For those still craving football during the early part of June, there is still one big game left to watch this weekend. The United Football League will hold its Championship Game on Saturday at 3 p.m. EST. The matchup will feature the D.C. Defenders taking on the Louisville Kings. Neither team entered the playoffs with high expectations, but both earned their way into the championship showdown.
Many players on these rosters are hoping to earn another opportunity in the NFL this year, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have signed talent from the UFL before.
It would not be surprising if the organization becomes interested in adding a few standouts from spring football to help strengthen the roster ahead of training camp. These players are already in game shape and competing for a championship this weekend, which could make them especially appealing options.
Pittsburgh Steelers could target United Football League Championship Free Agents
Xazavian Valladay, RB - D.C. Defenders
The Steelers could look at any of the top three running backs from the D.C. Defenders, as all of them produced impressive numbers this season. Xazavian Valladay is one player who has flown under the radar, but he could offer value at different spots. Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy values players who can fill multiple roles on the roster, and Valladay has proven he is capable of doing exactly that.
Jaheim Thomas, LB - Louisville Kings
The inside linebacker group in Pittsburgh could use additional depth, even if it is near the bottom of the roster. Jaheim Thomas could become a player of interest once he becomes a free agent following the conclusion of the UFL season. He posted impressive numbers with Louisville and emerged as one of the team's defensive stars.
Thomas is the kind of player who could legitimately compete for a roster spot if the Steelers decide to sign him after the championship game.
Derick Roberson, EDGE - D.C. Defenders
Few players in the UFL Championship Game have made a stronger case for an NFL opportunity than Derick Roberson. He has been outstanding with the Defenders and deserves a legitimate shot at making an NFL roster. There is no need for Pittsburgh to add to the position right now. Roberson is a talented edge defender who makes sense for the Steelers if interest around the league is limited.
Keaton Ellis, S - Louisville Kings
Another area where the Steelers could improve is their depth at safety. Keaton Ellis is a player the organization should know well from his college career at Penn State. Still just 25 years old, Ellis put together a tremendous season in the United Football League. He is the kind of player who could compete for a roster spot right away and challenge players like Sebastian Castro and others.
Tre' McKitty, TE - Louisville Kings
After recently signing Robert Tonyan, the Steelers' need at tight end has lessened, but it should not be completely ignored.
Tre' McKitty is a UFL standout who has shown flashes of why he was once selected in the third round of the NFL Draft. His first NFL stint did not work out as planned, but a second opportunity could help revive his career. Pittsburgh could still benefit from adding another reliable option at tight end, and McKitty may have developed significantly since his time in the league.
Sam Kidd, S - D.C. Defenders
Few safeties in the United Football League produced better numbers this season than D.C. standout Sam Kidd. He recorded two interceptions while also breaking up five additional passes in coverage. Kidd was also a highly productive tackler, totaling 50 tackles, including four tackles for loss. While he may not be as young as some other UFL prospects, Kidd is someone who could compete for a spot.
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