It has been a successful season for the XFL at this point of their schedule. They head into the weekend with their eighth week of competition. Plenty of players are starting to separate themselves from the current talent pool that they are playing against. Some NFL teams will take notice of some players in this league and sign them to make their rosters come pre-season.
The Steelers do not have their eyes solely on these players right now as they figure themselves out during the offseason process. Free agency has been fast paced thus far and that could continue leading up to the draft. The news surrounding the team and the draft spectacular has been fast and furious. which could put signing XFL players on the back burner until the season concludes on May 13.
Targeting a defensive back with a knack for turnovers could interest the Steelers
There are a couple of defensive backs that could pique the interest of the black and gold once the XFL season ends. One name to monitor is Michael Joseph of the D.C. Defenders. He has been one of the best corners in the league this year, especially when it comes to forcing turnovers. The Defenders have one of the best defenses in the league overall, and Joseph is one of their best players.
It has been a long and crazy road for this cornerback. He signed with the Chicago Bears as a free agent in 2018 after going undrafted. Joseph went to a division three program called Dubuque. After sticking around the Bears organization for four seasons, this corner was looking for a new job. He produced at a high level in college and is now translating that over to the XFL. He has totaled four interceptions, with two of them in the end zone.
Adding a slot receiver option from the XFL could be the way to go
A lot of homework is being invested into adding a receiver to the team through the draft. That should be a lesser need right now, but it is one that cannot be overlooked entirely. Calvin Austin III is a small receiver, but many believe that he could fit into that slot role well. The biggest issue with Austin is his lack of experience after his season ending injury early into training camp last year.
One player that could be an interesting free agent pickup for Pittsburgh from the XFL is Cody Latimer. He is a big target that has gotten a lot of playing time as a prime receiving threat with the terrible Orlando Guardians. Latimer has been given a second chance in the XFL as a tight end option rather than a receiver, which he was drafted as in the NFL.
He has a lot left to prove this season, but he could be an interesting big man target for the Steelers offense. Even though he is listed as a tight end on the roster officially, he has not done much blocking for that team. Latimer would be an oversized slot receiver for the black and gold, and that could be an interesting option to bring into training camp to try out.
Mason Rudolph's unknown future could lead to the Steelers looking elsewhere
Only two quarterbacks currently sit on the Steelers roster, and that will change between now and the start of training camp. Pittsburgh always carries three quarterbacks on their roster by the time the regular season rolls around, and they usually carry four into training camp to start. Mason Rudolph is still available and if his free agency is as dry as his play, he could always re-sign with the black and gold.
Drafting someone to be a third option might be the safest bet right now, as using a seventh round flier on one makes sense. If the draft fails to address that need and Rudolph does not return, looking into some XFL options could be a realistic route. One name to monitor could be Brandon Silvers with the amount of experience that he carries on his resume.
Pittsburgh is no stranger to signing XFL quarterbacks before as they did with Tommy Maddox many years ago. Silvers has been the most consistent quarterback overall in the league and could continue to impress as the season pushes on. The Houston Roughnecks are one of the best teams and Silvers is a big reason why that is. He would be a solid third option behind Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky with the number of starts that he gained this season.
Another impressive outside linebacker could be signed from the XFL
Bud Dupree is currently visiting the Steelers upon writing this article, and he could sign with his former team. It makes a lot of sense for both sides, but there are plenty of other options out there if that contract never comes to fruition. Outside linebacker depth is a big need for the Steelers and they have kept plenty of their options open this offseason.
Adding someone like Dupree in free agency could potentially rule out this signing, but not completely. Trent Harris has been the top defensive player in the XFL after seven weeks of competition. He has been a disruptive force and that has shown up in almost every aspect of the game. In only five contests, this edge rusher has totaled six sacks and plenty of tackles for loss on top of that.
Adding someone like Harris, no matter if Dupree signs or not would be a big boost to depth at the outside linebacker position. When you watch the talent at this level, Harris just stands out among the other players on the field. He would push for the fourth and likely final outside linebacker spot on this roster, Harris deserves to be in the NFL with the type of play he is showing in the XFL this year.
Adding a star running back to a loaded stable could be beneficial to the Steelers
One of the top MVP candidates for the XFL this season has been Abram Smith of the D.C. Defenders. He has been running the ball extremely well, which has led to a winning identity formed by the Defenders. They run the ball well and capitalize on passing when situations may arise. They also lean on their defense to stall incoming offenses to slow the game down.
He has been the top running back in the league and should continue that same production moving forward. His team relies on him to balance out their offense since their quarterbacks cannot win games on their own. Smith has been a tank this season and it should catch the eyes of plenty of NFL scouts that will continue to monitor the season.
The Steelers should show interest in this player to come in and sit in their third string running back spot. Smith would provide great competition for Jaylen Warren for the second spot behind Najee Harris in camp. An addition like this back would provide tremendous depth and potential special teams play as well. Benny Snell Jr. and the draft could be some interesting options to address the depth issues at running back, but adding someone like Smith would upgrade the position even more.