Few have Will Howard on the hot seat, especially after the Pittsburgh Steelers spent the entire offseason praising his development. There is legitimate intrigue surrounding his long-term potential as the team’s future starting quarterback, but nothing has been finalized.
Howard still needs to earn the backup role over Mason Rudolph and Drew Allar this season, and there remains a scenario in which he does not make the final roster.
If Pittsburgh keeps only three quarterbacks on the depth chart, one will be among the final roster cuts. Howard may have the inside track to earn the backup role over Mason Rudolph and Drew Allar, but nothing is guaranteed. He is a former sixth-round pick who did not take a single snap during his rookie season.
While some fans have already labeled him as the next big thing at the position, that projection is far from certain at this stage of his career.
When it comes to other veterans on the roster who should be concerned about their jobs, there are not many clear high-profile candidates. However, there are scenarios worth monitoring from now through training camp and the preseason. Developments during that stretch could significantly impact job security as the summer progresses. Those shifts may ultimately influence roster cuts.
Pittsburgh Steelers could make some shocking moves when final roster cuts arrive
Will Howard
His job appears safe for now, but Will Howard could still lose his spot on the depth chart if he is not careful. Drew Allar is viewed as a lock to make the roster, and Mason Rudolph brings valuable experience. The Steelers hope Howard will emerge as Aaron Rodgers’ backup this season, but he still has to earn that role.
If he fails to beat out Rudolph, he could find himself among the final roster cuts.
Malik Harrison
He has flown under the radar this offseason, but Malik Harrison did not live up to expectations last year. Releasing him would create meaningful cap savings, which would add another reason why a potential move could make sense. Pittsburgh did not bring in outside upgrades at inside linebacker, but if someone unexpected emerges, Harrison’s role could quickly come into question.
Kaleb Johnson
It has only been a year since Kaleb Johnson was a third-round pick by the team, but several factors are working against him. His spot on the roster is far from secure after a mistake-filled rookie season, limited playing time, and the arrival of a new coaching staff. Johnson faces strong competition for a roster spot, and the running back still has a great deal to prove if he wants any playing time.
Ben Skowronek
Moving on from Ben Skowronek does not seem to be a priority, especially given his connection with Aaron Rodgers. When you factor in his value as a blocker and contributor on special teams, his roster spot appears safe for now. That said, the situation could change if the team adds another veteran wide receiver, which would introduce new competition.
Skowronek may have reason for concern if Pittsburgh brings in an established option through free agency.
Cameron Johnston
Perhaps the most obvious candidate for this list is Cameron Johnston. He is a veteran punter the Steelers trust, but he lost his starting job last year. There is no guarantee he will hold onto that role through final roster cuts this time around. Pittsburgh could bring in another punter to create legitimate competition, which would once again put pressure on Johnston’s spot on the roster.
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