The Pittsburgh Steelers have already seen some highs and lows through their first week of training camp. Through that, we are already getting a clearer picture of what the roster bubble looks like.
For a handful of names, they are just merely keeping a seat warm until roster cutdowns in a few weeks.
Some names have value that find themselves on the bubble, however. They have NFL experience and/or positional value that could lend to interest from other teams in the league.
While there isn’t anyone with tremendous value, the Steelers could flip quite a few names for draft picks. In doing so, they can continue to build out their draft pick reserves for future classes.
Pittsburgh Steelers players that should be on the trade block ASAP
DeMarvin Leal, DL
The least likely name to get traded on this list, and that certainly isn’t because the Steelers will want to keep him. A former third-round pick, DeMarvin Leal’s career hasn’t panned out as many had hoped.
As a former high pick, though, a team that had liked him in the draft could trade for him to ensure he joined their roster instead of being exposed to waivers. We would be talking about a conditional 7th-round pick in future years at best, but if Kendrick Green could get dealt, anyone can.
Corliss Waitman, P
The Steelers have better-than-expected depth with their specialists right now, and while a trade can be hard to navigate, a timely injury could make a team desperate. Corliss Waitman punted well last year, and he isn’t on the outside looking in because of his struggles.
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The team tried to do this with Braden Mann a few years ago, but I would argue that Waitman is the better punter at this point. I wouldn’t be shocked to see him fetch a late-round pick if injuries strike around the league.
Ben Sauls, K
It was surprising to see Ben Sauls sign with the Steelers after camp. Many expected him to be drafted, and at worst, go to a team to compete for a starting role. Instead, he will sit behind Chris Boswell and see a lot of action to keep the veteran fresh.
A few years ago, we saw a similar case happen with Kaare Vedvik, where he signed with the Ravens, wasn’t going to replace Justin Tucker, but played well enough to get traded. If Sauls can look as good as he did in school, he could garner some interest around the league.
Spencer Anderson, OL
The last two names on this list have the most value. Spencer Anderson, at one point, looked like a potential future starter and, at worst, versatile depth all across the line. However, when he stepped in last year for James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo, the Steelers decided that his play wasn’t up to the level that they wanted.
The interior line depth is interesting, and we have seen some names make some noise already. If that continues, and Anderson gets jumped, he could fetch a moderate pick from another team. Offensive linemen are hard to come by, and if Anderson is made available, someone would come calling.
Cory Trice, DB
As of late, I have shifted my view of Cory Trice from being a roster lock to being squarely on the bubble. While I liked his play when given the opportunity, the Steelers have aggressively added to the cornerback room, and Trice has tumbled down the depth chart.
With enough other options in the room, Trice being cut isn’t out of the question. I’m not quite ready to say he is on the bubble, but if the other players show enough talent, Pittsburgh could field calls. If dealt, he easily has the most value.