With the NFL Draft in the rearview mirror and OTAs set to begin soon, followed by Mandatory Mini Camp, the start of the Pittsburgh Steelers' season is not too far away. As we move closer to training camp, more free agent signings will take place. Some of the top remaining free agents will land with new teams, but this stretch of the offseason also brings tough decisions for veteran players.
As teams focus on younger talent from the draft and new signings, experienced players can quickly find themselves on the roster bubble. For the Steelers, it feels like only a matter of time before these three veteran players are gone.
3 Pittsburgh Steelers veterans who could be out of a job by the end of training camp
Cordarrelle Patterson, RB
The signing of Cordarrelle Patterson last year made sense given the new kickoff rule and his status as one of the best returners in NFL history. However, an injury caught up to him, and with his age, he just did not look like the same player early in the season.
With the Steelers signing Kenneth Gainwell and drafting Kaleb Johnson, it is very unlikely they will carry four running backs on the roster. Gainwell is younger, more explosive, and can contribute as a returner as well. It is surprising Patterson is still on the team, but it feels like only a matter of time before he is released.
DeMarvin Leal, DE
DeMarvin Leal has not lived up to expectations in Pittsburgh. Just as it seemed like things were starting to click last season, he suffered a neck injury against the Cowboys that ended his year.
Since then, the Steelers have re-signed Isaiahh Loudermilk and added three players in the draft to strengthen the defensive front: Derrick Harmon in the first round, Jack Sawyer in the third as an edge rusher, and Yahya Black in the fourth.
With the former 2022 third-round pick being a tweener who splits time between defensive end and edge, his chances of making the roster have gotten even slimmer — especially coming off a serious injury. Hopefully, he can return healthy and finally develop into the player the Steelers once hoped he would become, but unfortunately, he might end up being the odd man out.
Mark Robinson, LB
The Steelers quietly made several additions to their linebacker group this offseason. They signed Malik Harrison, restructured Cole Holcomb’s contract, and drafted Carson Bruener. That leaves Mark Robinson competing for a roster spot against both Bruener and Holcomb.
Before Holcomb’s devastating injury, he was proving to be a strong signing for Pittsburgh, but it remains a question whether he can return to the same level of play. Bruener, a seventh-round pick, is by no means a lock to make the roster, but he is younger and not in the final year of his rookie deal, which gives him a bit more flexibility and upside in the eyes of the coaching staff.