The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't a team that usually forks up a lot of guaranteed money to undrafted free agents. They know that, historically, there's not a very good chance their UDFAs will make the final roster, and the front office has always prioritized their money elsewhere.
Over the years, however, we have seen some success stories. Most recently, undrafted Oklahoma State running back, Jalen Warren, not only hung around on the roster in 2022, but he carved out a significant role on offense.
Pittsburgh could go years without finding an undrafted rookie who could make the same impact, but that doesn't mean that a UDFA couldn't crack the final roster. Though it's still unlikely, these three undrafted free agents stand the best shot at making the team in 2023.
3. Steelers FB Monte Pottebaum
Pittsburgh Steelers fans became very familiar with Monte Pottebaum shortly after the 2023 NFL Draft. The bruising Iowa fullback rocks a pretty sick mullet, but when you put on the film, it's not hard to see why the team had an interest in signing him as a priority free agent.
Pottebaum is a very traditional fullback in the sense that he doesn't offer much as a pass-catcher or route-runner. What he can do, however, is lead block with the best of them. Pottebaum is a hard-nosed road-grader who would be Najee Harris' best friend in the running game.
At the same time, Pottebaum's chances are still pretty slim. If Matt Canada views Connor Heyward as more of a H-back/fullback than a tight end and he is the plan to replace Derek Watt, Pottebaum may be destined for the practice squad. However, if the team is looking for a true fullback who can help in the running game, he will have a shot to crack the roster.
2. Steelers QB Tanner Morgan
I didn't have a draftable grade on Tanner Morgan this year. Following the conclusion of the 2023 NFL Draft, I went back and watched more of his film, and I wasn't particularly pleased with what I saw.
In terms of traits and upside, Morgan is very limited. Not only is he undersized with below-average arm talent, he also doesn't offer anything in terms of athleticism and ability to extend the play on top of that. Regardless, it's easy to see a path to the roster for Morgan.
Historically, the Pittsburgh Steelers always keep three quarterbacks on their roster, and that certainly isn't going to change with the new rule that makes it so a third QB doesn't count as one of the 45 players active on game day. We know that Mike Tomlin is going to keep three quarterbacks and that Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky are his top two guys. We just don't know who the third is at this point in time.
Considering that Morgan is the only other name signed to a deal at this point in time, we would have to assume that he has a reasonable shot to stick around. This could change in a moment's notice if the team decides to add another veteran presence, but for now, Tanner Morgan has a shot to make the team in 2023.
Update: Mason Rudolph is expected to sign with the Steelers -- decreasing Tanner Morgan's chances of making the team.
1. Steelers EDGE David Perales
The final Steelers undrafted free agent who I believe stands a shot at cracking the 53-man roster and making the team is David Perales. The former Fresno State edge defender had an uber-productive college career -- earning 38.0 tackles for a loss and 23.0 sacks in three seasons. His best season came in 2022 when he earned 16.0 TFLs and 11.5 sacks in 14 games.
If college production was the only thing that mattered, Perales certainly would have been drafted. However, some concerning size measurables athletic traits caused him to fall out of the draft entirely. At his Pro Day, Perales measured in at just 6'2'' and 248 pounds with 32'' arms. He paired these unspectacular weigh-in numbers with a dismal 5.04 40-yard dash (1.74 10-yard split).
Collectively, Perales tested as just a 34th percentile athlete, according to his Relative Athletic Score. This is far less than ideal and really limits his upside, but the Steelers don't need a starter at the position with T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith on the roster. They are simply looking for depth to round out their roster.
Assuming Nick Herbig makes the team and is labeled as an outside linebacker for the Steelers, Perales' main competition for a final roster spot would be Quincy Roche -- a player who was already cut and later picked back up by the Steelers. Obviously, this could change if a veteran EDGE is added, but for now, there's a path for David Perales to make the Steelers roster.