By: Michael Stiffler
SteelerNation.com
The Pittsburgh Steelers don't usually add any notable free agents once training camp starts. They like to keep the guys they have, unless circumstances dictate otherwise. The Steelers seem to be at that point with roughly $5 million in cap space remaining, but there are some names out there who could help the 2020 Steelers.
Tavon Austin
Why not? Currently the team houses four receivers who have their roster spot etched in stone, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson, James Washington, and Chase Claypool. That leaves 1-2 roster spots available for guys like Ryan Switzer, Deon Cain and company. So why not bring in Austin to battle it out with a guy like Switzer for a roster spot? They both are returners, who play the slot, and occasionally get lined up in the backfield. Austin brings 4.34 speed with him, granted he may have lost a step. Austin is a guy who could come in and immediately defenses will key on him because he has game-breaking ability. Hell, I would be much more understanding if he is on the field replacing one of the Steelers running backs or tight ends in 4-5 WR sets.
I am not saying he would usurp the top three guys at all, far from it, but why not take a chance on a guy with this talent? It’s a low risk that could result in a huge reward, I am sure Ben Roethlisberger could appreciate a guy like this.
Darron Lee
The former 2016 first round pick for the New York Jets has been widely considered a bust. He had a rough first two seasons with the Jets where he struggled to find his comfort zone, grading out at 45.5 and 44.2 according to Pro Football Focus. In 2018, Lee found his footing and Pro Football Focus graded him out at 72.4 and the 3rd best coverage linebacker in the NFL. While having a successful year, that season was dampened when he violated the league's substance abuse policy missing the final four games of the regular season. Between the first two lack-luster seasons, the drug suspension, and the addition of C.J. Mosley, the Jets shipped Lee off to the Kansas City Chiefs, after declining his fifth-year option. Lee struggled to find the field in Kansas City and was inactive (healthy scratch) for their postseason run.
Sounds promising right?
Let’s not forget about where he started. Lee played at the Ohio State University where he came into the program previously playing safety and quarterback in high school. He redshirted his freshman year before starting for the Buckeyes in 2014 where he was an integral part of their championship defense registering 80 tackles, 16 TFL, and 6.5 sacks.
Lee enjoyed success throughout his college career allowing him to forego two seasons of eligibility and become a future first round pick. At the combine he dazzled scouts with his athletic ability, posting a 4.43 40-time, solidifying his first round status.
The Steelers need some depth at the inside linebacker position. Outside of the top two, it gets very foggy with the loss of Tyler Matakevich and Mark Barron. The Steelers are left with Ulysses Gilbert, the sixth round pick from a year ago who showed promise with his athletic ability before being put on IR, as their next man up. Lee could be a guy who comes in and helps ease the burden on Gilbert as well as Devin Bush and Vince Williams if injuries were to plague the group. He also brings an athletic skill set for Keith Butler to take into consideration if needed.
What do you guys think? Would you welcome these guys to the Black and Gold? Do you think there are other options out there? Drop a comment below!
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