Steelers Players Who Need Impressive Camp to Avoid Being Cut

If all goes according to plan, the Pittsburgh Steelers won't just be back in the playoffs this season, they'll notch their first postseason victory since 2016. Pittsburgh was far from quiet during free agency, adding players, like Russell Wilson and Patrick Queen, who should immediately address needs.

The Steelers also targeted some significant holes in the draft, meaning rookies like Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier and Roman Wilson may also see significant early playing time. Even if they don't their roster spots should be secure.

The same isn't true for other players on the team, however. The Steelers can take up to 90 players into camp but will have to trim that number to 53 players by August 27. The cutdown process will effectively begin when training camp opens on July 24.

Pittsburgh is in a win-now window and isn't likely to give valuable roster spots to veterans who can't contribute this season. The following three veterans will need to impress during camp to be on the team in Week 1.

TE Rodney Williams

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PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 23: Rodney Williams #87 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on prior to a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium on December 23, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

There's a good chance that the Steelers frequently employ multiple-tight-end looks under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Even so, it's extremely hard to envision Pittsburgh keeping five tight ends on the active roster.

Camp competition will likely leave Rodney Williams on the outside looking in. The 2022 undrafted free agent—initially signed by the Denver Broncos—appeared in 13 games for the Steelers last season but played primarily on special teams.

Williams played just 55 offensive snaps in 2023 and failed to catch either of his two targets.

The problem for Williams is that the Steelers are sure to keep top tight end Pat Freiermuth and 2023 third-round pick Darnell Washington. 2022 sixth-round pick and hybrid tight end/fullback Connor Heyward is likely to land a spot as well. Plus, the Steelers added tight end MyCole Pruitt in free agency.

Pruitt will likely get the edge over Williams as he has extensive experience playing for Smith from his time with the Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons.

Williams has special-teams value, and with a cap hit of only $915,000, he's a budget-friendly option. Barring a superb training camp, though, he'll probably be headed to the practice squad.

WR Quez Watkins

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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 18: Quez Watkins #16 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs a route against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 18, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images)

For wide receiver Quez Watkins, a lot may hinge on how many wideouts the Steelers carry into the regular season.

Pittsburgh finished last season with only five receivers on the active roster. Under Smith, the Falcons did the same. George Pickens and rookie Roman Wilson are pretty much locks to make the final 53, which may leave Watkins competing with Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III and Scott Miller for one of three other spots.

Jefferson has had the highest level of production among the latter group with an 802-yard 2021 campaign on his resume. Miller played for Smith with the Falcons last season, while Austin has reportedly shown a lot of growth entering his third season.

"I mean, it's been really fun to watch. He's a worker, he's intentful, he's urgent, he wants to be coached and you can see it because his game has done that," Steelers receivers coach Zach Azzanni said, per Stephen Thompson of FanNation.

Watkins was a notable offseason addition because he brings valuable postseason experience from his four years with the Philadelphia Eagles. However, he'll still have to impress in camp to earn a spot over guys like Miller, Jefferson and Austin. Releasing Watkins would save just under $1 million in cap space.

LB Kyron Johnson

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 16: Kyron Johnson #53 of the Pittsburgh Steelers walks off the field after a loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 16, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

Like Williams, linebacker Kyron Johnson has primarily been a special-teams contributor during his time with the Steelers. A 2022 sixth-round pick of the Eagles, Johnson spent one season in Philadelphia and part of 2023 on its practice squad before he was waived last October.

The Steelers signed Johnson to their practice squad shortly after his release and activated him in December. The 25-year-old appeared in six games for Pittsburgh last season but played only one defensive snap.

In 22 career games, Johnson has played a total of 19 snaps on defense.

With a cap hit of less than $1 million, Johnson could be kept as a bargain special teamer. However, he'll likely need to show that he can be more to justify taking up a roster spot. He's shown little on defense, and the Steelers' need for linebacker depth isn't as pressing as it was a year ago.

This offseason, Pittsburgh added former Baltimore Ravens standout Patrick Queen and used a third-round pick on Payton Wilson. With veterans T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Elandon Roberts and Cole Holcomb returning, along with 2023 fourth-round pick Nick Herbig, Johnson will be back on the practice squad if he doesn't turn heads in camp.

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*Contract nformation via Spotrac. Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference.