At the conclusion of the 2023 NFL Draft weekend, the Pittsburgh Steelers roster still has some openings. They are a few short of the maximum allowed of 90, which teams try and fill out to see as many players and prospects as possible. With three spots open, it seems inevitable that General Manager Omar Khan and the front office will make a move or two to fill out the squad.
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Cornerback Chandon Sullivan brings some much-needed experience in the slot for the Steelers.
The team went light on the undrafted free agent pool, possibly with the intention of signing a free agent or two. Leaving a few spots open like they did allows for flexibility before the summer. In the midst of the draft weekend, the team did sign Chandon Sullivan, which addressed their need for a true slot corner. He has started 31 career games across five years with the Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Minnesota Vikings.
While he may not be the true answer in the slot, it's some temporary depth, as he will likely compete with Arthur Maulet for that spot. There are still some small needs for more depth across this roster, which Khan has done a tremendous job at filling out this offseason.
Add an edge rusher
Before some of you ask, yes, the Steelers plan on keeping Nick Herbig at outside linebacker. That essentially puts him as the team's No. 3 OLB behind TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith, with Quincy Roche also looming. Still, the team needs more depth there. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, it's the one position where there is still some quality depth left in free agency.
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As of now, Steelers OLB Quincy Roche seems primed to make the team's 53-man roster in 2023.
At this point, the Steelers may feel comfortable with their edge rusher room, but they should add at least one more, at least for competition. Jamir Jones was released just over a month ago, which we found out on Monday as to why. He was arrested for domestic battery, which now makes a lot more sense as to the sudden release. As for the options that are out there, Leonard Floyd, Justin Houston, and Markus Golden are just a few of the talented names.
Bring in a fourth quarterback
Many thought the team may select a quarterback late in the 2023 NFL Draft, as they met with Clayton Tune and Jaren Hall in the pre-draft process. That didn't end up being the case, as those guys ended up being fifth-rounders. The Steelers did pick up a quarterback in the undrafted free agent pool in Tanner Morgan out of the University of Minnesota. In five years at Minnesota, Morgan appeared in 51 games and threw for 9,454 yards, 65 touchdowns, and 32 interceptions.
While he enjoyed a successful career, he doesn't project as anything more than a training camp arm in the NFL. For now, he's the third quarterback on the roster, but that shouldn't hold true for long. Mason Rudolph remains a free agent, as he hasn't garnered as much interest as he may have hoped. The XFL continues to be a likely route, as Ben DiNucci makes too much sense. Our very own Jackson Shover highlighted a few other possible options in Brandon Allen and Brett Rypien.
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Quarterback Mason Rudolph's best option at this point may be to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers .
Steelers bring back familiar face
Either the Steelers are comfortable with the inside linebacker room, or they have a plan to sign someone. While many saw Nick Herbig as an off-ball linebacker when they drafted him on Saturday, he will stay as an outside 'backer for now. That leaves the linebacker room with Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts, Tanner Muse, and Mark Robinson. That leaves the room with arguably not enough depth, especially after the top two guys.
Bringing back Myles Jack is a move that makes sense for both sides. On the surface, it seems he hasn't gotten much interest around the league. He could come back as the third inside linebacker, and his speed could still be used in sub-packages. The team could arguably use another special teams guy, like a Derek Watt or Benny Snell Jr., but there doesn't seem to be spots on the 53-man roster for either of those former Steelers.
What do you think the team will/should do with the open roster spots? Are you considered about the team's depth at OLB or ILB more? Who should the team bring in as a fourth arm to compete with Morgan? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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