The Steelers took a close look at a dozen free agents on Tuesday, bringing in 12 players for workouts as they continue to evaluate depth options heading into the final stretch of the season. With injuries always a factor this time of year and the postseason picture still coming into focus, Pittsburgh is clearly keeping its eyes open for potential reinforcements - particularly in the trenches.
Here’s the full list of players who worked out for the Steelers:
- DT Ryder Anderson
- C Matthew Cindric
- NT Keondre Coburn
- G Braeden Daniels
- T Josiah Ezirim
- DT Christopher Hinton
- C Jarrod Hufford
- T Jason Ivey
- T Sataoa Laumea
- DE Jahvaree Ritzie
- T Corey Stewart
- T Lorenzo Thompson
It’s a group heavy on offensive and defensive linemen - no surprise given the physical toll those positions take and how crucial depth becomes late in the season. Let’s break down a few of the more notable names from the group.
Braeden Daniels stands out as one of the more intriguing prospects. At 25, he’s still young and brings a solid collegiate résumé to the table.
Daniels was a three-year starter at Utah, earning All-Pac-12 honors in back-to-back seasons - second-team as a junior and first-team as a senior. That kind of recognition in a Power Five conference speaks to his consistency and versatility in the trenches.
The Commanders saw enough in Daniels to take him in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, selecting him No. 118 overall. He inked a four-year rookie deal worth just under $4.6 million, including a $754,482 signing bonus.
But his rookie campaign never got off the ground - an injury landed him on IR, and he was waived ahead of his second season. Since then, he’s had short stints on multiple practice squads, including the Texans, Chargers, Eagles, and Cowboys.
Despite being in the league for nearly two seasons, Daniels has yet to make his NFL debut.
Another name with some NFL experience is Ryder Anderson. At 27, he’s a bit older than your typical developmental lineman, but he’s seen game action - and that matters.
After going undrafted in 2022, Anderson signed with the Giants and earned a spot on their practice squad. He eventually cracked the active roster and appeared in seven games that season, logging eight tackles and two sacks.
That kind of production in limited snaps shows he can contribute when called upon.
Anderson later landed with the Saints, signing a futures deal in January before being released in April. While he hasn't stuck on a roster since, his prior experience and flashes of pass-rush ability make him a player worth a second look.
The rest of the workout group includes a mix of young linemen - tackles, guards, centers, and defensive linemen - all vying for a chance to prove they belong. With multiple offensive tackles in the mix, including Josiah Ezirim, Jason Ivey, Sataoa Laumea, Corey Stewart, and Lorenzo Thompson, it’s clear Pittsburgh is surveying the landscape for potential help on the edge of the line. Whether it's for immediate depth or future development, the Steelers are doing their homework.
As the season winds down and teams start thinking about both playoff pushes and offseason planning, workouts like these are about more than just filling a spot on the depth chart. They’re about identifying potential fits for the culture, the scheme, and the long-term vision.
For players like Daniels and Anderson, it’s another opportunity to get back in the mix. For the Steelers, it’s about staying ready - because in the NFL, depth isn’t a luxury.
It’s a necessity.