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Although the AFC North is stacking up to be ultra-competitive, the Pittsburgh Steelers have done a great job in creating a solid team for the upcoming season. The defense will keep this franchise in games while Pittsburgh might have to rely on the rushing attack throughout much of the year. Regardless, we look at three potential cut candidates on the Steelers roster as they enter training camp.
It should be an interesting season for Pittsburgh, as they're good enough to compete but there are still some question marks surrounding the roster. Even so, the coaching staff will have to release some players throughout the remainder of the offseason. Considering most of the Steelers' starting lineup is complete, most of the camp battles will focus on backup roles.
Pittsburgh currently has two kickers on the roster, which means one is likely to receive the ax. Additionally, the coaching staff has done a great job in building a stout defensive unit, but someone on the back-end of the roster is likely to get cut. Lastly, the Steelers have a plethora of pass options and the tight end room is jam-packed. Look for the franchise to make a difficult decision and release one of their tight ends.
With that said, here are three potential cut candidates on the Steelers roster entering training camp.
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Steelers Roster Cut Candidates
3. Nick Sciba
It's rare for a club to have more than one kicker on the roster, so it's not likely for Nick Sciba to retain his job. That's especially true considering the Steelers have Chris Boswell on the team still. Although Boswell isn't the best kicker in the league, it's hard to imagine he gets outplayed by an undrafted free agent in training camp.
The good news for Sciba though is that he'll have an opportunity to prove himself. Although his chances of winning the starting role are slim, he could play well enough in the preseason to catch the eye of another franchise. With the Steelers already rostering a decent kicker in Chris Boswell, look for Nick Sciba to possibly find a new home with an organization lacking in that department.
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2. Doug Costin
Pittsburgh arguably has the best defense in the league, which bodes well for their chances. However, for that specific reason, guys on the bottom of the depth chart are in peril of getting cut. The Steelers are stacked within the front seven and things aren't looking great for Doug Costin.
That's especially true considering Pittsburgh acquired DeMarvin Leal, who is an exciting rookie aiming to become a major player at defensive tackle. Cameron Heyward is the starting option, but Leal has the potential of taking over that job one day. As for Doug Costin, he's at the end of the depth chart and not likely to make the Steelers' final roster.
1. Jace Sternberger
It's been a bit of a rocky career for Jace Sternberger. Many believed he was capable of being a consistent pass option for the Green Bay Packers. Instead, Sternberger lost that starting role and then was hit with a suspension for violating the NFL's drug policy. Now, he's fighting for a job with the Steelers and is looking like the odd man out early in training camp.
Pittsburgh is set at tight end with Pat Freiermuth leading the way. Additionally, Zach Gentry is a solid backup option who excels as a blocking tight end while Connor Heyward is a rookie seeking playing time as well. The Steelers don't particularly need Jace Sternberger on the roster, as Pittsburgh has plenty of other options ready to go.
