fix their short-term problem. If they want to consider a free agent, Bruce Irvin could be an interesting option. He isn't the same player that he once was, but he is a veteran guy who could carry the load until Herbig or Highsmith return. Irvin would be an upgrade over the guys they have.

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