The Steelers are a team notorious for adding talent late in the process of the offseason. While the initial roster is set, and will likely remain that way before training camp, other teams will be in the same process of figuring out their final 53-man rosters. This will lead to new players becoming available via trade and release.
I have taken it upon myself to dive into every roster in the league to find some potential players that the Steelers should be watching. Some names could be trade candidates, others could be cut, some were former targets of the team, and all of them would fill out the depth chart and make this roster better. This will be a long post, but here is one player that the Steelers could be targeting from every other NFL roster.
Steelers target from the Cardinals: OT Dennis Daley
On the surface, the Steelers are three deep at offensive tackle, so adding another name wouldn’t make a lot of sense. That said, if Broderick Jones can’t earn the starting left tackle role early, the team will need some help at backup tackle. Dennis Daley can be a fine swing tackle in a pinch.
This wouldn’t be the first time Pittsburgh showed interest in Daley either. Reports were that the team was interested in trading for him last offseason, but the deal was never finalized. If the team needs a true swing tackle, Daley makes a lot of sense. Tackle isn’t the biggest need, but the Cardinals aren’t exactly deep across their roster.
Others considered: OT Josh Jones
The player likely competing with Daley this offseason is Jones. A former mid-round pick, Jones was abysmal his first two seasons but showcased some good play last year. If Daley were to win the spot, I would pivot my interest to Jones. Again, there aren’t a lot of great options to choose from on this Cardinals roster.
And no, Isaiah Simmons does not make this list. Considering he is in the last year of his deal, you would have to work out a long-term deal or face the likelihood that he is a one-year rental. The Cardinals are also moving him to defensive back again, so the fit is still a question. He is a puzzle not worth putting together.
Steelers target from the Falcons: IOL Matt Hennessy
Sticking with the offensive line here, the Falcons have also beefed up their line and seem poised to have an offense similar to the Steelers. They maintained both of their free-agent starters, and they added Matthew Bergeron to fill out the other guard spot. This leaves versatile interior option Matt Hennessy as a potential trade target.
Taken in the third round of the 2020 draft, Hennessy became the defacto center for the Falcons early in his career. The results were middling, as he struggled to truly separate himself as a great blocker. He became more of an interior swingman last season, and unless he beats out Bergeron, that is likely the role he will maintain.
To be clear, the Falcons likely aren’t cutting Hennessy. He is cheap depth that can wear a lot of hats along the line. That said, he could be a potential trade target for a Steelers team lacking a backup center. While the guard depth is relatively deep, the center depth is headlined by Kendrick Green, which isn’t a good thing.
Also interesting to note is that the Steelers reportedly had a lot of interest in Hennesy when he came out. In a report by Tony Pauline, the team was intrigued by both he and Alex Highsmith. Hennessy went far higher than the Steelers picked in the third round, but they landed Highsmith instead for the better. This could be a way to bring him in and shore up the backup center room for this offense.
Others considered: RB Cordarrelle Patterson
While the Falcons are set to be a run-heavy offense, Cordarrelle Patterson may not be with the team. He has an inflated cap hit and is arguably the third option on the depth chart. I wouldn’t trade for him, but if he were released, he would be a viable third running back with some return ability to boot.
Steelers target from Ravens: WR James Proche
The Ravens roster doesn’t really match up with what the Steelers have a need for. A name that is quickly mentioned is Patrick Queen, but he has been a hot and cold linebacker and I doubt the Ravens want to trade him to a divisional rival. Instead, I opted for a receiver that can add another body to the slot and potentially work as a return man.
James Proche has benefited from a lacking Ravens receiving room for quite some time. He has been a fixture on the roster and has, at times, even been a viable receiving threat. On top of this, he can work in the return game, further adding to his value.
His time on the roster is likely coming to an end, as Baltimore has aggressively added to their receiver room in the offseason. If the Steelers still need a return man and another potential slot receiver, Proche would make a lot of sense and will likely be available on waivers.
Others considered: FB Ben Mason
While I am confident that Connor Heyward will serve as the defacto fullback for this offense, the team may opt to keep a more traditional body there. Ben Mason fits that mold as both a physical blocker, a capable runner, and a sneaky receiving threat. He doesn’t appear like a lock for their roster, so he could be of interest for the Steelers.
