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The Pittsburgh Steelers have had their names come across the NFL Network ticker an unusual amount of times for this time of year. Typically the only roster moves the Steelers make between May-July are signing their draft picks to entry level contracts. Instead we have found out the Steelers have hosted a trio of free agents. Those three players being Ryan Kerrigan (signed with the Philadelphia Eagles), Malik Hooker, and Trai Turner. On top of that, the Steelers brash have also expressed interest in finding depth at outside linebacker. All in all the Pittsburgh Steelers roster appears far from complete.
Five-time Pro-Bowl guard Trai Turner wrapped up a visit today with the Pittsburgh Steelers, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 18, 2021
The equation remains, why are the Steelers bringing these guys in?
Aside from the simple due diligence answer, I think this team realizes some of the glaring holes they have behind their starters. After T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith are a pair of speed rushers that struggle to defend the run. After Minkah Fitzpatrick and Terrell Edmunds isn’t anyone of note. And behind David DeCastro and Kevin Dotson are B.J. Finney and Rashaad Coward, who were awful in 2020. Perhaps the Steelers are getting on top of their roster flaws by filling these holes before an injury can occur. In doing so the team will have quality players that know the playbook can immediately step up in the event of an injury.
Former #Colts first-round safety Malik Hooker spent yesterday visiting the #Steelers, source said. He has also visited the #Dolphins and the #Cowboys this offseason.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 4, 2021
The Steelers could also be deploying an idea I wrote about back in January. Waiting until cap space dollars across the league dried up, and offering a number of veteran free agents contracts to at least be in the league for the 2021 season. The salary cap dropping eliminated a number of jobs for the NFL’s veteran middle class, and if these players want to continue earning an NFL pay day most of them would be wise to sign any contract, and make it until the cap rebounds.
Teams that showed the most interest in Ryan Kerrigan were the Eagles, Steelers and Bengals. But he opted to stay in NFC East. https://t.co/hIopweFdDA
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 17, 2021
There’s also the ‘super-team’ idea where one of the 32 NFL teams convinces a number of veteran free agents to sign with their team for minimum money in hopes of winning a Super Bowl. The Super Bowl pay bump is real, and free agents coming off a championship run typically garner premium assets on the open market.
Could the Steelers be trying to pull off any of these plans? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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