The entire NFL is in the final stages of putting together its initial 53-man roster for the 2026 season, including the Pittsburgh Steelers. In fact, they have made the most significant transaction thus far before the 6 p.m. deadline Sunday, sending 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones and a 2027 fourth-round pick to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick.
Plenty more notable names will be either cut or traded before the day is over, and Steelers general manager Omar Khan must be prepared to jump on any players who may be an upgrade.
There won't be any stars or veterans in their prime to choose from, but players in need of a change of scenery or who are being pushed out by incoming rookies could be worth a roster spot. Here are three names to look out for if they hit the waiver wire.
The Pittsburgh Steelers should pounce on any of these 3 players if they don't make their current team's roster
Eagles OT Cameron Williams
With the aforementioned Broderick Jones trade leaving the Steelers without a fourth offensive tackle worth rostering, scouring the waiver wire could be their best chance at finding a replacement. One of the more intriguing options who looks unlikely to make their current team's roster is Eagles offensive tackle Cameron Williams.
Williams was a sixth-round pick in 2025, but he had a lot of fans in the draft community thanks to his massive frame and athletic upside. He only played in one game as a rookie (a meaningless Week 18 game against the Commanders), but he looked like he belonged. Unfortunately for Williams, the addition of third-round rookie Markel Bell likely makes him redundant.
Finding a reliable veteran looking for a new home is unlikely, so Pittsburgh might as well go for upside in the former Texas Longhorn.
Colts RB D.J. Giddens
D.J. Giddens was one of many Day 3 running backs from the 2025 class that felt like a steal for the team selecting them. There were plenty of success stories, like Bears RB Kyle Monangai and Commanders RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, but Giddens had a rookie season to forget. Not only did he get very few opportunities with Jonathan Taylor ahead of him, but he failed to show much when he did get the ball.
Giddens managed just 96 yards on 26 attempts and offered nothing in the passing game. Ironically, Steelers RB Kaleb Johnson was one of the only rookies who was even less effective, which is why Giddens could be a good gamble to take as a potential third back in Pittsburgh. He was electric at Kansas State, and he is likely to be available with rookie Seth McGowan seemingly ahead of him as the primary backup to Taylor.
Vikings LB Ivan Pace Jr.
It wasn't that long ago that Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. was an UDFA sensation as a downhill, blitzing menace in defensive coordinator Brian Flores' aggressive scheme. His rookie year was by far his best season, racking up 102 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He followed that up with a polarizing sophomore campaign where his run defense improved greatly, but he became a massive liability in coverage.
His playing time was cut in half during his third season in 2025, and he may not be guaranteed a spot in Minnesota at this point. The Steelers brought back Elandon Roberts to be their hammer against the run, but Pace would offer a similar skill set in a younger, more explosive body. He is the least likely of the three to be cut, but the Steelers should be ready to pounce if he is.
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