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The 2021 Pittsburgh Steelers preseason To-Do list

The Steelers still have a number of roster moves to complete before we make it to Week 1

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at San Francisco 49ers Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers roster is virtually set as we are just a few short days until preseason action gets underway. But as we creep closer to the regular season the Steelers still have a list of roster moves they have to wade through. Below are the things the Steelers still need to accomplish. While some of these aren't actually necessary, the Steelers will be a better team if they are able to make these moves.

Re-Sign T.J. Watt

NFL: Atlanta Falcons at Pittsburgh Steelers Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

The crown jewel move of the offseason is the team signing T.J. Watt to his mega-deal extension. While both Watt and the Steelers aren't openly discussing the deal, by all accounts the parties are working on it. This contract will set records league wide and will likely see Watt take home $30 million annually. Getting this deal on the books takes a ton of pressure off the Steelers for next offseason, and would link the face of the franchise to the team for the foreseeable future.


Consider Re-Signing Joe Haden & Others

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers should also consider signing other veteran players on expiring deals. Coming to terms now could add extra salary cap space for this season but more importantly, and much like T.J. Watt, would lock up players well before the next free agency window. If the Steelers think Joe Haden still has some juice left in the tank they should definitely consider signing him now.


Cut 37 Players

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Arizona Cardinals Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

This is an absolute of any NFL offseason, every team has to axe 37 players before building a practice squad. The Steelers will have some tough decisions to make including cutting a number of veterans. From Josh Dobbs or Dwayne Haskins, to a handful of running back cuts are coming and more than a few of them will be names even casual fans recognize.


Swing A Trade

NFL: AFC Wild Card Round-Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

This is likely the hardest move for the Steelers to pull off. But managing to trade a cuttable player for future draft capital would be a win for the organization. They’ve done it before trading Josh Dobbs to the Jaguars, and Jerald Hawkins to the Buccaneers. Bringing in addition draft compensation could lighten the loss of the Steelers 2022 fourth round pick which they used to deal for a 2021 fifth rounder, Isaiahh Loudermilk. One minor rumor that circled the Internet was the Rams looking for a running back, and Benny Snell being a possible schematic fit.


Mini Free Agency

NFL: Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers usually make a move or two right around cut time every year now. In 2017 they signed recently cut Joe Haden, then traded for Vance McDonald. But every year talented players get the axe for whatever reason and still make an impact for another team. According to the Steelers Stat Geek, and BTSC Editor Dave Schoefield himself, the Steelers can lock T.J. Watt into a contract and still spend $4 million on another outside player. If the right positional fit becomes available the Steelers can again improve their roster before they take a run at another Lombardi trophy.


But what do you think? Which of these moves will actually get done? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.