Steelers target from Bills: OT Tommy Doyle
I’ll be honest, I almost went in a few directions with the Bills. They have a really talented roster, and there were a handful of names I considered here. That said, based on some names that could reasonably be made available, I think Tommy Doyle would make a lot of sense if he were to be cut.
Doyle is a freak athlete at tackle. Coming out of Miami of Ohio with rare size and length, Doyle had a lot of buzz as a developmental player. He has all of the tools you want in a player, but his technique is extremely raw. The Bills had him pegged as their swing tackle last season before he was injured and lost for the year in week one of the regular season.
While Doyle could still conceivably make the Bills roster, he is battling some experienced depth in Brandon Shell and David Quessenberry (two other tackle names that would make sense). If Doyle loses the battle and is cut outright, the Steelers would be wise to scoop him up and continue to work on his development as a depth piece.
Others considered: DL Jordan Phillips/Tim Settle
While the Steelers have filled out their defensive line depth chart, they could still use a better nose tackle depth piece. Settle is the prototype there, while Phillips could serve as a versatile backup all over the line. The reason a name like Doyle edged them out is that Phillips may start the season on PUP and neither may end up becoming available.
Steelers target from Panthers: DB Eric Rowe
With another roster lacking a lot of elite talent, I have decided to target a vested veteran that would better the defensive back depth chart. Eric Rowe is a player that I feel like has been in the league for years, but he will be just 31 this offseason and is a name that can play a lot of roles for a team.
While he began his career as a cornerback, he moved to safety early on and was a versatile player there. He has added slot work to his resume with the Dolphins. That means, in theory, you could use Rowe as an outside cornerback (arguably his worst role as of now), as a traditional safety, and as a slot defender.
For a Steelers defense that has a lot of new and unproven faces in their secondary, having a veteran like Rowe would be a massive benefit. At the worst, he would be capable depth all over the defensive backfield, and he would likely be the favorite to land the slot role. His versatility and talent would make him a great addition if he were cut.
The Panthers did sign him this offseason, but he is far from a roster lock. His deal was for the veteran minimum, and he faces stiff competition in a deep cornerback room as well as from drafted rookies Jammie Robinson and Keith Taylor. It seems like he is on the outside looking in, and if the Panthers don’t keep him, the Steelers should be interested.
Others considered: None
Steelers target from Bears: RB Travis Homer
I’ve been earnestly looking for low running backs on the proverbial totem pole to target, as one of the most open spots for the Steelers is their third back. For a team that plans on fielding a grinding rushing offense, they lack a true third option. While there are some intriguing names on the roster, none of them are proven.
Insert Travis Homer. The former sixth-round pick has been productive in a reserve role for the Seahawks, and he would provide a change-of-pace option for this roster. He can serve as a check-down receiver as well, further adding to his value.
Where he would really provide, especially as a third running back, is on special teams. He can return kicks and has also been an active player on coverage units. That would help the team fill the void that Benny Snell has seemingly left while also getting a more competent offensive threat.
Others considered: WR Chase Claypool
Nah, I’m mostly kidding here, but the rumor is that he could be cut if he fails to impress with the Bears. Once again, the Steelers absolutely stole that second-round pick from the Bears.
Steelers target from Bengals: DB Tycen Anderson
Like the Ravens, you really have to be looking at the bottom of the depth chart, as a trade for a player isn’t likely given the divisional rival aspect. One of the better rosters in the NFL, there should be some intriguing names that are released. While there are a couple of special teams players to keep an eye on, I would be thrilled to land Tycen Anderson.
Anderson was a fifth-round pick of the Bengals last season and was taken due to his rare size and athleticism. He fits the mold of a traditional box safety and has the hard-hitting nature of a potential linebacker. Add in his rare speed and Anderson is an athlete first as he is still developing his football identity.
The Bengals still like Anderson, but their safety room now has Jordan Battle in it, and he can fill the role of a box safety. If Anderson falters during training camp, he could quickly be out the door after missing his entire rookie season with an injury. If he were to be cut, the Steelers should pounce on him.
Others considered: DB Michael Thomas
Anderson’s competition to make the roster, Michael Thomas isn’t a flashy name, but he is a solid veteran presence that can back up either safety spot. More importantly, he is a great special teams player. If Anderson beats him out, he would be another name to potentially add to the depth chart and to play special teams.
