The XFL season is finally over as the league made a successful turnover since their previous installment. That saw the league fold again for a second time, but the Covid pandemic could be seen as a contributor to that fall from grace in 2020. New ownership of the XFL was at hand this time around and things seem to be moving in a positive direction.
Obviously, this product was not at the same level as the NFL, nor will it ever be. This league does provide an opportunity for those players that have missed out on NFL opportunities or fell out of favor with the professional ranks. There are plenty of quality players from the XFL that are getting signed, but the current free agents from the championship game are free to sign anywhere.
Steelers could make a bold move and sign an XFL punter soon
One position that does not seem to need more players is punter. Both Pressley Harvin III and Braden Mann are on the roster to battle for the top spot at the position. Neither of those two options are going to wow anyone with their kicking abilities.
Some of these smaller leagues like the XFL and the USFL could provide great shots at getting to the NFL, especially for specialists. Both punters and kickers should get prime chances to challenge for starting jobs in the highest league in the world for the sport of football.
Perhaps one of the biggest personalities from this past season for the league was Marquette King. He would be a nice infusion of character into the locker room. King has a good chunk of NFL experience as well, which should make his push for the starting job less rocky. Signing King would kick out either Mann or Harvin off the 90-man roster.
A D.C. EDGE rusher could have caught the eye of some NFL clubs
Nick Herbig was a quality selection in the draft by the Steelers, but he is no sure-fire bet for the depth role. He is coming out of college light and still needs to fill out his frame at the next level to become a reliable edge rusher. That could also lead to him becoming an inside linebacker, which could work out either way for both parties.
Adding someone to challenge for the last roster spot at outside linebacker is something Pittsburgh has yet to accomplish. They do have Quincy Roche on the roster, but the competition behind him is scarce. There are plenty of talented free agents from the XFL still available that could help the cause.
A couple of names come to mind from either club that participated in the championship game. The most notable being Davin Bellamy who played for the D.C. Defenders. His team was the best overall in the league, but they were not able to emerge victorious in the big game. Bellamy was a consistent edge rusher throughout the year.
Competition is the name of the game when you hold so many players during the pre-season process. Bringing in Bellamy would provide that for some of the bottom of the roster guys and create an opportunity to get better. He is a smart defender with a good hunk of experience that could push for the final roster.
Adding a quality back to challenge for the third spot on the roster is ideal
Pittsburgh has seemingly gone more of a quantity rather than quality approach to their competition at third string running back. Not to knock any of the bottom of the roster players, but there are some better options that could upgrade the position. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren are a great one-two punch, but bringing in a third option is a good idea.
Currently, Anthony McFarland Jr. is the front runner to make the team as the third option. He should be a reliable back, but he has yet to make the roster throughout his young NFL career. He has not shown a ton of special teams in terms of punt and kick coverage. McFarland has shown some return ability, but nothing that will shock you.
Behind him is Master Teague and newly signed undrafted free agent Alfonzo Graham. Those three will battle for the final spot, but there is a better free agent out there that would be a more viable option. Abram Smith was the best running back in the XFL this season, and that offense complimented him perfectly.
He is a former undrafted free agent out of Baylor that originally signed with the New Orleans Saints. He would be drafted by the Defenders with the top pick of the XFL draft, which paid off for D.C. He would go on to lead the league in rushing and help forge one of the most consistent offenses in the XFL this past season.
The Steelers dip back into the secondary market with a versatile defensive back
We already know that the black and gold signed a cornerback from the XFL already, but they could continue that trend soon. Luq Barcoo was the best shut down corner in the league this past season and got rewarded with a contract to try and make the Steelers roster. There were a few other defensive backs that could have caught Pittsburgh's attention.
One of the best defensive backs during this past year played for one of the best defenses across the league. Michael Joseph of the Defenders was able to cause a lofty number of turnovers and become one of the better defenders against the pass. One of his best abilities on the field is his availability in terms of position flexibility.
He has the size to play outside cornerback at the next level, but he was also used in the box as well. That would be a great addition to the Steelers roster, especially after Terrell Edmunds left for Philadelphia earlier this offseason. Keanu Neal will take the starting responsibilities, but having a flexible depth player would be a great addition.
Right now, the strong safety spot on this roster has a couple of question marks. Neal is not much different than Edmunds, but he is not as consistent throughout his career. Bringing in Joseph might not be a challenger for the starting safety spot, but he could be a nice addition for one of the last openings on the roster at corner and play some in the box if needed.
A familiar name joins the fold to try and secure one of the last roster spots
Receiver is another spot that this club does not need at their current roster construction. There are talented players at the starting position and others that should return as constant contributors on special teams. Others that currently sit on the roster should have been gone a while ago and it makes little sense to keep them around.
Moving on from those that will likely not make the final roster should be something that could have been done yesterday. Signing a receiver through the free agency route would then be in play. Adding a standout playmaker from the XFL could be a nice option for the black and gold if they decide to take that alternative.
Most of you probably think Martavis Bryant's name is going to be thrown out here, but he had a terrible season with the Vegas Vipers. One name that some fans might remember from last pre-season is Tyler Vaughns. He made a couple of big plays during that time but did not make the final cut for the roster.
Things started off slowly for Vaughns in the XFL, but the addition of quarterback Luis Perez via trade sparked him and his club. That started to lead to better chances coming his way in the passing game and changed the entire dynamic of that offense. It led to an explosive stat line in the championship game where Vaughns led his team in receptions and receiving yards.