The Steelers’ 53-man roster won’t be the end of the story.
Once the initial cuts start rolling in around the league, Pittsburgh could have a real chance to shop from the bargain bin and patch a few holes with players who don’t stick elsewhere. That kind of second-wave roster building has a way of sneaking up on teams, and the Steelers have a few spots where outside help would make sense.
One name to keep in mind is Carson Steele. The Eagles back doesn’t need to be a full-time fullback for Pittsburgh to see the appeal.
He’s a versatile piece who can handle more than one job, and he flashed this preseason as a capable depth running back. He also has special teams value, which only adds to his case.
The Steelers don’t necessarily need another fullback, but they could use a player who brings that kind of flexibility.
Damar Hamlin is another possible fit if Buffalo moves on. The safety, who is from Pittsburgh, came up big in the Bills’ final preseason game by intercepting Will Howard.
Hamlin might still remain in Buffalo, but if he doesn’t, the Steelers could use the chance to add an experienced safety to a group that needs one. His name has been tied to Pittsburgh speculation for a while, and this could finally be the moment if he reaches free agency.
At tight end, Luke Schoonmaker stands out as a familiar face for Mike McCarthy. McCarthy was the Cowboys’ head coach when Dallas took Schoonmaker in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, but the tight end hasn’t lived up to that draft slot so far. A fresh start with the Steelers could be the kind of reset that helps him find a role.
Junior Colson is also in the mix. The Chargers linebacker has dealt with injuries and inconsistency, and despite being a third-round pick only a couple of years ago, he remains a cut candidate.
Pittsburgh already showed interest in him during the 2024 draft process, bringing him in for a pre-draft visit after his time at Michigan. That prior connection could matter if he becomes available.
Then there’s Jaleel McLaughlin, a name that becomes especially interesting if the Steelers decide Kaleb Johnson is part of their own roster cuts. If that happens, Pittsburgh would need to keep looking for running back depth, and McLaughlin would fit the bill. He’s viewed as a cut candidate in Denver, and his experience makes him an easy player to picture as a useful addition.
In Other News...
Steelers Just Created An Inside Linebacker Battle Nobody Saw Coming
The Steelers made a notable move at inside linebacker by releasing Elandon Roberts ahead of the 53-man roster cutdown deadline, thinning a position group that has been worth watching throughout camp. Roberts, a vested veteran who signed a one-year deal in August, appeared in two preseason games before the team decided to move on, and his status means he will not have to pass through waivers.
Cole Holcomb and Carson Bruener now find themselves with a clearer path as Pittsburgh sorts out the back end of its roster. The open spot created by Roberts release adds another layer to a competition that already had plenty of intrigue, and it leaves the Steelers with one less established name in the mix as they finalize the defense. [Read more 🡒]
Steelers Rookie Is Forcing A Real Aaron Rodgers Debate
A preseason performance like Germie Bernards is exactly the kind that gets a young receiver noticed in Pittsburgh. Drafted with the No. 47 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Bernard has flashed early for the Steelers by averaging 12.8 yards per catch through three preseason games and finding the end zone on a 13-yard bubble screen, the sort of play that shows both timing and trust in a hurry.
What has made Bernard stand out even more is the way he has already earned the confidence of teammates and coaches, which matters in an offense led by Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers are not handing out snaps just because a rookie looks promising in August, but Bernard has clearly put himself in the mix for playing time, and that alone makes his role worth watching as the season approaches. [Read more 🡒]
Steelers Linebacker Shakeup Says A Lot About This Final Roster Spot
The Steelers made a quiet but telling change in their linebacker room, signing veteran Elandon Roberts to a one-year deal and moving on from Malik Harrison. On the surface, it adds another experienced body to a group that already includes Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson and rookie Carson Bruener, but it also sharpens the competition around the edges of the roster. With Cole Holcomb in the mix as well, Pittsburgh suddenly has more depth and more age at inside linebacker than it did a short time ago.
What makes the move notable is how much special teams work appears to matter in sorting out the final spot. The Steelers are not just weighing who can play inside linebacker in a pinch, but who can help on kick units and give the coaching staff dependable weekly value. Roberts brings that kind of profile, and Bruener remains part of the conversation too, which means the room is set up for a real test as the team decides how much versatility it wants to keep when the roster tightens. [Read more 🡒]