Steelers target from the Browns: OC Nick Harris
As stated before, the biggest hole remaining on the Steelers offensive line is a backup center. Things will get bad quickly if Mason Cole were to miss a lengthy amount of time, as the cupboard is bare at the position.
The Browns have seemingly found a bit of stability at center. Ethan Pocic was signed during the season last year, and he was brought back as the starter for this year. Add in sixth-round pick Luke Wypler, and Cleveland may be set at center.
That could leave former fifth-round pick Nick Harris out of a job, and the Steelers should come calling if that is the case. Harris isn’t some sort of a supreme talent by any means, but he can hold his own as a blocker. His size and length are smaller than you would like, which limits him to just being a center, but as a backup, you could do much worse.
If he were to be cut, the Steelers would be smart to scoop him up. He can provide a more stable presence as a backup than what is currently rostered. He has also had some decent tape at times, so adding him would be a win if he were released.
Others considered: DL Perrion Winfrey
Perrion Winfrey has not gotten off on the right foot in Cleveland. He has had some minor legal troubles and has struggled to make an impact on the field despite a lackluster defensive line group. That room was overhauled this offseason, and he could easily be cut. If he is, Winfrey showed a lot of promise during the pre-draft process and would be a good developmental defensive end.
Steelers target from Cowboys: DL Neville Gallimore
The Cowboys are a weird team when considering the Steelers needs. There aren’t a lot of names that make sense for what the team needs. Two names stick out, and Neville Gallimore just barely edges out the other name that I was considering.
Gallimore was a productive pass-rushing interior lineman in school before getting drafted in the third round. He hasn’t been horrible by any means, but he also never became a consistent player. His hot and cold play left a lot to be desired, and it also meant that he never really established himself as a true starter.
With the addition of Mazi Smith, Gallimore finds himself further down the depth chart. Again, the defensive line isn’t the biggest need, but Gallimore would be an upgrade behind Keeanu Benton.
Others considered: RB Ronald Jones
On paper, I would really like this move. Ronald Jones is a speedy back that, at one point of time, looked like a breakout back. His speed would be a welcome addition to the backfield. The issue is, he has really fallen off for no clear reason, and he doesn’t play special teams. I wouldn’t be against it, but Gallimore is a more intriguing fit for me.
Steelers target from Broncos: TE Albert Okwuegbunam
This is the first player on this list that would truly be a luxury, Albert Okwuegbunam is the classic case of an intriguing athlete that hasn’t put everything together. Last year was supposed to be his breakout season with Noah Fant traded and Russell Wilson aboard the team. As we all know, the Broncos offense was abysmal last year.
Okwuegbunam lost his job to rookie Greg Dulcich and now has some talented names behind him. While a player of his size and speed could break out at any moment, he doesn’t seem long for this roster.
The Steelers tight end room is a strength on this team, but Okwuegbunam gives the team a different body type to work with. He would serve as a potential receiving threat and third tight end in a deep group.
If he were to be made available, the Steelers would be wise to at least consider him. It would likely spell the end of Zach Gentry’s tenure with the team. He is redundant though as a blocker as opposed to Okwuegbunam who could be a receiving threat. Again, this is one of the more unlikely names on this list, but Okwuegbunam would be an interesting addition.
Others considered: None
Steelers target from Lions: RB Jermar Jefferson
If you haven’t figured this out yet, I’m writing this post alphabetically, and to this point, the Lions have the worst potential player fits for the Steelers. Their roster isn’t bad, but their potential cuttable players just don’t line up with Pittsburgh’s needs.
I took the cop out and went after Jermar Jefferson. No, he isn’t a great player by any means, but he has shown some flashes of good play and the ability to run hard. He looks like he is on the outside looking in of Detroit's roster right now, so he should be available to the team.
I like his ability as a third running back, but the Steelers would be just as likely to stick with what they have unless those names crater. Jefferson could be a viable name to fill out the back of the running back depth chart.
Others considered: OG Logan Stenberg
Logan Stenberg wouldn’t help immediately, but it would be a case of the team going after a player they had a lot of interest in when he was drafted. The Steelers had a lot of connections to Stenberg when he was drafted, and he appears to be on the outs with the Lions. Guard is a deep spot, but Stenberg could be an interesting name.
