No NFL team is complete in roster assembling. They normally get to a point where they do not make too many roster moves, but that does not mean they won't make any transactions. With training camp right around the corner, there will be plenty of storylines to monitor around the league with some names that might pop up on the trade or chopping block on other clubs.
With names likely becoming available, the Steelers will want to try and find upgrades over some of their current personnel. That could lead to some other free agents being signed or some other trade options being explored. Omar Khan has been aggressive and that should not be expected to stop just because the roster sits at their 90-man limit currently.
Steelers could look to add depth at slot corner if their options fail
Plenty of cornerbacks have been given the opportunity to gain snaps in the slot during minicamp. There are not a ton of answers at that spot on defense, but this could become a significant issue for the Steelers if someone like Patrick Peterson does not stick in that role. Unless someone unexpectedly emerges outside of Peterson, there will be movement at this position.
Luckily for Pittsburgh, there are a couple of free agents still out there waiting for a chance to make an NFL team. Bryce Callahan has a lot of experience as a starting slot corner and should be an upgrade over Chandon Sullivan. Another name that could make sense is Troy Hill, who had some of the best years of his career while playing in the slot.
Signing a free agent at inside linebacker might be the best option for Pittsburgh
The black and gold have been hard at work this offseason to address plenty of needs. They have filled holes for the most part, but the biggest concern on this roster continues to be middle linebacker. Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts can be stop-gap starters for this defense, but the Steelers need long-term answers.
A couple of different routes could take shape for Pittsburgh between now and into the regular season. Free agency seems like the best scenario where they can hopefully find someone that could be an upgrade over Holcomb. That would then allow them to keep trade assets and have Holcomb become the second option at linebacker, which he would thrive in.
Kwon Alexander still makes a lot of sense, especially after the club brought him in for a visit. His leaving does damage his chances of signing with the team, but it could be more of a wait-and-see approach for both sides. Alexander would not be a pro bowler but he would provide an upgrade over the current players. Another option still out there that has starting pedigree is Rashaan Evans.
He has not turned out to be a top linebacker like many thought of him as coming out of the draft many years ago. Evans could be had for cheap on a one-year deal, but his coverage abilities are questionable. Zach Cunningham is another free agent with starting experience that could be brought in. He has a pre-draft history with the Steelers and is athletic when he can stay healthy.
Trying to find depth at center could become a top need to address
Mason Cole is going to be the starting center for the Steelers this upcoming season. He has been an average starter at the position since joining the club a little over a year ago. His stability and chemistry with Kenny Pickett have been a nice thing to watch develop. Cole will likely not be the long-term answer unless he takes a step forward this season.
Khan is always looking for potential upgrades, but Cole has turned into a leader on the offensive line. He still has this season under contract with the Black and Gold before he becomes a potential free agent. Pittsburgh is currently hurting for depth behind their starting center, and lucky for them, there are a couple of free agents out there to sign.
Chase Roullier might be one of the best with his quality starts at the position during his time with Washington. That would be a tremendous upgrade over the other options currently on the roster. His biggest red flag is past health issues that have shortened his number of starts to this point in his career.
A couple of other names that have a good chunk of experience that are still looking for employment are Austin Blythe and Pat Elfein. Neither of the two has graded out well in recent years in terms of pro football focus. They would give the Steelers legit options as the backup centers that have shown the ability in the past in providing quality starting snaps.
The Steelers could turn to a trade to fix their issues in the middle of the defense
We have already spoken about the potential of signing an inside linebacker in free agency, but the trade route might be better quality. There are a couple of options potentially available that could upgrade the Steelers' status of starters. There needs to be a player brought in that could become an immediate impact player.
Looking at someone to trade with normally does not end up with being your most hated rival in your division. Patrick Queen has spoken openly about his displeasure with the Baltimore Ravens since they declined his fifth-year option. He would have a year to try and show the Steelers enough before they inked him to a new deal. He had a down year last year but that could have been an outlier.
Another option that could make sense is Devin White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After a couple of promising years with the Bucs to kick off his career, things have started to fall off recently. He has struggled much like his fellow draftee Devin Bush. Perhaps a change of scenery would help White and his game going forward.
Neither of these two should be considered as high risk or too high of a price to acquire. One of them could be had for a late-round selection or bottom-of-the-roster type payer if he fits the Ravens or Bucs' needs. Queen would be the ideal guy to bring in out of the two, but neither is much of a risk since they become free agents after this season.
Plenty of talent acquisition rumors have been going crazy around this team
Tons of rumors have been surrounding the Steelers lately, and most can be thought of as conjecture. Some have speculated that a couple of different high-profile players could join the Black and Gold soon. Neither would accomplish much in terms of addressing needs but they would add some quality to depth positions.
Dalvin Cook was released by the Minnesota Vikings a while ago and seems to be waiting for the perfect place to land. The Miami Dolphins make a lot of sense but some want the Steelers to make him an offer. It would make little sense for Cook with both Harris and Warren both on the roster. He would be a good fallback option if an injury occurs.
One of the hottest rumors in town recently has been the connection between Chase Young and the Steelers. It does not make a ton of sense for Young as he would seemingly be searching for a spot where he can start. He would not find that here with the two quality starters that are occupying those spots.
It makes some sense for the Steelers, but they just signed Markus Golden and drafted Nick Herbig. This would be a luxury addition, and it would have to come cheap if Washington was willing to part with the former second-overall pick. Young has amazing abilities but his injuries throughout his career have somewhat derailed his time in the NFL. He could be worth a cheap flyer, but it does not make a ton of sense.