The Pittsburgh Steelers made some moves at the 2024 NFL trade deadline to sure up their roster before taking on the gauntlet that is the back half of their schedule, but they may not be done adding pieces. There are plenty of quality free agents available who could provide depth, and even valuable snaps for the Steelers. There are a few different areas that the Steelers probably need some added depth, and that includes in the defensive backfield. During 2023, Pittsburgh's defense was decimated by injuries late in the season, so General Manager Omar Khan will look to keep that from happening again.
Pittsburgh saw a lot of turnover in the defensive backfield during the 2024 offseason. They did not bring back Levi Wallace, they released Patrick Peterson, they traded for Donte Jackson, and they signed DeShon Elliott. Many fans thought the team would have brought back Peterson by now on a cheaper deal, but that hasn't been the case. The organization actually worked out a different defensive back from the 2023 roster who could be making a return to Pittsburgh.
Marquise Blair is a corner and safety hybrid that entered the NFL during the 2019 season. He most recently played for the Seattle Seahawks and New York Jets, but he was recently released from the Jets practice squad. Eric Rowe is a player Steelers fans are familiar with, as he joined the team late in the 2023 season and quickly became an impactful player.
The Steelers signed Rowe to their practice squad about halfway through the 2023 season, and after a few injuries, he was elevated to the active roster ahead of their Week 16 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. He actually started that game and the rest of the season for Pittsburgh, and he made quite the impact for a player who spent most of the 2023 season on a practice squad.
In his first start for Pittsburgh against the Bengals, Rowe recorded seven total tackles and an interception that he returned for 25 yards. He then went on to start the following week and recorded 10 tackles, including one tackle for loss. In the regular season finale, he recorded 12 total tackles and a pass breakup to help the Steelers take down the Baltimore Ravens.
All three games that Rowe started were must-win contests for Pittsburgh if they wanted any chance of making the postseason. They went 3-0 in those starts, and clinched the seventh seed in the AFC with a little extra help in Week 18. Rowe would go on to start Pittsburgh's playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. He played well in the loss as he recorded eight total tackles and pass breakup.
Steelers Bringing Back Eric Rowe Would Be A Smart Move For The Organization
Rowe proved he could still play football at a high level during his short stint with the Steelers in 2023. He stepped up in a big way for the defense, and he could likely do that again if called upon. He also has a history of winning as he won two Super Bowls during his time with the New England Patriots. This could be valuable for Pittsburgh as they suddenly have Super Bowl aspirations, and are in a good position to make a run in the postseason.
The veteran defensive back would be a low-risk add for the Steelers. He wouldn't cost much, and he can be signed to the practice squad until he is needed. He already has experience with the Steelers and he could provide some valuable depth to a defense that is playing at a high level.
