The Pittsburgh Steelers just recently completed Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and minicamp at the end of last week. The team released cornerback Isaiah Johnson a day after minicamp concluded on June 10th. The Steelers had 90 men on the roster before releasing Johnson. They have yet to sign another guy to the roster as it sits at 89 guys. So, are the Steelers planning to sign a veteran guy or just another body for training camp?
According to OvertheCap.com, the team has approximately $20.6 million in salary cap remaining for the 2022 NFL season. Of course, the Steelers still need to extend players like that superstar free safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Pro Bowl wide receiver, Diontae Johnson, and I expect those deals to be signed prior to the season starting! The team also still has to sign first round quarterback, Kenny Pickett. However, there's still a 90th spot that needs to be filled.
My 5 Most Intriguing Options to fill the Steelers' 90th Roster Spot
Dec 8, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu (97) signals first down after a turnover on downs by the Houston Texans during the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Glaser-USA TODAY Sports
Attaochu, 29, would be a stellar third option at the outside linebacker position to spell Defensive Player of the Year TJ Watt and second year starter, Alex Highsmith. Attaochu is a career backup at the position and that's exactly what the Steelers need, just so there's no confusion of the role he would be asked to play. The outside linebacker has played in 79 career games, only starting in 23 of those, totaling 146 combined tackles, 20.5 sacks, 31 tackles for a loss, and 43 QB hits in his eight-year career. He would be signed as the primary backup to Watt and Highsmith and add to the room of Genard Avery, Tuzar Skipper, Derek Tuszka and Delontae Scott.
JC Tretter #64 of the Cleveland Browns plays against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Tretter, 31, most recently of the Steelers' AFC North "rival," the Cleveland Browns. Tretter started his career with the Green Bay Packers after being drafted by the team in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Tretter has been Mr. Consistent in his NFL career. According to Pro Football Focus, the center was ranked sixth in the league last year at the position. He hasn't scored below 72 on PFF's scaling over the last four seasons. I don't care that the Steelers signed Mason Cole earlier in the free agency period this off-season, when a team can turn one of their worst positions on the field to one of their best in a single signing, that team should do it. That's the kind of move signing Tretter would be for the Steelers' offense. He would add great veteran leadership to a very young offensive line. Ideally, he would come in and compete with Cole for the starting center spot.
May the best man win, and the other guy would be the first interior offensive lineman off the bench. That scenario is a huge upgrade over the one the Steelers' offensive line found themselves in last season.
Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Suh, 35, is still a force in the NFL, even on the back end of his career. With the recent retirement of Stephon Tuitt on the defensive line, Suh would be a huge upgrade over what the Steelers currently have on the roster. Suh finished last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers totaling 27 combined tackles, 6 sacks, 7 tackles for a loss, 13 QB hits, and a fumble recovery. Suh just doesn't miss games. He played all 17 last season and has only missed two career games in his 12-year career. If the Steelers want to defend against the run and fill the void left by the Tuitt retirement, Suh is the answer!
Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images
The Steelers are in need of a RB2 to spell Najee Harris next season. Johnson spent last season with the Houston Texans. Obviously, years removed from putting up a combined 2,118 rushing and receiving yards and 20 TDs in 2016. He’s obviously not the Johnson of old, but he’d be a great number 2 in limited snaps! Johnson would be a great change of pace running back, who can be just as productive in the passing game as he is in the running game. The Steelers need a RB2 and they should look no further than Johnson.
Getty Images
Goldman, 28, has played nose tackle for the Chicago Bears for his entire career. However, in the Steelers’ 3-4 defense, Goldman, would most likely shift to a defensive end/tackle position. He has the capability and the tangibles to do so. Like Suh, Goldman would be a perfect fit to fill the void left by Tuitt on the defensive line! He’s extremely athletic for a 325 pound man and knows a thing or two about getting to the quarterback and stopping the run. Goldman, in his career, has posted 13 career sacks, 175 combined tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 21 QB hits.
What do yinz think about these five free agent options to take the 90th and final roster spot before training camp opens July 26th in Latrobe? Sound off in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram!
#SteelerNation
