The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently in the process of trimming their roster down to make the 53-man requirement before the start of the regular season. Like all the other teams in the league, there is talent being shed at many positions of need. With Week 1 vastly approaching, here is a list of five players the team should look at acquiring via trade or roster cuts:
1) Andre Dillard
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 03: Andre Dillard #77 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lincoln Financial Field on October 3, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The 22nd pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, Andre Dillard has been a quality left tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles. He played every game during his rookie year, starting in four of them, and was seen as a starter for the future. Unfortunately, Dillard tore his bicep during camp in 2020, and was out for the entire season. From there, Dillard was the backup for Jordan Mailata before being placed on the COVID list in 2021. The Eagles have since declined his fifth-year option, meaning he would be a free agent after this season. If Philadelphia does decide to part ways with Dillard, expect the Steelers to be interested in a potential upgrade to the offensive line.
2) Isaiah Wynn
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It’s become a rumor that the New England Patriots are looking to shop offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn and that the Steelers are among the front runners trying to acquire him. There’s not a lot of concrete evidence to support these claims, however if Wynn does become available, he would provide an immediate impact to the offensive line. With his size and abilities, Wynn could not only be slated to play tackle, but potentially guard as well. Regardless of whether you have him play along the interior or the exterior, Wynn is surely someone Pittsburgh would benefit from having.
3) Sony Michel
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 17: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Sony Michel #25 of the Los Angeles Rams in action against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on October 17, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Los Angeles Rams defeated the New York Giants 38-11. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
In his young professional career, Sony Michel has already had a solid career. In 2018, he was drafted by the Patriots in the first round and would go on to win Super Bowl LIII. Fast forward to this past season as a member of the Los Angeles Rams, he would win his second ring, defeating the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI. During his brief tenure with the Rams, Michel had a career high in receiving yards with 128 yards on 21 catches while adding 845 yards on the ground on 208 rushes.
The team has been continuing its search for a certified number two running back behind Najee Harris and Michel might be the answer if he should be let go by the Miami Dolphins, who like the Steelers, have a backlog of running backs. Pittsburgh may have enough confidence in who they already have, but Michel could be a good guy to scoop up if made available.
4) Ronald Jones
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In the case of Sony Michel not getting released and the Steelers still in the market for a number two back, there is another player who is similar who also has experience playing in the Super Bowl. Ronald Jones has played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since 2018 and helped them on their post-season run in 2020 en route to a victory in Super Bowl LV. Jones put up career best numbers during the 2020 season with 978 yards on 192 carries.
Jones was looking to become the lead back for the Kansas City Chiefs, but now it looks as though he may not be on their final 53-man roster. If he should get released, it’s like the previously stated situation with Michel where he could be a possible asset to Pittsburgh.
5) Jaquiski Tartt
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The lone defensive candidate on our list, Jaquiski Tartt could be a great piece to add to the team’s secondary to coincide with Minkah Fitzpatrick, Terrell Edmunds, Miles Killebrew and Damontae Kazee. Tartt is a solid option to have in the backfield. Last season with the San Francisco 49ers, Tartt recorded 66 tackles, 42 of which were solo tackles. Tartt also has deep playoff experience, appearing in the Super Bowl in 2019 and the NFC Championship game just last season. Between his skills, knowledge, and experience, Tartt would be another stud to add to an already stout defense.
Who would you want from our list? Leave a comment with your thoughts down below.
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