Are you ready for some football? In March? You heard that right! Only it's not the Pittsburgh Steelers football we've all been craving.
Spring football returns as the United Football League gears up for its second season. The slate of games starts March 28 and will consist of ten weeks of competition before the playoffs. It's the second go-around for the UFL after the XFL and USFL joined forces into one league. The play might not be as high level as the NFL, but they have produced second chances.
Expect the Steelers to consider some products of the upcoming UFL season. Those who stand out have gotten calls from Pittsburgh before. These spring football leagues have landed players new chances in the NFL, and some have made practice squads and rosters before. It should be a fun, action-packed slate of games with some former NFL names trying to reestablish themselves.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could invite these UFL players to training camp
Andy Isabella, WR, St. Louis Battlehawks
This name should look familiar to fans. Andy Isabella was with the team for a few weeks this past season. He sat on their practice squad but never got a chance to stick. He was signed on October 25 and was out of Pittsburgh on November 5 without much resulting from his stay. He was a short mark on the franchise's history, but keep Isabella's name on your watch list.
The former second-round pick of the 2019 NFL draft hasn't been able to adapt to the NFL. He is a tiny receiver, so he might do better by playing in the United Football League. Perhaps taking advantage of weaker competition could get him another shot with the Steelers at training camp. He could get NFL opportunities by being a solid receiver and showing some moves as a punt returner.
Greedy Williams, CB, San Antonio Brahmas
From one failed second-round selection to another with Greedy Williams. He was the second choice by the Cleveland Browns in the 2019 NFL draft. Many had high hopes for Williams when he was coming out of LSU. He's a lanky cornerback who never lived up to his potential. He flunked out of Cleveland by 2023 and has been out of football since that season.
The UFL might be the perfect opportunity for Williams to sneak his way back into the NFL. Sometimes harnessing your skill at the cornerback position is all about your mindset. Regaining his confidence in spring football could turn his career around. The Steelers could use some help at the position to challenge some of the bottom of the depth chart players.
READ MORE: 3 free-agent quarterbacks Steelers should sign to compete with Mason Rudolph
Deonte Brown, OG, Birmingham Stallions
Pittsburgh must add some quality depth options to their offensive line group between now and training camp. They lost Nate Herbig, James Daniels, and Dan Moore Jr. during free agency. Those were some important pieces in the trenches. Expect the Steelers to infuse new blood into those positions during free agency, the draft, and possibly the UFL.
Deonte Brown was a mystical player during the 2021 draft process. He is a huge guard who did well during the pre-draft events. His draft hype didn't do him any favors after going in the sixth round to the Carolina Panthers. Brown has been out of the NFL since 2023, but he has a chance to turn things around. If he has a good season in the UFL, the Steelers would be wise to try him out.
Corn Elder, CB, Houston Roughnecks
Adding some depth options to the slot cornerback spot is something the Steelers should attempt. They signed Brandin Echols early in free agency, but he and Beanie Bishop can't be their only choices. Maybe someone like Corn Elder would help with their depth chart. He is an NFL veteran who is entering his second season in the UFL. He could provide competition at training camp.
Don't consider Elder as someone who will be a lock to make the roster if he gets a shot. He would have to earn his spot. Even though he has six years of NFL experience, he didn't start much in the league. Getting his feet back under him in the United Football League might be his best course of action. If Elder performs well this season, the Steelers should consider bringing him aboard.