Spring football has concluded following the UFL Championship. The DC Defenders exploded on offense to lead themselves to victory over the Michigan Panthers with a score of 58-34. With the season over, several players could be on the Pittsburgh Steelers' radar.
The Steelers have signed weapons from spring football in the past to compete for jobs at training camp. They could dip their toes back into that talent pool once more, especially at the receiver position—the desperation to find a second receiver after trading George Pickens grows. Time is running out, and signing a UFL receiver might be their only choice.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could target a United Football League WR to boost their roster
Siaosi Mariner, WR, Michigan Panthers
Pittsburgh could consider signing Siaosi Mariner, especially with his incredible effort in the UFL Championship. He had a terrific season, which saw him lead the entire United Football League in receiving yards. Mariner made explosive plays for the Michigan Panthers and became a reliable target for reigning UFL MVP Bryce Perkins.
This explosive receiver should have teams lining up for his services.
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan should be shooting for a better upgrade at the position, but if they want to sign a UFL option, Mariner would be terrific. He went undrafted in 2020 but spent time between the Raiders and Ravens practice squads for two years. Ever since he jumped from Canada to the UFL, he's earned his next NFL opportunity, and the Steelers could be a landing spot.
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Chris Rowland, WR, DC Defenders
No receiver in the UFL has become more productive than Chris Rowland. He barely missed out on leading the league in receiving yards, finishing just five behind Mariner. Rowland produced three receiving touchdowns compared to Mariner's one. The DC Defender is an electric playmaker that can be used in a variety of ways. If a team is searching for an explosive dynamo, Rowland is their guy.
Not only did he prove himself as a receiver, but Rowland has become a dynamic returner. He can return kicks and punts as a special teams ace. He has also received plenty of handoffs in specific run plays. Rowland would be a fantastic pickup for the Steelers, who could provide different options for the coaching staff as he tries to break onto their roster.
Deon Cain, WR, Birmingham Stallions
Pittsburgh should be familiar with Deon Cain after he was with the Steelers between 2019 and 2020.
He never found a niche on the roster, but he did play some snaps on offense. He could never figure things out in the NFL, but he has become a consistent force in the United Football League. He's a big weapon for the Birmingham Stallions, who suffered plenty of injuries at their quarterback position.
Most receivers would witness a significant dip in production after numerous injuries hitting the Stallion's quarterbacks. Cain found ways of staying productive throughout the year and was second in the UFL in receiving touchdowns. He produced six touchdowns and 514 yards. Cain is someone the Steelers are familiar with, who could get a second shot with the team after a masterful campaign.
Cornell Powell, WR, DC Defenders
A Darkhorse candidate to make noise in NFL circles this preseason is Cornell Powell. He exploded onto the scene late for the Defenders, but it was masterful. He jumped to the top of the UFL's leaderboard for receiving touchdowns with seven. He also compiled 418 receiving yards through only seven starts. He caught on fire late, which could create momentum to land a roster spot.
The Steelers should be interested in the former fifth-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs. He was stuck on their roster from 2021 to 2024. He isn't a massive receiver, but he has proven that he can play grimy. Powell is someone who popped up out of nowhere in the UFL, and the Steelers should be interested. If Pittsburgh wants a receiver with a shot at making the roster, Powell is their best choice.