Steelers target from Packers: RB Patrick Taylor
The third running back spot is wide open for the Steelers, and while a slew of unknown and uninspiring names are set to battle it out for one spot, the team could easily look elsewhere to find their fit. The Packers roster isn’t flush with what Pittsburgh needs, but a name like Patrick Taylor could make some sense.
Taylor is your prototypical big back, coming in at 6’3 and over 220 pounds. He was productive back at Memphis, working as the power back in their system. Covid really seemed to set him back a bit, as that delayed the jump to the pro game and his chances of getting drafted.
He has worked his way into the Packers third-string competition, and he has served in that role over the past two seasons. He hasn’t seen the field much but has proven to be a fine short-yardage back in a pinch. More importantly, he can serve as a coverage player on special teams.
Frankly, if the team were to show interest in Taylor, I would rather them just go out and bring back Benny Snell. Both are comparable players, and Snell knows the system and is arguably a better team. When looking for a name from every roster though, Taylor makes sense.
Others considered: None
Steelers target from the Texans: CB Darius Phillips
Despite having one of the worst records in football, the Texans also boast one of the deepest cornerback rooms that I could find. They have invested well in some young players as well as adding capable veterans to round out the room. Because of this, a name like Darius Phillips could be a victim of roster numbers.
While a cornerback, Phillips is a potent return man. That is where he has made arguably his biggest impact since entering the league with the Bengals. While the Steelers rarely use defensive players as return men, Phillips could provide an upgrade there if their current group of return men proves ineffective.
Phillips was also a capable slot cornerback early in his career. While I wouldn’t bank on him being a plug-and-play starter, he could serve as a capable second option if the team insists on using Patrick Peterson there. Phillips would help out in multiple areas and be a sound veteran to add after cutdowns.
Others considered: RB Mike Boone
Mike Boone almost got the nod here as a potential third-back. He was supposed to break out last year, but he was quickly replaced in the Broncos backfield. He can chip in on special teams and provide a more steady veteran presence in the backfield.
Steelers target from Colts: DL McTelvin Agim
As previously stated, the Steelers defensive line room is relatively set. That said, I would love to find a more dynamic backup nose tackle if at all possible. Breiden Fehoko is a fine potential backup, but he lacks any dynamic traits outside of being a traditional lane filler and body to take up space in the run game.
McTelvin Agim has been a bust so far in his career for the Broncos. He lasted just one season as a former third-round pick before being waived last offseason. The Colts picked him up and he became an active backup for the defense. He only played around 20 percent of the snaps but flashed some good tape against the run and notched 1.5 sacks.
Coming out of college, Agim was a developmental candidate. He has the size and rare athleticism to make him a potentially elite interior defender, but he needed to progress as both a run and pass defender in order to hit his ceiling. He never had the chance to do that in Denver but looked the part with the Colts.
Ultimately, it may come down to a numbers game with Indianapolis, and if Agim is the odd man out, he would be a viable addition to the roster. This is especially valid if none of the other nose tackle types stand out in camp.
Others considered: RB Deon Jackson
Deon Jackson has the usual build the Steelers like in a running back and checks a lot of the boxes that this team likes in a reserve (mainly, special teams ability). He got a shot last season due to injuries and was middling, but he could once again be a name to round out the Steelers running back room.
Steelers target from Jaguars: RB Snoop Conner
Snoop Conner certainly isn’t a notable name, but the Jaguars roster isn’t full of names that connect to what the Steelers need. Snoop Conner was a late-round pick last year, and he didn’t see a lot of playing time as a rookie, nor did he excel when given the opportunity, but I still think the Steelers could make a play for him.
Conner was a prospect of interest for the team last year. They had a heavy interest in the Ole Miss program, likely for Matt Corral and eventual selection Mark Robinson, but Conner was also there. He has a stout frame and runs with some power. His college tape was fun to watch, and he would be a capable third back for this team.
The unfortunate thing about Conner is his lack of proven effectiveness on special teams. That doesn’t mean that he can’t play there, but he didn’t while playing with the Jaguars. Conner is a bit of a sleeper player last season, but he could be a victim of the numbers game and a viable third back for this team if added.
