Now that the Steelers are starting to mount injuries to their weekly report, it might be the perfect time to add some outside talent. The heydays of free agency are long gone in the NFL, but that doesn't mean there are some interesting names still available heading into Week 4 of the NFL schedule. Pittsburgh could use some help, and these guys could increase their chances of winning.
Something seems off with Jaylen Warren right now, and Najee Harris was seen in a sling, so both of the Steeler's running backs may be struggling through varying degrees of problems. If that situation were to escalate this week, Pittsburgh would be wise to consider adding a free agent or someone off of another team's practice squad as a replacement option.
They just added an offensive tackle after signing Calvin Anderson to provide depth along the offensive line. Other positions of need remain at wide receiver and slot cornerback. Beanie Bishop has missed more plays than he has made since getting the starting job. Van Jefferson has been awful as the Steeler's second receiver, but Scotty Miller and Calvin Austin III could get a promotion this week.
Steelers must consider signing some left-over free agents
Matt Breida
Again, a lot of the running back situation will fluctuate based on how Harris and Warren participate this week. Cordarrelle Patterson had a strong performance last week against the Cardinals, but someone like Matt Breida would be a nice signing. He has experience both as a starter and role player. Breida has also shown the ability to run the ball well and make plays in the passing game too.
His best years came during his first stint with the San Francisco 49ers. He then played for the Dolphins and Bills during his next two seasons before ending up with the Giants for the two years that followed. Breida was with the 49ers again this past preseason, so he should be in good football shape. If the Steelers need a free agent to help immediately, Breida could be their guy.
Chandon Sullivan
Scouring the free agency market is rather grim this time of year, but the Steelers need help at slot cornerback. They have no depth there behind Bishop, and they have no one to push him for his starting spot. Chandon Sullivan remains a free agent and someone Pittsburgh is familiar with. He was with the team last season and started a good number of games for the club.
Sullivan might not be the upgrade this team is hoping for, but he is a known commodity and could provide some stability at the slot cornerback position. Since he was on the club last year, he should be able to learn the playbook rather quickly. Sullivan might not turn out to be an upgrade over Bishop, but he provides depth, experience, and someone who can push for the starting job.
Randall Cobb
There are a couple of receivers in free agency and on practice squads who could be upgrades over the Steeler's current receiving core. It would still make sense for Pittsburgh to either sign an upgrade at some point or potentially add someone before the trade deadline occurs on November 5. One of the free agents who could make sense is Randall Cobb.
He would have to be convinced out of his current SEC Network analyst position, but he has stated that he is not retired from football officially. The Steelers are a young team that could use someone with the wealth of experience and leadership that Cobb could provide to a young receiving group. He might not have a big impact on the field, but he is a smart player that people listen to.