Steelers Could Target Important Reunion With Defensive Lineman To Solidify Depth Ahead Of Week 1

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the final stages of wrapping up decisions regarding the 53-man roster. They have already started cutting some players, and more are coming. While there are always a few surprises over who stays and who goes, many are more curious about who will join the team. This is especially true of those areas of the roster that need bolstering. 

Most agree that the biggest areas of need on the roster, as of now, are at wide receiver, and slot cornerback. But that doesn't mean there aren't other areas where the team needs help. That includes the defensive line, one of the thinner areas of the roster. The group is led by the aging Cameron Heyward, who looked solid at training camp despite concerns that his injuries in 2023 would linger and the fact that his future in the Steel City is questionable. He is joined by Larry Ogunjobi, Montravius Adams (who signed a two-year deal to stay in Pittsburgh), and a rising second-year player in Keeanu Benton. 

The injury to Heyward shone a spotlight on how much it hurts to have a player of his caliber off the field. The team can't afford to be thin in depth on the line again. That raises the possibility that the Steelers might bring back a familiar face, Armon Watts, who was just released from the New England Patriots.  

Watts, a former sixth-round pick for the Minnesota Vikings, made the decision to join the Patriots after only one season in black and gold. He did not have any starts in 2023 and was only used in about a quarter of all defensive plays. While the Steelers expressed an interest in keeping Watts, it seemed like Watts believed he would get more playing time in New England. Pittsburgh quickly filled that depth role by adding Dean Lowry, another veteran who has been a bit of a journeyman. 

Unfortunately, that opportunity has come to an end. The Patriots announced they released Watts as a part of their final roster cuts. It sounds like the 28-year-old isn't necessarily at fault; he was outplayed during camp by some of the other depth pieces, including Jeremiah Pharms and Trysten Hill. 

This, of course, allows Pittsburgh to stage a reunion possibly. Having a player familiar with the locker room, team culture, and plays is a big bonus; it decreases the learning curve.

Steelers Need To Boost Their Defensive Line

The Steelers have spent the past two seasons working on boosting their offensive line, but now need to turn their attention to the defensive line. They did draft Benton in the second round in 2023, and he is showing signs of growth and progress that give analysts hope. 

Other than Benton, there are some inconsistencies. Breiden Fehoko was placed on injured reserve after sustaining a shoulder injury during training camp. If he were to stay on the injured reserve once the season started, he would have been forced to miss the entire season. Instead, the Steelers reached an injury settlement with him. That way Fehoko will be compensated for a period of time while he gets healthy. It also allows Fehoko to get picked up by a team, even by the Steelers, once he is healthy. 

The loss of Fehoko was a bigger blow than expected since Ogunjobi isn't a player who inspires faith among analysts. Despite entering his eighth season in the league, there are concerns about his ability to perform consistently. 

What do you think about the Steelers bringing Watts back? Click to comment below. 

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