The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially trimmed down their roster from 90 to 53 players. Of course, that doesn't just mean that they are done trying to find talent to add to the team, especially with some of the recent moves they made. Between injuries, trades, and some questionable decisions, there is still a lot of work for Pittsburgh to do to make sure it has all the depth it needs to get through the 2026 season with as many able bodies that they possibly can, and it starts with the waiver wire.
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Omar Khan talks on the phone before the Steelers’ game against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium.
There are plenty of quality players that were released by other teams during roster cutdown day, and some may pique Pittsburgh's interest. Daniel Popper of The Athletic named his best players that were released, including a defensive back from across the state.
"[Kapena] Gushiken made the stock watch for the first two weeks of the preseason, and he is high on the board here," Popper said. "He can play nickel and safety. He is comfortable both playing in the box and in the deep part of the field. Gushiken also flashed repeatedly as a special teams coverage player, especially at gunner. He is quite savvy for a rookie. A versatile defensive back with special teams upside should be attractive on the waiver wire."
After putting safety DeShon Elliott on Injured Reserve (IR) and Jaquan Brisker dealing with his own nagging injuries, it's clear that the Steelers need more depth at the position. They currently only have three safeties on the 53-man roster, and that is not what Pittsburgh wants to do. It's safe to say that a fourth one will be on the team by the time they practice for Week 1.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy stands on the field and looks on as he watches the team workout during a 2026 training camp practice taking place at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
That is where Kapena Gushiken comes in. He has the versatility that Head Coach Mike McCarthy loves, and he can make an impact on special teams. For now, he is just needed as a depth safety, but he would definitely get his snaps in if signed. Pittsburgh does not want to just make Brisker and rookie Robert Spears-Jennings play every single snap, so Gushiken will definitely get his chance to play.
Steelers Might Have A Long-Term Backup Incoming
Popper continued on with another player that perfectly fits what Pittsburgh needs, although this name is on the other side of the ball.
"[Christian] Jones has looked very capable in pass protection for the Cardinals this preseason," Popper said. "He has a feel for timing and space when matched up one-on-one with edge rushers. He has quick feet when moving laterally to mirror rushes. Jones is better as a pass protector than a run blocker. But he took a step forward in the run game in Week 3 against the Green Bay Packers, including a key block on a long touchdown run. Jones played left tackle and right tackle in the preseason. He is the best swing tackle option on the waiver wire."
After the Steelers traded offensive tackle Broderick Jones away and placed Jack Driscoll on IR, offensive tackle became a huge need. As of now, the backup left tackle is just the starting right tackle: Dylan Cook. They need someone who can come in and take reps quickly and efficiently if needed. Christian Jones has the ability to be that guy for Pittsburgh.
As Popper mentioned, Christian Jones has shown massive improvements throughout the preseason for the Arizona Cardinals, and he can play both right and left tackle. He could come in and get reps immediately in the jumbo set while learning the West Coast offense in case Cook goes down. If he keeps developing as it's been reported, he may be more than a one-year rental for the Steelers.
What do you think about these two options for the Steelers via the waiver wire? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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