The Pittsburgh Steelers have only inked five undrafted free agents, marking a notably low figure for the team. In 2023, they secured six, making this year's signings even fewer. Similarly, the Philadelphia Eagles also kept their numbers low, bringing in just seven undrafted free agent players. This downward trend in signings reflects a broader pattern.
Eagles.com
Eagles GM Howie Roseman smiles on the sideline before a game.
During a media session on Monday, Eagles GM Howie Roseman shed light on the rationale behind Philadelphia's minimal signings. He cited the overall lack of strength in the class as a determining factor. Additionally, Roseman detailed the Eagles' proactive strategy in response to this weakness, emphasizing their efforts to secure practice squad players towards the end of the year.
"It's the smallest undrafted group I have ever been a part of. I think we only signed seven guys, so yeah, it's different. I believe a big part of that is because we made a conscious decision after the season to try and recruit guys from teams' practice squads, where we had some tape to watch.”
Roseman emphasized their awareness of the weak undrafted free agent class. They took proactive steps immediately after the season, targeting players from other teams' practice squads to bolster their roster.
“We felt like that was a unique opportunity for us that we wanted to take advantage of based on this class. Knowing that this class was kind of different and wouldn't have the same opportunities in the undrafted market as maybe next year's class, we tried to capitalize on that. I think it'll be back to normal next year."
In mid-January, the Steelers took a proactive approach by signing 17 players to futures/reserves contracts. They appeared to adopt a strategy akin to the Eagles', capitalizing on the unique opportunity presented by a weak class to fortify their roster. This approach allows them to augment their team both externally and internally without succumbing to the pressure of signing players they wouldn't typically consider due to the weakness of the class.
Steelers Reveal They Have Signed 5 Undrafted Free Agents After 2024 Draft
Among the five signings made by Pittsburgh are Beanie Bishop Jr., a cornerback from West Virginia University; Daijun Edwards, a running back from Georgia; John Rhys Plumlee, a quarterback from Central Florida; Julius Welschof, a linebacker from Charlotte; and Jacoby Windmon, a linebacker from Michigan State.
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Former WVU cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. running with the ball after an interception.
During his appearance on a podcast Wednesday morning, Steelers GM Omar Khan shared their high expectations for Bishop, foreseeing him as a contender for the nickel cornerback position and anticipating his impact on special teams. Similar hopes likely extend to Edwards, Welschof, and Windmon. The forthcoming season will reveal how many of these five players secure spots on the 53-man roster and get the opportunity to play in 2024.
Steelers.com
Steelers' Jaylen Warren running during training camp back in 2022.
Life as an undrafted free agent presents challenges, with only a select few making it onto official rosters. However, success stories like running back Jaylen Warren serve as proof that hidden gems can indeed be found in the undrafted free agent market. Warren is poised for another exciting season with the team after delivering one of his finest performances yet. With Arthur Smith now at the helm of the offense, it appears probable that Warren will once more enjoy ample opportunities in 2024.
While their undrafted free agent list remains modest, the exact number of signings expected to secure a spot on the 53-man roster remains uncertain. However, they are afforded an opportunity to compete. As highlighted by Roseman, there is optimism for an improved undrafted free agent market next year, suggesting a leveling out of opportunities.
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