The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering the new season hopeful they can make a deeper run in the postseason. They have their work cut out for them though, as the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens are stacked and have the same goal. For the Steelers to have an improved season, they'll need the best roster available.
Depth was a key issue in Pittsburgh last year. After the roster was plagued by injuries, they had a rough time keeping up with their competition in the final portion of the season. The Steelers have already made numerous maneuvers this offseason as they hope to right the ship.
With training camp quickly approaching, the Steelers will have to make roster cuts like the rest of the league. There are a few veterans that are at risk, Pittsburgh has solid depth in a handful of positions. With that said, here are three cut candidates on the Steelers' roster bubble entering the 2021 training camp.
Benny Snell Jr.
Benny Snell Jr. had a chance to shine last year filling in for a hobbled James Conner. Snell didn't do much with his opportunity and the front office restructured the running back position this offseason. He averaged a measly 3.3 yards per carry, playing a huge part in the Steelers' struggles in the run game. Additionally, according to CBS Sports, Benny Snell is already on the roster bubble.
Najee Harris comes in and is going to be the starter moving forward. From there, Pittsburgh also acquired Kalen Ballage, who didn't look too bad playing for the Los Angeles Chargers last season. He has the potential to earn the backup role behind Harris, while the team still has Anthony McFarland and Jaylen Samuels on the roster as well.
Ulysees Gilbert III
Entering the third season of his NFL career, Ulysees Gilbert III will be fighting for a spot on the roster. However, things aren't looking his way, as the Steelers are plentiful at the linebacker position. Devin Bush and Vince Williams are essentially locks for the starting roles, while Gilbert will be competing with five other inside linebackers for a final roster spot.
His best bet will be to earn playing time on special teams, but the odds are not in his favor. After two years in the NFL, Gilbert has only recorded 10 total tackles. That's not enough for a franchise to keep a player around. Pittsburgh would be better off using his roster spot for an upcoming offensive lineman or cornerback.
Joshua Dobbs
Outside of Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers quarterback situation is abysmal. However, Mason Rudolph seems to hold the backup role, and the front office brought in Dwayne Haskins during the offseason. Roethlisberger is nearing retirement and the franchise is going to want youth under center once their long-time quarterback leaves.
Dobbs is a veteran who has been a career backup quarterback. However, Pittsburgh doesn't need four quarterbacks on the roster. The front office is looking ahead to 2022 and beyond, and it's likely they set up a quarterback battle between Rudolph, Haskins, and a new rookie. Dobbs would fair better elsewhere, as his time is coming close to an end in Pittsburgh.
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