This is a tough time for teams and players around the NFL as they cut down their roster from 90 players to 53. Some will sit in free agency limbo until training camp next year, others will sign onto practice squads, and some will earn roster spots on other teams. Each club is looking to improve, and they could find those upgrades through roster cuts.
Everyone knows the Steelers are looking for potential upgrades across multiple positions on their roster. They remain active in trade rumors, but many also believe they might add some pieces through those who get cut as each NFL team situates their final roster heading into Week 1 of the regular season. It should be a busy time for Pittsburgh.
As roster cuts roll in, the Pittsburgh Steelers need to find upgrades
Terrance Marshall Jr. (WR)
The obvious choice for the Steelers here is Terrance Marshall Jr. of the Carolina Panthers. He has been on their roster bubble. The former second-round pick of the 2021 NFL Draft just hasn't been able to put things together with the Panthers. Marshall is someone who could benefit from a change of scenery and Pittsburgh could use some high pedigree guys.
Royce Newman (IOL)
With Nate Herbig missing the season with an injury, the Steelers could use an experienced interior offensive lineman. Royce Newman is someone who could be an option for Pittsburgh. Maybe they go with someone they know like Mason Cole, but Newman would be a quality option too. Most of his snaps have been at guard, but he can play center and tackle if needed.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling (WR)
Don't discount the fact that the Bills practiced and played against the Steelers late in the preseason process. It gave both teams opportunities to look at different players on each side of the field. Marquez Valdes-Scantling got injured during the game against Pittsburgh, but he should be ready for Week 1. He is a veteran guy in a crowded room in Buffalo who could be an upgrade for the Steelers.
James Bradberry (CB)
It is not often that a well-known cornerback becomes available at this time of year. The Steelers could use some experienced depth at cornerback. James Bradberry is coming off some bad performances, but he could be a nice addition to a young secondary group. The Eagles are turning their secondary around with a youth movement.
Miles Boykin (WR)
If the Steelers want to go in another direction, they could bring back Miles Boykin. He left this past offseason to fight for a spot with the Giants. It is a crowded group there, and Pittsburgh could make for a nice reunion. Boykin wouldn't provide much as a receiver, but he remains one of the better gunners in the NFL. This could spell disaster for Dez Fitzpatrick.
Luke Fortner (C)
Much like the Newman scenario, the Steelers should explore all options for adding an experienced upgrade at center. Luke Fortner would be a terrific option coming out of Jacksonville. He started the past two seasons for the Jaguars and was their third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Fortner could be a young and experienced option for Pittsburgh to solidify their depth problem at center.
Kadarius Toney (WR)
Fans might not be thrilled with this option at receiver, but Kadarius Toney has a ton of starting experience at the position. Van Jefferson would likely remain the opposite starter of George Pickens in this scenario, but Toney would be an upgrade as the fourth receiver on the team. He is still only 25 years old and was a first-round pick of the Giants in the 2021 NFL Draft.
D'Wayne Eskridge (WR)
Rounding out the list here with D'Wayne Eskridge out of Seattle. The former second-round pick of the Seahawks could be another upgrade for the Steelers. He wasn't able to find his footing in Seattle, but the Steelers showed significant interest in him when he was coming out of the draft. Add in the fact that he showed himself as a punt returner this preseason, and Pittsburgh might bring him aboard.