Notable NFL roster cuts across the league Steelers should explore

These recently-cut players should intrigue the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Los Angeles Chargers v Minnesota Vikings
Los Angeles Chargers v Minnesota Vikings | Ryan Kang/GettyImages

For nearly one thousand hopeful players across the National Football League, NFL roster cutdowns are devastating. On August 27, hundreds of players were handed their proverbial eviction notice as they were informed they were now out of a job. The Pittsburgh Steelers weren't the only team making difficult roster decisions with the cutdown deadline looming.

Several NFL teams possessed terrific depth at certain positions -- making it even harder to part with the talent at hand. These players have all been thrown back into the free agent pool, and while many were claimed on waivers, other talented players remain who could aid the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024.

Notable cut players Steelers should consider

WR Noah Brown

It's not hard to picture Noah Brown's fit in Arthur Smith's offense. At 6'2'' and 225 pounds, Brown is an excellent blocker at the wide receiver position who can also track the ball down the field. The former Cowboys draft pick is coming off back-to-back impressive seasons (in Dallas in 2022 and Houston in 2023). Brown would give the Steelers a reliable pass-catcher who would give Van Jefferson a run for his money.

WR Tim Patrick

Tim Patrick recorded back-to-back years of at least 700 receiving yards and five touchdowns for the Broncos. Unfortunately, those seasons came in n2020 and 2021. For the past two years, Patrick dealt with an ACL injury and an Achilles tear, which have kept him off the field for two years. Still, Patrick's 6'4'' frame and ability as a short-area route-runner should entice the Steelers to take a closer look.

S Terrell Edmunds

If the Steelers are open to reuniting with a familiar face, Terrell Edmunds is ripe for the picking. As a first-round pick in 2018, Edmunds was a disappointment, but he wasn't a terrible player. In Pittsburgh, Edmunds was always durable with the ability to play in Cover 2 or inside the box. His familiarity with the team and chemistry with Minkah could be an asset -- especially if an injury-prone DeShon Elliott goes down.

S Lewis Cine

It's not often you see an NFL team cut a first-round pick before his rookie contract expires, but that's what the Vikings did with Lewis Cine. The former Georgia Bulldog hasn't worked out as planned, but at 24 years old with a 6'2'', 200-pound frame and athletic traits, this could be worth a gamble. Cine may be the Devin Bush equivalent at safety, but signing him would come at zero risk to the Steelers.

EDGE Julian Okwara

To the surprise of many, the Pittsburgh Steelers elected to roll out their initial 53-man roster with just three edge defenders making the team: T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig. Though this could prove to be the most lethal trio in the league, adding a fourth is necessary in order to have a healthy rotation and insurance at the position. Julian Okwara was a third-round pick by the Lions in 2020 who offers size, length, and experience at the position.

CB Caleb Farley

I'm a sucker for players with traits that are hard to find. Coming out of Virginia Tech, Caleb Farley showcased excellent athletic skills to go with a 6'1'' 207-pound frame and 33 3/8'' arms at the cornerback position. The Steelers need a slot cornerback more than a guy who can play on the boundary, but adding another 'avatar' cornerback in a former first-round player like Farley is hard to pass up -- even if he's played just 12 career games because of injuries.

QB Desmond Ridder

It's hard to believe that Desmond Ridder went from starting on the Falcons to not being able to make the Cardinals' roster in his third season. With adequate tools, decent size, and good mobility, Ridder would be a quality developmental quarterback the Steelers may be able to groom into a QB2. Of course, they would have to like him more than veteran Kyle Allen to make the switch.

QB Michael Pratt

Many draft analysts were high on Tulane's Michael Pratt entering the 2024 NFL Draft. With the Packers electing to keep just two quarterbacks on their 53-man roster, Pratt didn't make the cut. The seventh-round pick has a solid collection of tools to work with as a developmental QB3.

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