With training camp starting up, the Steelers still have problems across their roster. Some of those concerns will be given a fair shot of resolving internally before outside options are considered. Training camp is a time for players not only to try and win a job with their current team but also any other club in the NFL.
Pittsburgh has weaknesses right now, and they could use some upgrades. Some roster bubble players across the NFL could make sense for the Steelers when final cuts come through.
Andrew Booth
We know Mike Tomlin loves project players who are still young and have a high draft pedigree.
Andrew Booth would make a ton of sense for the Steelers because of Tomlin's history. He hasn't been good with the Minnesota Vikings since they took him 42nd overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. He will be turning 24 at the end of September so he could have some room for growth. If Pittsburgh doesn't feel comfortable with their current depth at cornerback, Booth would make a ton of sense if the Vikings let him go.
Trent Brown
It's uncommon for someone like Trent Brown to get let go just months after signing with a team in free agency.
Cincinnati signed him to a one-year deal, but he could find himself on their roster bubble at training camp. If Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu become the starting tackles, it could make sense for Pittsburgh to field trade offers for Dan Moore Jr. If that case becomes reality, then Brown could be a solid swing tackle to bring in after initial cuts are made.
Drake Jackson
Outside linebacker seems like a great candidate as a spot where the Steelers could add someone to upgrade depth at the position after training camp.
T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig are tremendous players, but those behind them at camp are unproven. Unless someone shows up and earns a spot, Pittsburgh should be looking for an outside option to upgrade their fourth spot. Drake Jackson makes a ton of sense. He was the 49er's second-round pick in 2022 and could be a nice fit.
He just turned 23 in April, so this is an easy decision for the black and gold if Jackson becomes available.
Tutu Atwell
Wide receiver remains one of the biggest concerns for the Steelers heading into training camp.
They need to either have someone outperform their expectations to make everyone feel comfortable, or an experienced option needs to be brought in. Tutu Atwell could make a ton of sense for Pittsburgh if he gets let go by the Rams. He has a good chunk of starting experience and could provide some snaps on special teams if needed.
Atwell is still young, so he could produce at a higher rate if given a fresh environment to flourish in.
Eli Ricks
With question marks at cornerback for the Steelers, they could try and add depth from elsewhere.
Eli Ricks started for one of the best college defenses during his time at Alabama. He was an undrafted free agent in 2023. He is a good size for the position, but he has not been able to put everything together. If Darius Rush, Cory Trice Jr., or someone else can't show something, Ricks could make sense to bring onto the team.
He is a young player who has a good frame to work with. Ricks might be worth the gamble for the Steelers.