Steelers' Lack Of Waiver Wire Attention Could Spell Secret Problem Brewing With Roster Depth

The Pittsburgh Steelers, like the other 31 NFL teams, had to finalize their 53-man roster. This time of year is always brutal for players on the fringe, as they either receive the life-changing news that they made the team, get offered a chance to stick around on a practice squad, or face the harsh reality of being told they simply aren’t good enough. That’s the nature of one of the most competitive professional leagues in the world, where dreams are realized and crushed in the same breath.

NFL insider Albert Breer recently shared an interesting message on social media about the perception of players being picked up on waivers. According to Breer, personnel departments across the league take a great deal of pride when other teams claim players they’ve released. 

For front offices, it’s seen as a reflection of the talent they assembled and, more importantly, the overall depth of their roster. If another team feels a cut player is good enough to make their squad, it reinforces the belief that the roster decisions made were not only difficult, but also a sign of strength. 

Breer highlighted that the Los Angeles Rams led the league with four players claimed off waivers. The Los Angeles Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, and Jacksonville Jaguars each had three, while the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings had two apiece.

The Steelers, meanwhile, have had none so far. That may serve as a reality check for Pittsburgh, especially with questions already swirling about the team’s overall depth heading into the season. Of course, it could also mean the Steelers’ bubble players simply were not viewed as difference-makers by other teams. The takeaway can go in two directions, but as Breer noted, NFL personnel departments believe waiver claims reflect roster strength, and there may be some truth to that idea.

For the Steelers, this idea carries some weight. Pittsburgh has been battling questions all offseason about depth at key positions, and the lack of waiver-wire activity has already sparked speculation among fans and analysts. If their released players aren’t generating interest from other teams, does that reveal a lack of depth, or simply that the roster isn’t as strong from top to bottom as hoped? It’s a storyline worth watching as the season progresses, because while waiver-wire claims may not directly translate to wins, they often serve as a subtle indicator of how well-built a team truly is.

Steelers' 53-Man Roster Is Solid Heading Into 2025 NFL Season

With all of that being said, the Steelers’ finalized 53-man roster looks solid heading into the 2025 NFL season. Of course, much of the attention will be on the offense with the additions of Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, and Jonnu Smith, to name a few.

The defense has also been bolstered with talent and depth at key positions. Both sides of the ball appear improved, and the special teams unit has taken a step forward as well.

On paper, this Steelers team can be dangerous, but everything will need to click sooner rather than later. With so many new faces, building chemistry quickly will be pivotal to their success.

Do you agree with NFL personnel departments that having players claimed off waivers reflects the strength of a team’s roster depth? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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