State of the Steelers: Initial 2023 53-man roster
The deadline has come and gone and the Pittsburgh Steelers have their first official roster of the 2023 season. Because life comes at you fast in the NFL, this is merely an initial roster, as Pittsburgh can make adjustments at any time as long as they stay at the 53-man cap. So without further ado, […]
The deadline has come and gone and the Pittsburgh Steelers have their first official roster of the 2023 season.
Because life comes at you fast in the NFL, this is merely an initial roster, as Pittsburgh can make adjustments at any time as long as they stay at the 53-man cap.
So without further ado, your 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers, including a move on special teams that will leave you doing a double-take.
Quarterback (3)
IN: Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, Mason Rudolph
OUT: Tanner Morgan**
The skinny: No surprises here, as the Steelers keep the three QBs I have predicted since our way too early series back during the Draft. Morgan was ok, but not nearly good enough to take Rudolph's job.
Running back (4)
IN: Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Anthony McFarland Jr, Connor Heyward
OUT: Greg Bell, Darius Hagans** Xazavian Valladay
The skinny: Heyward played fullback, running back, and tight end during camp, making it easier for me to position him in the backfield. We will wait to see if he's officially listed as a fullback or tight end, but he was always a roster lock.
Wide receiver (6)
IN: Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson II, Calvin Austin, Miles Boykin, Gunner Olszewski,
OUT: Jordan Byrd**, Dan Chisena, Dez Fitzpatrick, Aron Cruickshank, Cody White, Hakeem Butler
The Skinny: Pittsburgh released White and Butler last week, then Cruickshank during deadline week. I wouldn't be shocked if Pittsburgh stalks the waiver wire in an effort to add additional resources.
Tight end (2)
IN: Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington*
OUT: Rodney Williams, Zach Gentry
The skinny: In a fairly surprising move, Pittsburgh released Gentry on deadline day, ending his time in Pittsburgh. He was a great run blocker and will surely find work elsewhere.
Offensive line (9)
IN: Broderick Jones, Isaac Seumalo, Mason Cole, James Daniels, Chukwuma Okorafor, Dan Moore Jr., Nate Herbig, Dylan Cook, Spencer Anderson*
OUT: Le'Raven Clark, William Dunkle, Kendrick Green (Traded), Ryan McCollum
The skinny: While Green made the roster in every prediction prior to my final one, the former third-rounder didn't make the 2023 roster, although he wasn't cut. Getting capital of any sort back for green is a win for the Steelers.
Defensive line (7)
IN: Cameron Heyward, Keeanu Benton*, Larry Ogunjobi, DeMarvin Leal, Montavius Adams, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Armon Watts
OUT: Johnathan Marshall, James Nyamwaya** Manny Jones, Breiden Fehoko
The skinny: This position group was always going to be the hardest to cut on deadline day. There were eight real players that could make an NFL roster.
Outside linebacker (4)
IN: T.J Watt, Alex Highsmith, Markus Golden, Nick Herbig*
OUT: David Perales** Quincy Roche, Toby Ndukwe**
The skinny: In opposition to the defensive line, these four were locks to make the roster since April, adding little to no drama on roster deadline day this year.
Inside linebacker (4)
IN: Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts, Mark Robinson, Kwon Alexander
OUT: Nick Kwiatkowski, Tanner Muse, Chapelle Russell, Kuony Deng, Forrest Rhyne
The skinny: It was a little surprising to see Muse get released so early, seeing as he was one of the better coverage defenders and made a push to be a special teamer, but he was never going to push the top four for a spot.
Cornerback (6)
IN: Patrick Peterson, Joey Porter Jr.* Levi Wallace, James Pierre, Chandon Sullivan, Elijah Riley
OUT: Madre Harper, Chris Wilcox, Lavert Hill, Nevelle Clark, Luq Barcoo
The skinny: While the loss of Cory Trice Jr. hurts the secondary overall, it opened the door for a couple of underdogs to make the team, hopefully providing some sort of competency down the stretch.
Safety (4)
IN: Minkah Fitzpatrick, Damontae Kazee, Keanu Neal, Miles Killebrew
OUT: Tre Norwood, Kenny Robinson, Trenton Thompson, Jalen Elliot
The skinny: A Pittsburgh native and West Virginia Alum, It was always going to be difficult for Kenny Robinson to make the roster, but he put on a good show during his time in Latrobe, hopefully earning a spot elsewhere.
Special Teams (4)
IN: Chris Boswell, Pressley Harvin, Christian Kuntz, Braden Mann
OUT: BT Potter**, Rex Sunahara
The skinny: It's extremely surprising to see the Steelers carry two punters onto the active roster. Pittsburgh is likely trying to trade one of them, and we will update as details come in.
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Featured image via: © Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
