After the Steeler's latest win this past week, they will turn their attention to facing the New York Giants on Monday Night Football. It might seem like an easy win on paper, but those types of victories are rare to witness in the city of Pittsburgh. The black and gold got out of last week mostly injury-free, but they could look at some free agents this week to potentially sign with the club.
Even though there weren't too many injuries against the Jets, the Steelers are still dealing with a bunch of missing pieces. Earlier injuries continue to hamper Pittsburgh heading into their Week 8 matchup. Their roster continues to thin out with varying degrees of talent because of it. That could lead to a trade or potential deals in free agency to put a band-aid on those who are missing.
This time of year is not going to wow anyone with the type of players who remain available in free agency. Most of them are older veterans who are heading towards the end of their careers, or guys who are coming off of seasons where they played poorly or sustained a significant injury. Pittsburgh could use some help, and a couple of free agents could be nice additions.
Some free agents could prove to be upgrades for the Steelers
Patrick Peterson
It's hard not to keep Patrick Peterson in the back of your mind when you think about the Steelers. They have turned to a speed-first approach when it comes to their cornerbacks this season, and it has worked out thus far. Last year was a disaster for Peterson, but the aging veteran seems ready to play football if an opportunity would come his way.
Donte Jackson has been dealing with an AC Joint sprain for most of the year, and it caused him to leave the Jets game early. If that injury causes him to miss time, it could force the Steelers to turn toward desperate measures. Peterson is someone who is familiar with Pittsburgh's defense and has shown the ability to play multiple spots across the secondary.
Russell Gage
Since the trade deadline is approaching on November 5, it seems like the Steelers will find a way to land an upgrade or two via trade. It seems almost certain that they will land a receiver in a trade before the deadline comes and goes. If they feel a need to add a veteran receiver now without giving up any draft capital, then there are a few interesting names in free agency.
Russell Gage spent time with the Ravens this past preseason, but he failed to make their roster. This is his first year coming back from a season-ending injury. He is a smart player, and relatively young for a player with the wealth of starting snaps he has played. The Steelers should show some form of interest because even if they add someone via trade, their receiving core could use an extra boost.
Donovan Smith
Dan Moore Jr. has been one of the biggest surprises of the season thus far for the Steelers. Broderick Jones has been as close to a disaster in year two as he possibly could get. Right now, Pittsburgh has starters at both tackle spots, but the depth behind them is limited. They could look to add a free agent or two to help with the depth concerns along the offensive trenches.
Donovan Smith is someone who could get interest from the black and gold, especially if more injuries happen at the tackle spots. He might not be great, but he is someone with a high draft pedigree and has started plenty of games in the past. Smith has only played on the left side, so he wouldn't particularly become an immediate swing tackle for Pittsburgh, which could be another problem.