Normally, the unexpected cuts happen when the Pittsburgh Steelers cut down to the required 53-man roster which is coming soon enough. But Mike Tomlin decided he was ready to give us some shockers today. Among the players released by the Steelers were seventh round draft pick Chris Oladokun and free agent signing Genard Avery. Also sent packing were kicker Nick Sciba, receiver Christian Blake and running back Mateo Durant.
The unexpected however were Oladokun and Avery. Neither of these cuts are “Earth-shattering” per se but few saw them coming at this stage of things. With Oladokun gone, that leaves the “big three” and I don’t see all of them remaining when the season begins. Mitchell Trubisky, Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph are vying for the top two spots and by my count that has to mean Rudolph is gone.
First off, you aren’t giving up on your first round rookie. Secondly, you aren’t giving up on a guy who was your top free agent priority. That leaves Rudolph and you aren’t paying your third-string QB over $3 million. That tells me they will move on from Rudolph and add a third QB after the final round of cuts.
As for Avery, he had performed well in Camp and had ascended to the top reserve role behind starters T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. With Avery gone, that leaves Derek Tuszka and Delonte Scott but suddenly a new guy with an odd name has emerged. Hamilcar Rashed, who came in just last week, has apparently caught the eye of the coaches. All of this is fine and good but none of these guys can be relied upon to make a spot start or be relied upon for significant snaps. I still believe they will sign someone in September.
Typically when the Steelers make “surprising” moves, it’s with the intention of more moves coming. Almost like a domino effect if you will. Obviously they have more to do in order to get to 53 guys but today’s moves feel like something is coming sooner rather than later.
