OTAs are just about to pass by and the Steelers still have a ton of weaknesses on their roster. They could use a receiver and cornerback or two. They could use upgrades at other areas across their roster, but adding at those two spots is the most pressing heading into the preseason. Training camp is still a couple of months away.
Unless a trade happens sooner rather than later, it seems like the Steelers might add either in free agency or on the waiver wire. Players who get released during final roster cuts might be the course of action. There are plenty of known names who might be on the roster bubble heading into the preseason process, and it could lead to them landing with the Steelers at the end of the day.
Allen Lazard is a notable receiver who could be part of roster cuts
One name reportedly on the bubble heading into training camp is Allen Lazard of the Jets. He was signed to surround Aaron Rodgers with plenty of familiar faces from his days in Green Bay. Lazard has not done well in New York and could become a cap casualty with the new receivers in the fold. Lazard is a solid slot receiver and would provide better quality on the Steeler's roster.
Tre Avery might become expendable in Tennessee during the preseason
It will be a crowded room at cornerback in Tennessee during the preseason process. Tre Avery could be the odd man out. He was an undrafted free agent back in 2022 coming out of Rutgers. He is an outside cornerback option and someone who contributes on special teams. Those two qualities will get him plenty of looks around the NFL, including in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers could target Kadarius Toney if the Chiefs move on
One of the bigger names who could be one of the biggest shocking roster cuts is Kadarius Toney. He has had an up-and-down career in Kansas City. The Steelers might be wise to bring him in following a potential release. The Chiefs have a couple of good options at receiver now, and Toney might ask to be cut if he cannot sustain a starting role. He has some issues, but he has been a quality starter in the past.
It could be another Joe Haden-type of addition with James Bradberry
The Steelers brought Joe Haden into the fold during the late days of the preseason process. Maybe they could do the same with James Bradberry if he gets released. He is coming off a bad season, but he is only 30 and could have a rebound year. The Eagles just drafted two defensive backs early in the draft, so Bradberry could become available either during roster cuts or via trade.
Adding Elijah Mitchell would complete a deep running back room
Running back is a spot where many have not worried about heading into the season. If one of Najee Harris or Jaylen Warren gets hurt, the depth behind them is scarce. Picking up a potential upgrade right before the regular season might be the best course of action. Elijah Mitchell is a name to monitor. He has prior starting experience, but he needs to prove he can stay healthy. Mitchell would be a tremendous third option at running back.
The Steelers could use more depth and Tyquan Lewis could be perfect
Similar to the logic behind running back, providing an upgrade at the fourth outside linebacker spot would be wise. Things could change if the Steelers add Markus Golden back into the fold this preseason. If not, adding a fourth guy like Tyquan Lewis could make sense. He is a former second-round pick and is someone who would be a quality depth piece behind the top three guys already on the roster.