Others considered: None
Steelers target from Chiefs: RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire
I would argue that this is the first real notable name on this list. The Chiefs took Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the first round of the draft expecting him to become a versatile weapon for the offense to work with. That seemed to be the case his rookie season, as Edwards-Helaire logged over 1000 total yards and seemed poised to become a fixture in the potent Chiefs offense.
The past two seasons have been just the opposite. Edwards-Helaire has found himself running in a group setting, sharing time with a litany of other names. Worse yet, he hasn’t been an overly effective runner despite his first-round billing. He was a dynamic runner in school, possessing the ability to break any run long and make a guy miss. He hasn’t come close to resembling that so far as a pro.
That said, the Steelers had shown some interest in Edwards-Helaire during the predraft process, and he would add another capable body to the backfield. For an offense that is being built to run the ball, they need to make sure they have enough bodies at running back to handle that workload.
Edwards-Helaire would provide a different running style to this offense and round out the unit. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been a notable special teams player, which does take away some value from him. He has pedigree though, which the Steelers love, and if he were to be made available, he would be a fine addition to this roster.
Others considered: None
Steelers target from Raiders: OC Hroniss Grasu
The Raiders roster has a few names that make sense for the Steelers. There are a few backup running backs that could fill in as well as some defensive backs that would make sense. Ultimately, I settled on some interior line help. Hroniss Grasu is a well-versed backup with a lot of experience.
Grasu was a former early-round draft pick for the Bears that quickly fizzled out as a starter. He has since bounced around the league, serving as a backup in various cities before landing with the Raiders last year. He has plenty of pro center reps, and while his play is far from elite, it could be an upgrade from the current backup center options on the roster.
The Steelers are banking on good health from Cole, and while you can’t be deep at every position, this is a team that wants to run the ball a lot this year. They need a capable backup center in case of emergency. Grasu would certainly fit that bill and would be a viable target from the Raiders roster.
Others considered: DB Jaquon Johnson
Jaquon Johnson is a versatile defender in the backfield of a defense. He can play either safety spot and has the size to work in the slot. More notably, he is also a great special teams player. If he were more of a slot-capable player, he likely would have been the target, but he still has value as a backup and special teams player.
Steelers target from Chargers: RB Larry Roundtree
This was another tough team to sort through, as there weren’t a lot of names that made sense for what the Steelers will be looking for during roster cutdowns. While the Chargers have a strong roster at the top of things, their depth players don’t offer much value in terms of what Pittsburgh needs.
Sticking with the third running back the Steelers could look for, Larry Roundtree fits the usual suspects of what this team would want. He has decent size and can contribute on special teams. While not his strong suit, he can also field kickoffs, further adding to his value. This is especially so since the returner position isn’t settled yet.
If I had to guess, I would assume that the team would turn to one of their current rostered names before taking a chance on Roundtree, but for the sake of completion, he makes the most sense from the Chargers. He can do a few different things which should aid him in sticking around a roster this season.
Others considered: None
Steelers target from Rams: CB Shaun Jolly
While Shaun Jolly profiles as your typical long and tall outside cornerback, the Rams seem to have other plans for him. Following the departure of Jalen Ramsey this offseason, Jolly has constantly been mentioned among the names of the slot replacements for Ramsey. That said, there are other options as well and Jolly isn’t even a lock to make the roster.
If he doesn’t, the Steelers could come calling. Their current slot cornerback room is lacking, and even if Peterson makes a successful transition to the inside, having a bigger-bodied option there makes sense. Jolly would provide just that, as he could use his size to match up against bigger slot receivers and tight ends.
Unfortunately, Jolly has yet to take a defensive snap for a pro team. Despite playing most of the season on the Rams roster, he was only active for two games and only saw the field on special teams. While on paper he could be a slot cornerback, he needs to actually prove it first.
I would honestly prefer the team to use Corey Trice in that role if they were set on it. While ideally, he can play outside, his safety experience could make him a viable big slot. Regardless, when looking for potential fits from the Rams, Jolly makes the most sense on paper.
Others considered: None
Steelers target from Dolphins: CB Justin Bethel
Adding Justin Bethel would be such an underrated move if the opportunity were to present itself. Similar to the addition of Arthur Maulet a few seasons, Bethel is a sound veteran who has experience in multiple systems. The main difference is that he is both a better defender and special teams player than Maulet ever was.
