The Pittsburgh Steelers have most of their roster settled with the NFL Draft in the rearview. They will make some alterations this preseason when injuries and other potential free-agent options become available. They want to create the most competitive roster possible, meaning they must continue their search for upgrades.
Several veterans on the Steelers roster could be searching for a new employer soon. They have too many defensive linemen, and notable players could be the odd man out. Other questions around the quarterback group and receivers could get role players from last year on the chopping block. Things could get interesting for Pittsburgh when final roster cuts are announced.
Mike Tomlin won't have easy decisions with his final choices.
Pittsburgh Steelers could make some shocking cuts after adding talent in the Draft
Cordarrelle Patterson, Running back/Returner
Najee Harris left in free agency, but no one thought Cordarrelle Patterson had a legitimate shot at earning a massive role on offense. Pittsburgh selected Kaleb Johnson to help replace Harris, and Jaylen Warren will tote the rock plenty. Kenneth Gainwell will be Patterson's monumental hurdle. Gainwell can be an effective returner, which is why the Steelers signed Patterson last year.
Numerous players are in the running back position now, and locating a roster spot for Patterson is troublesome. The veteran is a versatile piece who can also play receiver, but he dropped off a cliff after a fast start to last season. Unless injuries mount, it's hard to envision Patterson earning a spot on the team.
He is getting older, and they could save some cap space with his release.
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Isaiahh Loudermilk, Defensive tackle
With the additions of Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black during the NFL Draft, expect the Steelers to make some tough decisions in the trenches.
Several veteran defensive linemen will struggle to make this roster out of training camp. They must overcome the odds to win playing time, let alone a spot on the depth chart. Both Harmon and Black appear to be in Tomlin's plan this season. That could spell doom for others.
Isaiahh Loudermilk is someone Tomlin has grown comfortable with. He isn't a terrific player, but he can defend against the run and start in a pinch. Loudermilk re-signed with the team after jumping into free agency. He must earn his job this preseason, or he could struggle to land somewhere else. Loudermilk could be the start of many veteran players in the trenches who struggle to stick around.
Scotty Miller, Wide receiver
Scotty Miller benefited from a weak receiver group last year, which awarded him an adequate role on offense. The odds are against this NFL veteran. Miller re-signed with Pittsburgh on a one-year contract. His fellow teammate Ben Skowronek re-upped with the Steelers with a two-year deal. That has Miller behind the eight-ball, but it's worse when you realize Skowronek is a good special-teams player.
Skowronek isn't his only competition, as the Steelers have located plenty of upgrades this offseason. Miller would have to beat out Skowronek, plus four or five others at the position. Miller made a handful of plays last year, but he got quiet as the season progressed. The odds of him staying in Pittsburgh after the preseason are slim, but he might find a landing spot if he performs well.