Chatter around the Pittsburgh Steelers has been consistently focused on their quarterback group. With the final decisions on the 53-man roster on the horizon, it's possible that the team holds onto all four players. It would be something the franchise isn't used to, but with Mike McCarthy as the head coach, it's a realistic outcome.
Holding onto all four quarterbacks might make sense.
After two preseason games, the two young quarterbacks went from showing strong performances to duds. Both Drew Allar and Aaron Rodgers are locks to make the roster, but Will Howard and Mason Rudolph have been locked in a battle. Unless a trade occurs, don't be shocked if McCarthy hangs onto all four this year. It would be something the NFL has rarely seen happen in recent history.
Mike McCarthy keeping four QBs on Pittsburgh Steelers 53-man roster would change everything
Quarterback (4): Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, Drew Allar
I'm going to hold onto four quarterbacks in this 53-man roster projection.
In today's NFL landscape, the practice squad is a useful tool to hang onto special teams contributors. That alone could make McCarthy's decision easy to keep four quarterbacks. The Steelers will have to see how the final preseason game goes, but this certainly appears to be the final outcome that the top decision-makers are preparing for.
Running back (3): Rico Dowdle, Jaylen Warren, Travis Homer
Leaving Kaleb Johnson off the roster wasn't an easy choice, but it seems like that is where things are heading. If Johnson doesn't make the team, then either Travis Homer or Lew Nichols will be the third running back they hold onto. Perhaps there is a chance they bring in an outside hire, but that isn't high on their to-do list for now. Homer's special teams abilities give him the edge for this job.
Wide receiver (6): DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., Germie Bernard, Roman Wilson, Kaden Wetjen, Ben Skowronek
No one should anticipate any surprises making the 53-man roster for the Steelers' receiving group. They are much improved compared to last season, but they could struggle if some young pieces like Germie Bernard and Roman Wilson cannot help in limited roles this year. Both Kaden Wetjen and Ben Skowronek are special teams contributors who could filter into the offense on occasion.
Tight end/Full back (4): Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Robert Tonyan, Riley Nowakowski
Going with four in the tight end group, as the team should rely on the position fairly often. Riley Nowakowski is more of a fullback right now, who can also play tight end in a pinch. Robert Tonyan is a smart veteran presence who should fill out that depth chart well. The Steelers have another strong group at the position, and it should help them become a run-heavy offense this year.
Offenisve line (9): Troy Fautanu, Mason McCormick, Zach Frazier, Spencer Anderson, Dylan Cook, Max Iheanachor, Broderick Jones, Brock Hoffman, Gennings Dunker
It's been a bumpy preseason for the offensive line, but for the most part, McCarthy has a solid group to work with.
At some point, you'd have to imagine Max Iheanachor eventually taking over the starting right tackle job over Dylan Cook, but it might take a while. The Steelers' offensive line, from the starters to depth players, has been heavily invested in; it's time to show it was worth all of that.
Defensive line (6): Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon, Keeanu Benton, Yahya Black, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Gabriel Rubio
Holding onto four quarterbacks will eventually have a reverberating effect on the 53-man roster construction. Holding onto six defensive linemen instead of seven is a gamble, but shoving a depth piece on the practice squad should help. The Steelers have seen a lot of promise for Gabriel Rubio this season, and that run-stuffing ability, matched with effort, gets the rookie onto the team.
Linebacker (9): T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer, Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Elandon Roberts, Cole Holcomb, Carson Bruener
Unless something drastically changes, this will be Pittsburgh's group of inside and outside linebackers this year. You would have liked to see the inside linebacker group locate some legit upgrades, but it should be better than last season. Malik Harrison and Jamin Davis miss the cut in this instance. Davis is someone who is pushing for a job after a strong training camp and preseason.
Secondary (9): Joey Porter Jr., Jamel Dean, Jalen Ramsey, Asante Samuel Jr., Daylen Everette, Brandin Echols, DeShon Elliott, Jaquan Brisker, Rayshawn Jenkins
Only three safeties make the roster in this projection, as the Steelers have to cut corners somewhere. If they needed someone to, they could have Jalen Ramsey jump over to safety in a pinch, but expect rookie Robert Spears-Jennings to return on the practice squad as added depth.
After Joey Porter Jr. has his contract dispute solved, this will be one of the most talented cornerback groups the team has had in years.
Specialist (3): Chris Boswell (K), Cameron Johnston (P), Christian Kuntz (LS)
Again, no surprise among the specialist group for Pittsburgh. McCarthy was gifted one of the best kickers in the NFL when he was hired by the Steelers. Cameron Johnston more than earned his job in last week's preseason game after many booming kicks. Christian Kuntz has no competition and remains a steady long snapper. This group appears to be a solid contributor this season.
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