Bethel finds himself on a Dolphins team that is stacked with cornerback depth. From established stars in Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard to a promising rookie in Cam Smith, Bethel could be on his way out. His role in the slot is almost certainly going to be occupied by someone else.
If he were to be cut, he would be a viable option for the Steelers to pick up. He could serve as the slot cornerback, or as a more accomplished backup, while also being a core special teams player. He could easily be on his way out, and while his upside isn’t huge, he would be a safe option to build out this depth chart.
Others considered: RB Myles Gaskins
It was just a few seasons ago that we were seemingly looking at Myles Gaskins being the Dolphins starting running back. Now, he is likely on his way off the team due to the myriad of other options on the roster. He would be a good change of pace back if added to the roster after being cut.
Steelers target from the Vikings: DB Josh Metellus
There are two names that the Steelers should have circled on the Vikings roster heading into training camp. My personal choice, although it was a close one, is defensive back Josh Metellus. The versatile safety could seemingly be on his way off of Minnesota’s roster.
The Steelers were all over Metellus when he came out from Michigan a few years back. Though he's a safety on paper, he fits the mold of a run defender and box player. There were a lot of rumors that he would make a more permanent move as a linebacker once he entered the league, but that hasn’t materialized yet.
He could serve in that role with the Steelers, as they are lacking a traditional coverage linebacker. While Keanu Neal could potentially fill that role, the Steelers may also want to keep him at safety as opposed to kicking him down into a hybrid linebacker role. Metellus could be a more permanent fixture there.
On top of all of this, Metellus is a core special teams player, so even if he didn’t carve out a role on defense, he could continue to provide value on coverage units. Everything is lining up for Metellus to join this squad if he is cut by the Vikings.
Others considered: RB Kene Nwangwu
Talk about the literally perfect third running back for the Steelers to potentially bring in. Kene Nwangwu has the speed this team is lacking at the position. He is also a valid return man, meaning he can serve in more roles than just on offense. I’d be thrilled if either of these players joined the roster this offseason.
Steelers target from Patriots: P Corliss Waitman
Let’s have a little fun with this. Corliss Waitman should be a familiar name. He was a short-term punter for the Steelers a few years back when they needed him, and despite a strong showing, he didn’t stick around. He did land the Bronco’s punting job last season.
He performed well, averaging a healthy net average per punt. Now, to be fair, Waitman benefited from punting in the elevated conditions of Denver, but he still looked the part of a viable NFL punter. There were a lot of Steelers fans questioning if the Steelers had made the right decision sticking with the incumbent punter Pressley Harvin.
The Steelers could very well get another crack at Waitman, and if neither of the team’s punters on the roster impresses, Waitman could be welcomed back as a hero. This team hasn’t had a consistent punter in years, but if Waitman has a shot to return and the team is still lacking a capable option, Waitman would make a lot of sense.
Others considered: CB Shaun Wade
This one is a little personal to me. Shaun Wade was once seen as a top prospect in the draft, but a shift to playing outside really hurt his stock. The Ravens drafted him but traded him to the Patriots during his rookie season. He hasn’t progressed much, but I would be all for giving him a shot as the slot cornerback for this team.
Steelers target from Saints: IOL Billy Price
A name I frankly wish the Steelers would have just signed outright; Billy Price is an established veteran with a lot of experience. While he was a high-round bust for the Bengals, he has gone on to be a good spot starter and valuable backup. Despite his noted struggles, he still finds chances to start in the NFL.
The Saints just recently added Price to their roster, and while he is a veteran presence, his roster spot is far from locked. New Orleans has some interior depth behind their starters, and Price will be a bit behind the ball once he joins the team.
Given his experience and ability to mainly play center but chip in at either guard spot, he would be a welcome addition to the depth chart. He would give the team a viable replacement if injuries were to strike at center for a cheap price. If he doesn’t make the Saints' final roster, Price should be a quick add to this team.
Others considered: DB Ugo Amadi
Another slot option, Ugo Amadi has become a bit of a journeyman in the league. Despite his inability to find a permanent home, he has consistently been a fixture on defenses. If he fails to make the Saints roster, the Steelers would be a logical home.
