No roster in the NFL is fully complete throughout the year. Everyone is looking for upgrades as each day passes by. That includes the waiver wire, free agency, and trade opportunities that might arise. Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan has been one of the most active in his position since taking over as the top decision-maker for the team.
He has problems littering the roster that he would love to address between now and the conclusion of the preseason.
Pittsburgh is still waiting on Aaron Rodgers to make his final decision before they know exactly where they stand financially. Their alternative cap space after a Rodgers addition might change their perspective on things. It appears they should have some cap room to make moves if they choose to once Rodgers officially joins the team.
Khan should be active as the rest of the NFL makes cuts during the preseason.
Pittsburgh Steelers could reshape their roster with some veterans on the chopping block
Christian Kirk, WR, Houston Texans
There have been countless rumors between the Steelers and Christian Kirk ever since they came close to acquiring the playmaker before the NFL trade deadline. They failed to land him then, and he didn't wind up in Pittsburgh after becoming available in a deal earlier this offseason.
He has been with the Houston Texans since March, but he must earn a roster spot, or he could be on the move.
Kirk has produced a dependable career in the NFL as a starting receiver. He has become a reliable slot receiver who outperformed expectations in Jacksonville. He has the attention of Khan and Mike Tomlin with the number of rumors between the two parties.
Kirk could be a surprise cut candidate at the tail end of the preseason process, which could reignite rumors between the receiver and the Steelers.
READ MORE:GM Omar Khan's next phone call is painfully obvious after Steelers' OTAs
Kelee Ringo, CB, Philadelphia Eagles
Everyone wants to emulate the Philadelphia Eagles after they won the Super Bowl. That includes building a roster similar to theirs. Pittsburgh has taken this to heart since Khan took over as GM. They want a team that reflects the birds from Eastern Pennsylvania. One way they could do that is by taking a player from them, like cornerback Kelee Ringo. The young defender could be a perfect addition.
Ringo might not be an elite cornerback, but he is still young (22 years old) and has a solid draft pedigree as a former second-round pick. The Eagles added several options to their secondary to replace a new member of the Steelers, Darius Slay.
Philadelphia must see how things play out this preseason, but if Ringo fails to win a job, he could get cut. Pittsburgh would be savvy to bring him aboard as a dependable depth piece.
Durham Smythe, TE, Chicago Bears
A variety of rumors surrounding the Steelers claim they're interested in tight ends.
Khan wants to add another weapon on offense to help lessen the impact of moving George Pickens this offseason. They checked with a couple of different teams, and ideally, they'll land a receiver to help replace Pickens. If they feel compelled to attack the problem with another tight end, Durham Smythe might be their top choice. The veteran might be on borrowed time on his current team.
The Chicago Bears have a talent-rich tight-end group on their roster. They might have to release one of their top players at the position, even though Smythe just signed there a couple of months ago. He is a reliable player at the position who will be entering his eighth season in the NFL. He would be a perfect complement to what the Steelers are potentially looking for at the position.
Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Washington Commanders
The Steelers continue to struggle to locate a long-term plan at the slot cornerback position. They only have Beanie Bishop and Donte Kent as their top options to earn the starting job. Pittsburgh would be wise to add a seasoned veteran to the position, but their options are slim. There could be a reality where they luck out, and someone becomes available right before the regular season starts.
It would be a gift if the Washington Commanders cut Noah Igbinoghene this preseason. He played lights out for their defense last year, but they have brought in competition. Igbinoghene is a former top pick from his draft class who found a perfect spot in the NFL. If the breakout star from last season gets cut or hits the trade market, expect the Steelers to show interest.
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