It would be rather surprising if the Pittsburgh Steelers did not make several more adjustments to the roster before the first preseason game in early August. The organization may even have enough cap space to make a significant one. While General Manager, Omar Khan had what looks to be a perfect offseason on paper, it would be naive for the front office to ignore opportunities to make the roster even better before the 2023 season gets underway. Pittsburgh already has a couple of XFL players competing for spots on the 53-man roster and could have options in the United States Football League (USFL) as well.
Steelers General Manager, Omar Khan stares off into the distance as he stands on the field in Pittsburgh, PA. Photo Credit: George Gojkovich / Getty Images
It just so happens that the (somewhat) hometown team in the league, the Pittsburgh Maulers, have clawed their way into the USFL Championship Game despite a losing record in the regular season of 4-6. The big game will take place at the team's home field on Saturday at Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, OH and the Maulers will go head-to-head against the Birmingham Stallions.
The trek from the USFL to the NFL is never an easy one and it's even harder for players to make a 53-man roster. With the season ending in the first week of July in 2023, it will be a quick turnaround for any of the USFL guys playing in the championship game to heal up, get signed and be ready for NFL training camp. Some guys are going to get looks regardless, however.
With the Maulers being close by in Canton, the Steelers brass has likely had a good opportunity to pay attention to the team throughout the course of the 2023 USFL season. Now, the Maulers will be in the national spotlight on Saturday and players hoping to get a call from NFL teams will have one final chance to prove themselves in the league's biggest game. Khan and Head Coach, Mike Tomlin should be keeping close eyes on a couple of potential fits.
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach, Mike Tomlin looks on during training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA in July 2022. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
1.) Former Steelers Cornerback, Mark Gilbert
Everyone is aware that the Steelers' organization loves familiarity. The cornerback room could use a little more competition and Gilbert may be the perfect alternate option given his familiarity with the franchise. He was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2021 and while he never played in a regular season game for the Steelers, he had a couple different stints on the practice squad.
Gilbert led the USFL with four interceptions and is an intriguing, young player who is sure to get NFL interest after a great season in the USFL. The Steelers may be the best fit for him if teams do come calling.
2.) Nasir Player, DE
Help on the defensive line is always needed. Veteran guys like Cameron Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi aren't going to play 100% of snaps throughout a 17-game regular season and Player would have the opportunity to come into camp with a chance to make a strong impression. He has a large frame at 6'5", 271 pounds and has tons of experience after playing 44 collegiate games at East Tennessee State University.
Player had 28 tackles and 3.5 sacks for the Maulers in the 2023 regular season and, like Gilbert, is a key part of a defensive unit that is only allowed an average of 17.2 points per game. He deserves a shot at the NFL level.
Former East Tennessee State University defensive lineman, Nasir Player lines up prior to a snap in a collegiate game. | Photo Credit: East Tennessee State University Athletics
3.) Isiah Hennie, WR/Return Specialist
It's unlikely Hennie would be used quite often in the Steelers' passing game and the wide receiver room is already quite crowed, but if Gunner Olszewski fails to make the team and the organization wants to take it easy on Calvin Austin III's foot to begin the year, the door could be open for a return specialist to come in and make a difference for the punt team.
Hennie returned 17 punts in 2023 for the Maulers and averaged over 17 yards per return. For reference, Olszewski only averaged 6.9 yards per return before being benched in favor of Steven Sims in 2022, but he went on to only manage 5.5 yards per return. A spark in the punt return game could be huge for a new and (hopefully) improved offensive unit. Kick returns may be irrelevant in 2023 due to new rules, but a dynamic return man on the punt team could make a huge difference for the Steelers.
Who will you be watching in the USFL Championship Game? Let us know in the comments below!
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