Steelers target from Giants: CB Darnay Holmes
The Giants drafted Darnay Holmes with the sole intention of making him their primary slot cornerback. Through his first three seasons, he has done just that, finding a home on the inside and making an impact. While he hasn’t become a superstar, he has been a consistent player in New York.
His play has given him a raise this season as he enters the final year of his rookie deal, and the Giants added a lot of new faces to the secondary this offseason. Is Holmes a lock to be cut? No, but his roster spot is far from secure. Even if he looks like a possible roster lock, he could also be dealt after training camp.
I would be thrilled to see Holmes get cut and signed to the Steelers roster. I would even be fine with him being added via trade. He is a plug-and-play starter in the slot, and while he may not be an elite player, he would be a steadier presence than what Pittsburgh currently has on their roster.
Others considered: OT Matt Peart
Matt Peart has the rare body type that the Steelers covet at the tackle position. He never panned out on either side for the Giants and appears to be on the outside looking in for their offense. He would be a great swing tackle and backup candidate for this roster.
Steelers target from Jets: DB Ashtyn Davis
Ashtyn Davis is less of a case of the team having a clear need for him and more due to the fact the Steelers liked him coming out of the draft and he has some pedigree attached to his name. The former third-round pick was a contributor early on, but he was relegated to backup duties last year and appears to be on the outs with the team.
Davis came out of school as a defensive chess piece. While he is a natural safety, he could play a variety of roles for a defense. That was, essentially, what he did with the Jets early on. He filled in at either safety spot and was a regular contributor his first two seasons there.
While his actual chances dwindled last year, Davis did become a core special teams player. Assuming he is cut, the Steelers could get a potential backup at either safety spot, could try him in the slot, and at worst, they would have a viable special teams player out of him. There are plenty of reasons to connect him to this defense.
Others considered: OL Billy Turner
Billy Turner was, for a while, viewed as a stable starter for an offensive line. Age has seemingly taken that standing away, but he is still a versatile backup that would help out at either tackle spot and could kick inside. He would be sound depth for this team assuming he is cut.
Steelers target from Eagles: LB Davion Taylor
There were a couple of names that make sense from the Eagles, but I ultimately think the best fit would be Davion Taylor. Drafted in the third round, Taylor was your classic small and quick linebacker that has become the status quo in the league. Despite being an impressive athlete, he has yet to carve out a true role for the team.
The Steelers' linebacker room has been missing a speed element for quite some time. Taylor isn’t where I would want him to be in coverage, but he shows some instincts that you could build upon. While the team has been active in adding some veterans to this linebacker room, they are lacking an option with speed that could potentially cover.
My biggest concern with Taylor would be his special teams play. While he would likely be forced into a role there, he saw his impact decrease from there last season. That may have been due to his slight bump in playing time though. He is an intriguing name that would further help out the linebacker rebuild.
Others considered: RB Trey Sermon
A player I loved coming out of Ohio State, Trey Sermon certainly hasn’t had a good career to this point. He flamed out quickly with the 49ers, and while he was given another shot with the Eagles, he failed to do much there. That said, I would be willing to give Sermon one final shot as the third back on this roster.
Steelers target from 49ers: RB Tyrion Davis-Price
Let’s keep up the theme of potential bust 49ers' third-round picks and add Tyrion Davis-Price to the potential watch list. A surprise pick in the third-round last year, Davis-Price has the body of an elite running back. Great size, thickly built, and good speed, there is little reason that he shouldn’t succeed.
That said, he struggled immensely as a rookie and found himself buried on the depth chart. The trade for Christian McCaffery hasn’t made things any better, and now Davis-Price may be on the outside looking in to make the roster. His career has had a far too similar arch to it as Sermon’s has had.
If he were to miss out on the roster, I would love for the Steelers to give him a shot. He would add some speed to the backfield, and while he didn’t play much on special teams as a rookie, he has the body type for it. I certainly wouldn’t trade for him, but if he were cut, he would make a lot of sense as the third back for this offense.
Others considered: DL Javon Kinlaw
While of the two players on this list, I would prefer Javon Kinlaw, I’m not sure how available he will be. Health has been the primary issue (although his play hasn’t been dynamic either), and if the 49ers decide to cut ties with him, I would be all for it.
