Steelers Should Panic About Clear Hole On The Roster That Isn't Being Talked About: 'That's The Position That Needs To Be Monitored'

The Pittsburgh Steelers had an uncharacteristic offseason in 2024, being extremely active in free agency and making a couple trades. General Manager Omar Khan shored up the linebacker and quarterback rooms by acquiring Patrick Queen, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. The offensive line has also been reinforced, as Pittsburgh spent its top two selections in the 2024 NFL Draft on the trenches. Despite the continuous efforts to improve the roster for the 2024 season, there are still worrisome holes that need to be addressed. 

An area of concern for Pittsburgh that has gotten a lot of coverage during the 2024 offseason has been at wide receiver. As soon as the 2023 season ended, it was clear the team needed a more established third option at receiver. 

The need became even more pressing after Khan traded Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, leaving George Pickens as the lone reliable receiver on the roster. There are other questionable spots on the roster, like defensive line depth, however the most concerning should be at slot corner. Mark Kaboly of The Athletic recently called slot corner an "Under The Radar" area of concern for Pittsburgh, stating the starter isn't on the roster.

"There are concerns at wide receiver and maybe depth on the defensive line, but nothing I saw in the first week told me that the starting slot cornerback is currently on this roster. It doesn’t appear Donte Jackson will be that guy, so even if the Steelers do bring in Patrick Peterson, that’s the position that needs to be monitored. Josiah Scott confirmed he worked as the first-team slot during the week, so that’s the jumping-off point at the position."

Donte Jackson was the player Pittsburgh got in return for Johnson in the trade with Carolina. There was some speculation whether he would spend most of his time on the outside or in the slot, based on Kaboly's observations it seems that Jackson will be starting on the outside opposite Joey Porter Jr. Patrick Peterson recently displayed a strong desire to come back to Pittsburgh, and he may be an option for the Steelers if they become more desperate as the season approaches.

Pittsburgh signed Josiah Scott after his practice squad contract expired with the Philadelphia Eagles following the 2023 season. He spent time on the Steelers practice squad at the very start of the 2023 season, before he was signed to the Eagles active roster. Scott has played just 577 defensive snaps over the last four seasons, and probably shouldn't be considered a reliable option to start on Pittsburgh's defense in 2023.

Scott played 328 snaps in the slot for Philadelphia during the 2022 season, and that's where nearly all of his snaps came in 2023 as well. Over the last two seasons combined, Scott has allowed 36 receptions on just 44 targets. He has struggled at the NFL level, and unless he blows the coaching staff away with his improvements Pittsburgh should be looking at external options to fill out their starting secondary. 

Steelers' External Options At Slot Cornerback

Khan isn't a stranger to making late signings as training camp gets underway. In 2023 he signed Kwon Alexander after camp had already begun in an attempt to improve the inside linebacker unit. If Scott and any other option the Steelers are trying out at slot cornerback aren't looking promising, Khan will likely look to sign someone off of the open market. 

Peterson is a clear option to come back and play for the Steelers. In 2023 he showed he struggled at playing on the outside, but found some success when he switched to safety later in the year. He seemed to build strong relationships within the locker room while being a strong veteran presence. Another name to look out for is Adoree' Jackson, who is still a free agent. He played 115 snaps in the slot for the New York Giants in 2023, and could also be a help in the return game.

What do you want the Steelers to do at slot corner?