Coming off their bye week the Steelers are getting reinforcements onto the team. They will get some starters back into the fold and will also have some depth pieces filed back into the ranks. That is going to be big news for the team moving forward. They have a tough challenge in Week 10 against the Washington Commanders, but it should be a close battle to the end.
Pittsburgh might have some returning to action, but they could be on the lookout for some additions. With the trade deadline coming to a close, the only option they have to add external options remain on practice squads or free agency.
The Steelers still have a few needs that would be lovely to fill on the roster. Injuries to certain positions will only increase these needs moving forward.
Pittsburgh could sign some free agents to boost depth on the Steelers
Ryan Tannehill
It seems like Justin Fields will be ok with his hamstring injury, especially after he had a week off during the bye. That puts the immediate need for a quarterback on the back burner for Pittsburgh for the time being. If one of the three quarterbacks gets injured, it is going to cause a potential problem for the Steelers. They have no one at the position on their practice squad as an emergency call-up option.
Ryan Tannehill is still available in free agency. The veteran free agent surprisingly has not gotten a call from an NFL team despite his long list of starting experience in the league. He has a strong connection with Arthur Smith, so adding Tannehill to the practice squad would be a good signing. If any of the Steelers quarterbacks get hurt long-term then Tannehill will be their first option to sign.
David Bakhtiari
Dylan Cook might be back from injured reserve, but the Steelers decided to cut him from the roster. He has been signed to their practice squad, but Cook was seen as a solid backup option for Pittsburgh. If either Dan Moore Jr. or Broderick Jones get injured for any period, the black and gold will be in trouble. They might have to find a depth piece in the pool of leftover free agents.
If they want to add an experienced tackle, look no further than David Bakhtiari. He has been consistently one of the better tackles in the NFL, but injuries have started to become a roadblock to his career’s longevity. Pittsburgh needs someone who has played a lot, and Bakhtiari has done that. He would be a nice addition to stabilize the depth at offensive tackle for an already injured front.
Hunter Renfrow
It has been the story of the season for the Steelers to upgrade at the receiver position. Things seem to be changing with Russell Wilson at quarterback as he finds ways to spread the ball around the field. Numbers have gone up for most receivers since Wilson has taken over starting duties. That still doesn’t discount the fact that Pittsburgh’s receivers are struggling to get open.
The Steelers recently added Mike Williams just hours before the NFL trade deadline expired, but they could use even more stability at the position.
Pittsburgh needs a good route runner to patrol the slot receiver position. Hunter Renfrow remains a free agent, and he was one of the better slot receivers during his time with the Raiders. If he can have a solid workout, then it could make sense for the Steelers to sign Renfrow. He is looking for another shot in the NFL, and he would align perfectly with what the black and gold are searching for.
