Steelers Bring Roster Back Down To 87 Players, Release 2022 Training Camp Standout

Running back, Master Teague was released again as it's been a back-and-forth journey for him over the past year. He was a training camp standout in Latrobe in 2022, showing a ton of physicality in the backfield. An injury set him back and it's been difficult for him to get his feet under him since. Now, he finds himself as a free agent once again just ahead of OTAs.

As for the signing made, Toby Ndukwe is an undrafted rookie free agent. After spending the first few years of his collegiate career at SMU, he transferred to Sam Houston State for his final year in 2022. There, he broke out and was an All-WAC First Team selection. The Bearkats have him listed as a defensive lineman, while others list him as an outside linebacker. 

In 2022, he racked up 34 tackles, an interception and 10 tackles for loss in nine games. That included a stellar performance in the season opener against Texas A&M, a stout SEC opponent. In that particular game, he finished the day with three tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. Ndukwe is a long shot to make the roster in 2023, but he will have the chance to prove himself in the upcoming OTAs.

With three open roster spots, as aforementioned, Alexander could be a possibility to fill one of those. Versatile linebacker, Kyle Van Noy is another free agent name to watch, as he can line up on the edge or at inside linebacker. Last week, he sent a cryptic tweet hinting at the possibility of reuniting with his former teammate Breiden Fehoko in Pittsburgh.

Edge rusher remains a position that the team could find more depth at. Van Noy could help there, as could a few different veterans still left on the market. Justin Houston and Yannick Ngakoue are just two names that would make some sense. Fortunately for the Steelers, edge rusher is definitely the deepest position remaining in free agency. Then again, Khan could very well be keeping those spots open just in case something pops up.

There are also several surprising cuts around the league every year. The front office may be active when roster cuts take place in August, as there should be some good depth options potentially available by then. 

What positions do you think the team should address with the three spots? How big of an addition would Alexander be to the defense? Would you prefer a versatile defender like Van Noy?