The Pittsburgh Steelers are making some strategic moves as the NFL season approaches. On Friday, they claimed two players off waivers, TE Lance Mason and WR Colton Dowell, while also waiving WR A.T. Perry and TE JJ Galbreath. These moves demonstrate the team's proactive approach to building a competitive roster.
Lance Mason, an undrafted rookie from Wisconsin, spent time with the Seattle Seahawks before being waived. His addition to the Steelers' roster is a strategic move, as the team aims to strengthen its tight end position. Mason's time with the Seahawks provides him with valuable experience, and his potential to contribute is an exciting prospect for the Steelers' coaching staff.
Colton Dowell, a former seventh-round pick of the Tennessee Titans, brings a unique skill set to the team. Despite missing the 2024 season due to a torn ACL and meniscus, Dowell's athletic abilities are impressive. His 4.44 40-yard dash time, 41.5-inch vertical leap, and 11'1" broad jump showcase his explosive potential. Dowell's time with the San Francisco 49ers and his previous experience with the Titans make him a versatile player who can contribute to both offense and special teams.
However, the Steelers' moves also highlight the challenges of roster management. A.T. Perry, who stood out early in training camp, has seen his play quiet down in recent days. His lack of special teams value and inability to separate himself from other players during team periods may have contributed to his release. Similarly, JJ Galbreath's struggles to catch passes in non-walkthrough team periods suggest that the Steelers are looking for more consistent contributors.
The Steelers' roster now stands at the league-maximum of 91 players, including international exemption EDGE Julius Welschof. As the team prepares for its annual night session at Latrobe Memorial Stadium, the focus will be on evaluating the remaining players and making any necessary adjustments to the roster. The Steelers' proactive approach to roster management and their commitment to finding the right fit for each player will be crucial in their pursuit of a successful season.
