Steelers could pluck another 'avatar' cornerback for their 2024 roster

The Pittsburgh Steelers are putting the finishing touches on their 2024 roster, but not everyone who makes the final 53 is going to come from an in-house option. There are thin positions on the team, like wide receiver, in which Omar Khan could look to the waiver wire for help.

On August 27, all teams were required to cut their rosters down to just 53 players. This means that teams who were deep at certain positions weren't able to keep talented players. One of the most intriguing players who was a casualty during NFL roster cutdowns is cornerback Caleb Farley.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Tennessee Titans were parting with the talented cornerback just hours before the deadline.

Farley, a first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has not shown the ability to stay healthy. He played in just three games as a rookie after having back surgery leading up draft and tearing his ACL. In his second season, Farley worked his way back and saw the field for nine games.

In 2023, Farley was involved with the Titans but was not available to play due to issues involving a nerve. Farley had a second back surgery in 2022.

Steelers should gamble on Caleb Farley

It's hard to find players with a more extensive injury history in their first three seasons than Farley. However, much like Cory Trice Jr., the talent has always been there (it's simply a matter of staying on the football field).

After Farley finally looked healthy and ready to go during the 2024 preseason, the new regime in Tennessee wasn't willing to give the injury-prone cornerback another chance. The Steelers should pounce at the opportnity to sign him to their roster.

Though the Steelers want dependable and durable players on their defense, there's no doubt Farley is a name they are familiar with. Mike Tomlin knew the former Virginia Tech cornerback well during his college days.

Farley also fits perfectly in the mold of the 'avatar' cornerbacks (as Tomlin likes to say) that this team has been looking for since Omar Khan and Andy Weidl took over Pittsburgh's front office. From a size and traits standpoint, Farley fits right in with the direction of the group at 6'1'' and 207 pounds with 33 3/8'' arms.

Farley didn't participate in athletic testing prior to getting drafted due to back surgery, but NFL DraftScout has him clocked hand time at 4.40 coming out of college, and he was an outstanding athlete on tape.

While there's little hope of Farley turning out to be anything more than a reserve cornerback who can contribute on special teams, signing the former first-round pick is well worth the potential payout. Just like adding Darius Rush and Cory Trice to the roster, if the Steelers throw enough darts at big, long, athletic cornerbacks, eventually one of them is going to hit who can prove worthy of a starting job opposite Joey Porter Jr.

The Steelers are very thin at cornerback, and while a slot CB is likely what they are looking for, Caleb Farley has too much upside and talent waiting to be unlocked for Pittsburgh not to sign him to their 53-man roster.