Following the Pittsburgh Steelers’ final preseason game, all attention now turns to their final 53-man roster decisions. It will be no easy task, as some choices have become increasingly difficult in recent weeks. Teams around the NFL will review the trade block and final cuts to see if they can locate some upgrades to their depth chart.
Pittsburgh could find some outside hires before the start of the regular season.
The preseason has given their young players expanded roles on offense, defense, and special teams. Those players might have done enough to earn an NFL job, but it might not be with the Steelers. General Manager Omar Khan would be wise to make them available via trade to see if they can get an upgrade in return or land a draft pick instead of cutting them for nothing.
Pittsburgh Steelers could hit the trade block this preseason to shake up the roster
Darnell Washington, TE
They shouldn’t give up Darnell Washington for nothing, but he could be part of a trade to land an upgrade at another position of need. After adding Jonnu Smith earlier this summer, the Steelers have a bounty of riches at the tight end position. Washington has quickly become a fan favorite, and he provides a better all-around game than most of the options on the depth chart.
The former third-round pick has steadily improved his game since being drafted. He has shown a better ability as a pass catcher than many thought. Washington produced a terrific training camp and preseason, which will have many around the NFL wondering if he could be available.
Pittsburgh should only consider offers to upgrade a weakness on its roster; otherwise, hang up the phone.
Cameron Johnston, P
It has been a closer competition at the punter position than expected. Cameron Johnston was the favorite to retain his spot, but Corliss Waitman hasn’t faltered. The Steelers signed Johnston last year during free agency, and he was doing great until he suffered a season-ending injury in Week 1. His absence gave Waitman the opportunity to deliver a strong campaign and secure his spot.
Training camp and the preseason have been a hard-fought battle for both punters. Neither should be concerned about having a 53-man roster spot on an NFL team this season. Pittsburgh should consider moving Johnston in a trade if they are willing to gamble with Waitman as their starter. Johnston would save them $2.5 million in cap space, and his name is notable.
READ MORE: Steelers 53-man roster prediction takes dramatic turn with trade
Skylar Thompson, QB
The injury to Will Howard is unfortunate, but it has provided the perfect platform for Skylar Thompson. The Steelers’ fourth-string quarterback has taken advantage of his extra reps in the preseason, which has earned him a right to a roster spot. Unless Pittsburgh shoves Howard onto injured reserve, Thompson will find a job elsewhere.
No one should have high hopes for a quality return for the veteran quarterback, but Khan could land something.
A late-round pick, or some sort of pick swap, might be the course of action here. It’s surprising that this could be the outcome for Thompson, who initially seemed to have a limited opportunity with the Steelers but may now play his way into a trade that benefits the team.
Beanie Bishop, CB
Outside of Washington, potentially on the trade block for the right price, Beanie Bishop could also be available. The slot cornerback has a chunk of starting experience, which could eventually keep him on the 53-man roster. The preseason process hasn’t been kind to him in Pittsburgh, and it could result in the former starter becoming available to other NFL teams.
With the emergence of veteran players in front of him, the roster spots are filling up fast in front of Bishop. The Steelers have also toyed with the idea of some of their starting-caliber cornerbacks in the slot and on the outside. That is bad news for Bishop. The odds are high that he will stay in Pittsburgh, but if a team makes a quality trade offer, it would be unwise to dismiss it.
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