Part 15 of our 90-part series— assuming the roster does not change before we are complete— which will break down each player of the Steelers current 90-man roster in alphabetical order. This series will encompass many aspects of each players game and their current role with the team. At the end, I’ll give some projected stats as well as their chances to make the 53-man roster.

Let’s take a look at a wide receiver knocking on the depth chart door.

Deon Cain

Position: WR
Height: 6’ 2”
Weight: 202 lbs
College: Clemson
Draft: 6th round, 185th Overall in 2018 (Colts)

2019 stats

9 Receptions
124 Yards
0 Touchdowns
1 Drop

Contract remaining

Expires in 2020

$675,000 salary cap number (0.34% of total cap)

$0 dead money

-$675,000 cap savings if cut

Likelihood of making the roster

50/50 toss up. The absolute biggest question around Deon Cain making this roster, has nothing to do with Deon Cain. It’s if Ben Roethlisberger’s buddy Ryan Switzer can be good enough to make the team. Unless Cain shows up to camp running routes like Antonio Brown or jumping over guys like Randy Moss, it feels as though Cain’s future is in other peoples hands.

2020 projection

I am a firm believer that Deon Cain deserves another season in Pittsburgh. When he was on the field in 2020 he showed flashes of brilliance, especially in the vertical passing game. A bigger body, and athletically gifted than Switzer, I would be disappointed if Cain was cut outright. Here are my stat projections if he does make the team.

Projected stats:

17 Receptions
234 Yards
2 Touchdowns
13.8 yards per reception

Summary

I think Deon Cain would make for a really good 5th/6th receiver. I would love to see what he can do in a full offseason, and catching passes from Ben Roethlisberger. If I could only pick one player to make the team between Cain, Switzer, and Saeed Blacknall I would firmly put my support in Cain. He did the most in the smallest role a year ago. Cain deserves to be a Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020

Previously Highlighted

Ola Adeniyi
Marcus Allen
Tyson Alualu
Trajan Bandy
Zach Banner
J.T. Barrett
John Battle
Jordan Berry
Saeed Blacknall
Breon Borders
Chris Boswell
Antoine Brooks Jr.
Isaiah Buggs
Devin Bush