It may be overlooked at a large scale, but many Pittsburgh Steelers fans have noticed that just as Mike Tomlin’s coaching tree has few branches, so too is the lack of talent of former Steelers around the league.
Maybe it’s because of the franchise’s (once) strict team-building philosophy, with the team investing in the draft and cutting the prospects who don’t pan out when their rookie deals are up. But it’s rare for players to follow the path of Emmanuel Sanders or Javon Hargrave. Instead, we often see former Steelers flame out with their new teams like JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson, and Le'Veon Bell.
Of course, the 2025 regular season draws near, which means final cuts are coming for a handful of Steelers who, despite contributing well for some time, will be forced into finding new NFL homes. For the four cut candidates this preseason, there’s an opportunity for them to land on their feet and thrive in new homes.
Pittsburgh Steelers potential roster cuts who could make an impact elsewhere
Punter Corliss Waitman
The punter battle this preseason is both exciting and a foregone conclusion. Corliss Waitman stepped in and performed adequately in relief of Cameron Johnston in 2024. But the seasoned vet is back healthy and ready to resume his duties as the Steelers' starting punter.
That leaves Waitman without a job, but it seems unlikely he’ll have to stand in the unemployment line if or when he is eventually cut. Longsnapper Christian Kuntz said it best when he told 102.5 WDVE that both would be punting in Week 1.
There’s no telling where he’ll end up, but after averaging 46.4 yards per boot and dropping 27 kicks inside the 20, he should have no issues landing on his feet somewhere in the NFL to continue his young career.
Linebacker Mark Robinson
Admittedly, Mark Robinson is the player I and many Steelers fans are least confident will be cut before the regular season begins. He didn’t play on special teams at all in the preseason opener, which could indicate more trust in his abilities overall from the coaching staff.
However, the odds of the Steelers holding onto six off-ball linebackers aren’t exactly high, and Carson Bruener’s preseason debut showcased his abilities on special teams and defense.
If Bruener does win the battle for the final linebacker spot on the roster, there’s no reason Robinson won’t land with another roster to pick up some special teams snaps. He’s played just over 300 special teams snaps in each of the past two seasons.
It’s possible that if he lands with a team that has a poor enough linebacker group, he may be able to grab some defensive snaps that have eluded him most of his career.
READ MORE: Steelers highs and lows from an eventful 2025 training camp
Edge DeMarvin Leal
The Steelers are likely only going to keep four edge linebackers, which leaves DeMarvin Leal on the outside looking in. It’s been a lengthy project for Tomlin and his defensive coaching staff to make Leal fit in the defense, but the lack of promising results will likely lead to his departure from the franchise that drafted him in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Leal’s problem in Pittsburgh has always been the scheme. He lacks the tools to play inside or outside in Pittsburgh’s front, but that doesn’t mean he can’t thrive elsewhere.
In his senior season at Texas A&M, Leal recorded 8.5 sacks in a 4-2-5 system. He was a large defensive end, sure, but a four-man front would be more relatable to his skill set and size profile. Surely, a team that can provide a more comfortable scheme fit where he can eventually rotate in as a situational pass rusher.
Cornerback Cory Trice Jr.
All of Steelers Nation was rooting for Cory Trice Jr. to be a diamond in the rough for Pittsburgh, but it certainly appears that his time in the Steel City is coming to an end. Injuries have plagued his football career since his days back at Purdue, and they’ve creeped up again this offseason.
While Trice has shown plenty of promise to risk his injury history, there are simply too many bodies in the cornerback room. Trice doesn’t have the same special teams experience as James Pierre, nor the availability of Brandin Echols, who has played in at least 13 games in each of his four seasons.
Still, Trice has athletic upside that teams around the league would be willing to take a shot on. He’s still growing as a professional, so Trice won’t be an immediate defensive contributor anywhere. But for teams who need a young body for special teams with promise to develop into a serviceable defensive back in a few seasons, he’ll be worth a roster spot.