While the bottom of any given NFL roster will constantly change each season, there are usually players entering training camp that you feel are relatively secure. It could be because of their contract or their status with the team, but these players are constantly found on final roster predictions. The Steelers are no exception to this rule.
Just look at last year, where everyone had Joe Haeg as a lock to be the swing tackle again. By the time roster cuts went down, Haeg was cut outright to the shock of many. The same story could unfold again this year. Here are four players the Steelers could surprisingly cut outright after training camp.
Tre Norwood may be on the outs with the Steelers
Tre Norwood has been a roster fixture since being drafted in the seventh round of the draft. As a rookie, he was a surprisingly effective defensive player. He wore multiple hats and had a knack for making plays in coverage. His play dropped off last year, as his ability to consistently tackle made him a liability for this team.
Heading into this offseason, Norwood has an opportunity to become a slot defender. Just as likely though is that he is cut from this roster. He fell out of favor with the Steelers, and if he can’t recapture some of his rookie success, he is likely cut this offseason. Despite the fact that he has been a contributor in the past doesn’t lock him into a roster spot for this upcoming season.
Zach Gentry may have been replaced by the Steelers
As the founding member of the Zach Gentry fan club, this one is hard for me to write. While I, like everyone else, wrote Gentry off a few seasons ago, he recreated himself and became a valuable member of this organization. No, he isn’t a dynamic weapon, but he can serve as a fine backup tight end that can also throw a block if need be.
Despite being a free agent this offseason, Gentry resigned with the team on a one-year deal. Given the value of the deal, he isn’t locked to this offense, but the value he brings on a cheap deal is undeniable. Personally, I would have been fine with Gentry resuming his role as the top backup.
That won’t be the case, as the Steelers drafted Darnell Washington in the third round. While I do love Gentry, Washington is an undeniably better prospect. He is an elite blocker that uses his frame to take out defenders. He is underdeveloped as a receiver but has the traits to be an effective weapon on offense.
Now, Gentry could certainly slide into the role as a third tight end with ease. The issue then comes with Connor Heyward. He will likely serve as the fullback as well as being used as a tight end. If the team only wants to keep three bodies here, Gentry could be at risk.
While I do ultimately think that Gentry sticks around, he is far from a roster lock. If the team decides to go lighter here, Gentry could be the odd man out. Washington will be the number two given his ability as a blocker and upside. Gentry is a fine third option, but he may not be needed this season as it stands.
Levi Wallace isn’t locked into a role with the Steelers
While I do believe some fans unfairly lump in Levi Wallace as a bad player, his roster spot isn’t as secure as I thought it would be heading into the offseason. Despite a fine season (especially considering the money he is getting paid), some seem to lump him in with the likes of former Steelers player Ahkello Witherspoon.
While Wallace is a fine second or third option, he may see his role quickly diminish this season. Joey Porter Jr. will likely see the field sooner than later, and if he catches on quickly, it could push Wallace into the third role. He had a few slot snaps last season, but he doesn’t profile well there.
I would be fine paying Wallace the money he is owed as a third cornerback, but there isn’t a guarantee he makes it there either. James Pierre is back again this season, and he flashed as the third cornerback last year. Cory Trice has a lot of good tape, and if he puts everything together quickly, he could jump Wallace as well.
The issue becomes this: if Wallace isn’t playing defensive snaps, he isn’t worth keeping on the roster. He isn't much of a special teams player at this point, so he needs to have some sort of a defensive role to justify his roster spot.
Of all the names on this list, I think Wallace has the best chance to stick on the roster. That said if he is quickly worked down the depth chart, he could become a cap casualty. He needs to hold off some younger competition in order to make this roster, and his spot certainly isn’t written in stone yet.
Could the Steelers cut Mason Rudolph
I have praised the Steelers quarterback moves this offseason, as they are three deep at the position and have Mitch Trubisky locked up for a few seasons past this year. While there is a really good chance that the team stays with what they have, I don’t think Mason Rudolph is a roster lock.
Looking at his reported contract, Rudolph returned to the team on a one-year, veteran minimum deal. He didn’t receive a signing bonus either, meaning he got the least amount of money possible from the team. That indicates that his market was next to nothing and that his return was a low-risk deal for the team.
Of course, the Steelers could roll out him and Trubisky and keep the quarterback room that deep. Rudolph getting cut would be contingent on another quarterback becoming available for next to nothing. This could be Tanner Morgan showing up and surprising people with good play, or it could be a release from another team in the league.
Rudolph presents no downside as a third quarterback, but he is also maxed out as a player. If a developmental name becomes available that this team likes, they could easily replace Rudolph. Again, Rudoplph won’t be cut outright for no reason, but if a more intriguing third option becomes available, Rudolph could be jettisoned from the roster.
While on the surface, these four players all have experience and seem like good fits on the roster, I wouldn’t write their names in permanent marker yet. Other options behind them make sense, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see these players be surprise cuts in the offseason.