Steelers Could Make 3 Critical Additions Before Week 1

The Pittsburgh Steelers are approaching the point when constructing the roster becomes less about obvious starters and more about finding the final contributors capable of surviving a long NFL season. Nick Farabaugh believes Pittsburgh should search outside its building for help at three positions. 

Safety, wide receiver and offensive tackle may not look like emergencies when examining the top of the depth chart. The concern arises behind those established names, where one injury or disappointing performance could expose a weakness that becomes much harder to repair after the season begins.

Farabaugh identified all three areas during a Monday appearance on 93.7 The Fan. He placed the greatest emphasis on safety and receiver, although the uncertain situation surrounding Broderick Jones makes tackle depth impossible to dismiss.

"I think they will look at safety," Farabaugh said. "I think safety is one spot on the depth chart that they would like to address. I wouldn't be surprised if the Steelers are still looking at bottom-of-the-roster offensive linemen. I think that could be something, specifically offensive tackles."

Pittsburgh does not need a blockbuster move at those positions. Final roster cuts will make experienced players available, and the Steelers should investigate every potential upgrade rather than assuming their current depth is sufficient. Those small decisions matter. A reserve safety who understands assignments, a wideout capable of winning outside, or a swing tackle who can survive meaningful snaps could determine whether Mike McCarthy's first year in the Steel City can withstand the injuries that affect every roster.

Farabaugh's concern at tackle becomes more complicated because Jones has not established himself as a dependable answer. The former first-round selection is working his way back from a season-ending injury and surgery, meaning Pittsburgh must balance patience with the urgency created by his uneven play.

"We talk about the scenario, what if they do trade Broderick Jones?" Farabaugh said. "I would not add Jack Driscoll to my roster, so I think that's one thing to look at, bottom-of-the-roster offensive tackles."

That should not be interpreted as reporting that Pittsburgh is actively shopping Jones. Farabaugh was addressing a hypothetical outcome and what it would mean for the remaining depth. His larger point is that the Steelers cannot afford to become dangerously thin if their relationship with Jones ends.

Jones has reached the stage where nearly every mistake damages the offense and restarts questions about his future. Against the New York Jets, he surrendered two sacks while being moved between tackle spots. He has also said that repeatedly changing sides has made his return more difficult.

To be fair, Jones deserves time to regain his playing shape before receiving a final judgment. Returning from major surgery while learning a new system and changing positions is an unenviable assignment. His trade value also appears unlikely to produce enough compensation to justify moving him immediately.

Still, barring a dramatic turnaround, time is running out. Jones remains determined to prove himself, and Pittsburgh should provide a legitimate opportunity to do it. Hope cannot prevent General Manager Omar Khan from searching for insurance, though. Farabaugh also believes the Steelers should continue examining the receiver market instead of settling for the current options behind their established targets.

"Wide receiver, I think you still need to scour at the very least, right?" Farabaugh said. "Look for a wide receiver and see if there's anyone around. Maybe you can add good depth on the outside. Those are the three spots I'd keep an eye on if I were the Steelers. Safety and wide receiver are the two I think make the most sense to try to get someone from the outside."

Steelers Must Chase Contributors Instead Of Settling For Depth

All three positions carry equal importance when the discussion concerns the final roster spots. None represents a fatal flaw today, but dismissing them as meaningless depth-chart details would be shortsighted. Championship-caliber groups are often separated by the quality of players forced into unexpected roles.

Pittsburgh should not limit its search to inexpensive bodies who merely fill vacancies. If a legitimate contributor becomes available, Khan should pursue him regardless of whether the perceived need appears urgent. Consistently finding upgrades at the margins is how strong organizations win.

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