With the preseason continuing to push on, the final decisions on the upcoming 53-man roster for the Pittsburgh Steelers have become difficult. Those currently employed with the team are doing their best to stick on the roster, but it might not be enough.
It would be wise for Pittsburgh to consider adding some external sources of talent to upgrade its depth chart before the regular season starts.
There have been constant trade rumors surrounding the Steelers, and they could always add a piece or two through that route. They could always wait and see who becomes available after roster cuts are announced as well. Waiting for that period would be a gamble, as players who hit the waiver wire could be claimed by another team. Pittsburgh has some scenarios to sort through.
Pittsburgh Steelers 53-man roster could include a massive trade and waiver additions
Quarterback (3): Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard
Cut: Skylar Thompson, Logan Woodside
No surprise here, as the Steelers will stick with their top three players. Skylar Thompson has shown some flashes, but there simply is no space for him on the roster. It is unfortunate that Will Howard missed a large portion of the preseason, but he will be the third option. Thompson would be a valuable addition to the practice squad, but there should be opportunities for him elsewhere.
Running back (3): Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, Kenneth Gainwell
Cut: Trey Sermon, Evan Hull, Lew Nichols
Again, nothing too surprising at the running back position either. Some of their depth options have flashed at training camp and the preseason, but not enough. Don't be shocked if one or two of Trey Sermon, Evan Hull, and Lew Nichols are brought back on the practice squad. Each of them has talent and would be a nice piece to store on the practice unit as an extra option this season.
Steelers witness another blockbuster trade to finally resolve their receiver problem
General Manager Omar Khan has a chance at breaking the internet once more.
He made a blockbuster deal with the Miami Dolphins earlier this summer, and he could do it again. Tyreek Hill has overstayed his welcome with the Dolphins, and they could make him available. If the Steelers are concerned about their receiver choices, subtracting Calvin Austin III for Hill would be a huge (but expensive) upgrade.
Receiver (6): DK Metcalf, Tyreek Hill*, Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek, Scotty Miller, Robert Woods
Cut: Brandon Johnson, Roc Taylor, Max Hurleman, Ke'Shawn Williams, Lance McCutcheoon
Pairing DK Metcalf with Hill would create one of the top receiving tandems in the NFL. It also boosts the depth chart by moving everyone else into more appropriate roles. Roman Wilson has shown signs of growth and should have a significant role. The Steelers go with six receivers after the blockbuster trade scenario. If they decide to keep only five, with or without a trade, it could spell disaster for Robert Woods.
Tight end (4): Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward
Cut: JJ Galbreath, Kevin Foelsch
There have been moments this preseason where Connor Heyward's roster spot has come under question, but not anymore. This will likely be the tight end group for Pittsburgh this season. They have a strong group, but you would like to see more blocking ability beyond Darnell Washington. No one has pushed Heyward enough for his spot, and he will win by default.
Offensive line (9): Broderick Jones, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, Troy Fautanu, Calvin Anderson, Spencer Anderson, Cole Strange*, Dylan Cook
Cut: Andrus Peat, Gareth Warren, Aiden Williams, Mac Scharping, Ryan McCollum, Doug Nester, Steven Jones
A couple of final vacancies on the 53-man roster along the trenches will be solved at the final hour.
Andrus Peat loses out to Dylan Cook in this instance since Cook is a known commodity. Cole Strange gets added after initial cuts are announced. He never lived up to his first-round billing, but he is someone with experience starting games at the center and guard positions.
READ MORE: Steelers' ruthless 53-man roster projection with mind boggling-decisions
Defensive line (7): Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, Yahya Black, Daniel Ekuale, Logan Lee, Isaiahh Loudermilk
Cut: Breiden Fehoko, Domenique Davis, Kyler Baugh, Esezi Otomewo
With Dean Lowry out of the season due to injury, the outcome of the defensive line competitions has become crystal clear. The Steelers should keep seven, so they can't lose any of their top pieces. The biggest surprise making the roster is Logan Lee, but he has jumped up the depth chart with varying degrees of opportunity going his way this preseason.
EDGE (4): T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer
Cut: DeMarvin Leal, Eku Leota, Julius Welschof,
This remains one of the best positional groups on the depth chart. They are a mix of talent, experience, and potential. Expect all four to have impactful roles on the team this season. Those who missed the roster cut have talent, but they haven't been consistent enough.
It wouldn't surprise anyone to see DeMarvin Leal back on the practice squad if he clears waivers.
Inside linebacker (5): Payton Wilson, Patrick Queen, Cole Holcomb, Malik Harrison, Mark Robinson
Cut: Carson Bruener, Devin Harper
Another talented part of the depth chart is at inside linebacker. They might have one of the best duos in the NFL with Payton Wilson and Patrick Queen. Malik Harrison and Cole Holcomb are effective run-stuffing role players, but you would like to see improvement in their pass coverage. Mark Robinson beats out Carson Bruener, and it seems like that will be the outcome of the battle.
Cornerback (5): Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, Brandin Echols, Damarri Mathis*, Beanie Bishop
Cut: Cory Trice Jr., Donte Kent, James Pierre, Mikey Victor, Daryl Porter Jr., Kyler McMichael, D'Shawn Jamison
It has been a disappointing preseason for the cornerback position due to injury issues. It has held the group back, especially toward the bottom of the depth chart. Pittsburgh could use an upgrade or two for their top backup spots, and that's where Dammari Mathis comes in. He played college football at Pitt, and he has some starting experience, which should help his cause.
Safety (4): DeShon Elliott, Juan Thornhill, Chuck Clark, Miles Killebrew
Cut: Sebastian Castro, Quindell Johnson
Ever since the Steelers added Chuck Clark, this group was fairly obvious.
The safety spot got weaker when they traded away Minkah Fitzpatrick, but this depth chart should serve its purpose. Sebastian Castro will move to the practice squad since he hasn't done enough to stick on the roster. At times, he has looked out of place, which has severely hurt his chances of making the team.
Specialists (3): Chris Boswell (K), Cameron Johnston (P), Christian Kuntz (LS)
Cut: Ben Sauls (K), Corliss Waitman (P)
Chris Boswell is in search of a new contract, and I expect Pittsburgh to eventually agree to a new deal with their long-time kicker. Cameron Johnston and Corliss Waitman have created a strong competition, but the team will likely try to trade Waitman if possible. Assuming he is healthy, Christian Kuntz remains the long snapper for the Steelers, which will cap off a strong group of specialists.