Steelers Add New CB to Roster in Late Preseason Move
The Pittsburgh Steelers are adding a new cornerback to their roster. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday morning that the Steelers are signing undrafted free agent Kam Alexander to their 90-man roster.
Alexander mostly recently spent three weeks with the Seattle Seahawks. The cornerback played college football at Oregon, UTSA and Sam Houston State.
After going undrafted, Alexander participated in rookie minicamp for the Atlanta Falcons and Seahawks. He landed his first NFL contract with Seattle on July 21.
The Seahawks released Alexander on August 11.
ESPN’s Brooke Pryor referred to the addition of Alexander as an “interesting signing” for the Steelers.
“Interesting signing for an already-deep secondary,” Pryor tweeted. “Could signal Mike Tomlin is planning to rest more roster locks vs. Panthers on Thursday.”
Steelers Cornerback Depth Entering NFL Preseason Week 3
Any player joining an NFL roster this late in the preseason is going to find it very difficult to make the 53-man roster. There is only so much time left for a player to prove himself, especially a young, inexperienced one.
It could be particularly difficult for Alexander because of the cornerback depth the Steelers built this offseason.
Pryor clearly suggested the Steelers are adding Alexander just to have another cornerback for Week 3 in the preseason. That makes sense if head coach Mike Tomlin plans to rest his cornerback regulars again.
Before the addition of Alexander, the Steelers have eight cornerbacks on their roster. That doesn’t count the six other players the team has listed as “defensive backs” on the official roster. The Steelers also possess four players officially listed as safeties.
On the team’s most recent unofficial depth chart, Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsey were listed as the starting cornerbacks. The Steelers had Ramsey classified as the starting nickel back.
Cory Trice Jr., Brandin Echols and Beanie Bishop Jr. were Pittsburgh’s second-team cornerbacks, with Bishop listed as the nickel.
Veteran James Pierre and rookie Donte Kent, who general manager Omar Khan hyped in June, are two of Pittsburgh’s third-team cornerbacks.
Porter, Slay and Ramsey haven’t played this preseason. Because of injuries, Trice and Kent haven’t played either.
Steelers Sign Undrafted Rookie CB Kam Alexander: Report
Alexander is trying to earn an NFL roster spot or practice squad place a year after making a minimal impact for Oregon.
Granted, the Ducks went undefeated during the regular season, but Alexander didn’t play a lot. He posted four combined tackles with one interception.
The season prior at UTSA, Alexander registered 15 pass defenses and two interceptions. He also had 34 combined tackles, including two tackles for loss.
In his NFL preseason debut, Alexander struggled.
“In the preseason with the Seahawks, Alexander played just six snaps, with all six coming against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1,” wrote Steelers Depot’s Josh Carney. “He graded out at a 25.8 overall, including 26.3 in coverage. He was charged with allowing one reception for 41 yards against the Raiders before being released.
“That 41-yard reception allowed by Alexander went for a touchdown.”
Schefter didn’t mention a player that the Steelers will be releasing to make room for Alexander. The team will have to execute a corresponding move to officially sign the former Oregon cornerback.
