Roster Holes Steelers Must Fill Before Training Camp

The Pittsburgh Steelers have done a tremendous job of filling their biggest needs in 2024 free agency.

A playoff team in 2023, Pittsburgh largely fell short of a run due to poor quarterback play and an inconsistent secondary. Beginning in the spring, the Steelers rebuilt their quarterback and cornerback rooms by adding Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Donte Jackson and Cameron Sutton.

Ideally, the Steelers will find themselves with a complete squad when training camp opens on July 24. if that's going to be the case, though, Pittsburgh should consider using some of its $16.5 million in cap space to strengthen a few more areas.

Below, you'll find a look at three spots on the roster that must be addressed before the start of camp, along with a few free-agent and trade options to consider.

Safety

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Steelers S Miles Killebrew

The Steelers have one standout safety in Minkah Fitzpatrick, but they didn't exactly play to his strengths in 2023. After spending much of last season near the line of scrimmage and moving around the defense, Fitzpatrick should be back in a deep-safety role in 2024.

"I think I'm gonna really get back to what makes him special," defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said, per The Athletic's Mike DeFabo.

That should come as good news for Steelers fans. The bad news is that Pittsburgh doesn't have a high-end box safety to play alongside Fitzpatrick. Damontae Kazee started nine games in 2023 but allowed an opposing passer rating of 114.1 in coverage. Miles Killebrew is best-cast as a special-teams contributor, while free-agent addition DeShon Elliott can also be a liability in coverage.

Elliott allowed an opposing passer rating of 140.8 with the Miami Dolphins last season.

Adding another safety before camp would be wise, and the Steelers do have options. 2023 starter Keanu Neal remains unsigned, though he suffered a season-ending rib injury last year and was released this offseason after a failed physical.

Jamal Adams is another intriguing option. Though coverage isn't his strongest trait, he's been a difference-making box safety in the past. The list of available safeties also includes Jayron Kearse, Micah Hyde and Duron Harman.

Rotational Edge-Rusher

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Steelers edge Nick Herbig

The Steelers also have a terrific pass-rushing tandem in T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. The pair combined for 26 sacks in 2023, with Watt recording 19 of those while falling just short of winning Defensive Player of the Year.

The problem is that Pittsburgh's pass-rushing depth is questionable. Markus Golden finished third on the team with a mere four sacks, and he remains unsigned.

Ideally, both Watt and Highsmith will remain healthy, and depth won't be tested often. Of course, injuries can't always be avoided. If the Steelers have Super Bowl aspirations—and they should—then boosting the depth chart ahead of camp would be advisable.

If Pittsburgh is going to make a deep playoff run, it'll likely need to go through quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen and Tua Tagovailoa.

Fortunately, several situational pass-rushers remain available. Bringing back Golden would make plenty of sense, and players like Emmanuel Ogbah, Carl Lawson, Charles Harris and Yannick Ngakoue should earn consideration as well.

Pittsburgh is likely hoping to see more out of 2023 fourth-round pick Nick Herbig, who had three sacks as a rookie. However, it would behoove the Steelers to add another sack artist to the rotation to help ensure that they can maintain an effective pass rush throughout the season.

Wide Receiver

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Steelers WR Calvin Austin III

Wide receiver coach Zach Azzanni insists that Pittsburgh doesn't need a true No. 2 receiver opposite George Pickens.

"Listen. This day and age, we move everyone around," told reporters in June.

Maybe the plan of having Pickens and then everyone else will work. The Steelers have veterans like Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins and Scotty Miller, along with rookie third-round pick Roman Wilson. Perhaps one of them will ascend and become a reliable second option by Week 1.

However, the offense would be in much better shape with a proven No. 2 on the roster. Pickens has the tools to be a star, but if Wilson doesn't have a go-to target when Pickens is doubled, he could struggle.

The problem is that finding a high-level receiver at this point in free agency isn't likely to happen. The Steelers could take a flier on Michael Thomas or Hunter Renfrow, but there's no guarantee that either will return to Pro Bowl form.

A trade is probably Pittsburgh's best option here, though prying away Courtland Sutton or Brandon Aiyuk before camp could also be difficult. Still, Pittsburgh should consider all options. If it learns during or after the preseason that its receiver depth isn't good enough, it could be too late to remedy the situation.

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Cap information via Spotrac. Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference.