There are reasons why certain free agents are still available at this point in the NFL calendar. The Pittsburgh Steelers have refrained from dipping into their cap space to add any more household names in free agency, but that could change.
Several weaknesses across the roster have continued to surface during training camp, potentially prompting new signings.
According to Spotrac's website, Pittsburgh has $35.9 million in spending cash. That is a significant amount of money the Steelers could use to upgrade their roster. Expect the team to remain open-minded about adding external options to their club before Week 1 of the regular season. They could sign free agents, target players on the trade block, or add those who get cut.
Pittsburgh Steelers could target free agent upgrades before training camp ends
Isaiah Wynn, OT
It's flying under the radar, but there is growing concern around the offensive line heading into the year. The young group has shown signs of growing pains at training camp, and it could cause headaches along the way. The Steelers should have invested more in bolstering their depth along the offensive line. Now they are paying for it with underwhelming practices by Broderick Jones and others.
Isaiah Wynn is a possible choice for Pittsburgh to mull over. The veteran free agent has an abundance of starting experience at both tackle positions. He has dealt with injuries throughout his career, which has forced him to wait for an opportunity. Pittsburgh can't do much better with this group of free agents, but Wynn's blend of starting experience and position flexibility would help.
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Asante Samuel Jr., CB
With the constant injury concern surrounding the cornerback position for Pittsburgh, it might be wise to sign a free agent. Asante Samuel Jr. remains available, and the young cornerback has seen a cataclysmic fall this offseason. He was prepared to gain a significant contract in free agency, but a shoulder injury set him back.
Samuel is currently unemployed due to a shoulder condition.
The Steelers showed pre-draft interest in the secondary player when he joined the NFL. He produced strong numbers with the Los Angeles Chargers and continues to look for a spot to rebound. Cory Trice has struggled to stay healthy, and Samuel could be a nice fallback option if his health checks out. They could use another starting caliber player at the position.
Gabe Davis, WR
His injury status is unknown, but there must be a reason why Gabe Davis remains a free agent. The veteran receiver has made too many impactful plays in the past to be overlooked, unless he's still in the process of recovering from his injury. The Steelers brought him in for a visit during free agency, but he left the city without a deal.
They could always circle back to him.
Pittsburgh continues to struggle to find a reliable option to complement DK Metcalf. Neither Roman Wilson nor Calvin Austin III has proven anything at training camp, and it's unlikely they will during the preseason. Davis might be the Steelers' last shot in the dark if they fail to add a legitimate upgrade on the trade market. Otherwise, this season could be a repeat of last year.