Kinlaw has the rare size the Steelers like at the position and pedigree to boot. If he were cut outright, I would be all over it. Even a swap of late-round picks would be fine with me. That said, he could very well stick with the team, so I couldn’t put him as my primary target.
Steelers target from Seahawks: CB Tre Brown
The biggest defensive need is slot cornerback, and the Seahawks have a name that would fit well there. Tre Brown saw a lot of action during his rookie season, but since then, Seattle has revamped the cornerback room, leaving him without a fit.
While Brown has some flexibility as a cornerback, he profiles best as a slot defender given his size. While he has only appeared in 11 total games, his rookie season stood out as a solid one, and his coverage skills are definitely better than his run-defense ability. It would provide the Steelers another body to consider at a position of weakness.
My main issue with Brown is his lack of special teams work. Despite not being a regular contributor on defense, he hasn’t found a role on special teams yet either. That said, he would be a safety insurance at the slot position given the weakness of the position as a whole.
Others considered: DB Joey Blount
Joey Blount was an athletic safety that has yet to find his footing as a defensive player. The Steelers had a big interest in him during the predraft process, but he ultimately landed in Seattle. He carved out a role on special teams as a rookie, but if cut, he could find his way to the Steelers roster.
Steelers target from Buccaneers: RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn
Another roster that doesn’t have an ample amount of talent to try and poach, I will once again go to the struggling running back category. If you have made it this far, you should know this story. The Steelers third running back is very much in question, and while the names they have on the roster could work out, they could also feasibly add someone outside of the organization.
Ke’Shawn Vaughn was, at one point, seen as the potential running back of the future for the Buccaneers, but he has failed to make much of an impact so far in his career. He has been relegated to spot backup work and only has one career start to his name. He hasn’t been horrible with the ball in his hands, but he hasn’t been dynamic either.
What makes him an attractive third back is his special teams work. While his career likely hasn’t gone how he hoped it would, he has become a core special teams player on coverage units. That will be required for a third back in Pittsburgh, so he still has some value. Again, Tampa Bay is filled with poachable talent, but Vaughn makes the most sense.
Others considered: None
Steelers target from Titans: QB Malik Willis
It was no secret that the Steelers liked Malik Willis last year when they were on the hunt for their next quarterback. The Liberty product was a classic high-ceiling, low-floor player coming out of the draft, as he had a strong arm and great athleticism but lacked the nuances of a typical quarterback. He was very much a developmental player.
That didn’t stop the Titans from playing him though when they needed him. Willis struggled, and now he appears to be out of favor with the team already. Will Levis was drafted to be the quarterback of the future, so unless the Titans keep three quarterbacks, Willis is likely to be cut.
While Willis struggled as a rookie, it was also well-known that he wasn’t pro-ready as a player. The Titans did him no favors by starting him. The Steelers would be a different story. Their top two quarterbacks are set, and while Mason Rudolph is a safe bet to be the third option, he also is expendable. His contract is easy to get out of and the odds of him going elsewhere don’t seem strong.
Willis could come in and sit for the year as he works on developing his game. Maybe he takes some steps forward and becomes a viable backup or even trade bait. There is no risk in adding him assuming he is cut, so the Steelers should be willing to give him a chance considering how interested they were in him last year.
Others considered: None
Steelers target from Commanders: OC Tyler Larsen
The final team on this list, and of course, I couldn’t find a natural fit for the Steelers to target. That was until I noticed that Washington drafted Arkansas center Ricky Stromberg, a player that I liked and felt the Steelers could have targeted later in the draft. That leaves current backup center Tyler Larsen at risk of missing the roster.
Larsen is an extremely dependable backup center option. He had one real season where he looked like a potential starter (that being the 2017 season) before he settled into his role as a depth player. He has still been a starter at times, but he has taken on the role of core backup and done well there.
He would be an upgrade over any name on the Steelers roster at backup center. Assuming he is cut, Pittsburgh would be wise to scoop him up and strengthen their depth chart. He is fine being a backup, would be great insurance, and would likely be playing at the minimum if he were cut. There is no reason not to bring him in.
Others considered: None
And that is that. As training camp gets closer, the Steelers will be looking to finalize their roster and get better at areas they feel inadequate at. There are a lot of fine names that would be logical targets for this team as well.