With the roster set in place for now, the Pittsburgh Steelers don't seem eager to sign any free agents who remain on the open market. They could always add someone if an injury or two hit their team, but for now, they are comfortable with their depth chart.
The trade market could be an option for the club to improve, but a free agent addition seems more likely if injuries occur.
Many have wondered whether the Steelers will add a free agent or acquire someone via trade to upgrade the team. They did just add the talented Jabrill Peppers to help replace the injured DeShon Elliott. With other injuries popping up across the roster, adding more talent could be on the horizon.
Pittsburgh Steelers could rely on free agent help this season if injuries hit hard
Chris Hubbard, OL
The Steelers originally signed Chris Hubbard as an undrafted free agent in 2013, and he produced a strong career for a player of his ilk. He was on Pittsburgh's roster from 2013 to 2017 before earning a lucrative contract. Ever since he departed the Steel City, his career hasn't seen the same amount of success. Perhaps a return to his original team is a possibility.
Broderick Jones's failure to become a reliable tackle might force the team into a desperate situation.
There are questions surrounding the Steelers' offensive line after a brutal debut to start the season. Most of their starters are unproven, and their depth behind them is a red flag. Hubbard isn't going to fix much, but if a starter is lost to injury, the free agent lineman could be an option. He has tons of experience, and his position flexibility would only make him more valuable.
READ MORE: 3 Steelers who could shock the NFL by breaking out this season
Asante Samuel Jr., CB
It has been a quick fall from grace for free agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. The once top-tier NFL Draft prospect was envisioned as a top player at his position during the start of free agency. An injury set him back, and it appears he won't be ready to return to football until the middle of this campaign. His injury setback could buy the Steelers time in case any issues arise.
Samuel Jr. had lots of pre-draft interest from Pittsburgh, and they could always circle back this season if he shows he is healthy. The roster is filled with quality starting cornerbacks, but if Joey Porter Jr. or Darius Slay gets injured, the cornerback position could be desperate for help. The free agent cornerback could be a nice choice to fill those injury voids if one were to happen.
With injuries already littering the secondary early in the season, don't be shocked if that trend continues. If injuries hinder the secondary, Samuel could be an option to help stabilize the cornerback position to finish out the season. He would provide unique challenges to catch up to speed, but the Steelers could use his help if they get bitten by the injury bug.