6 UFL Championship Players the Steelers Should Consider Signing

Are you ready to welcome Steelers football fans? Well, it might not be the Steelers donning their helmets this Sunday, but there will be championship football. This Sunday will be the UFL championship game between the San Antonio Brahmas and the Birmingham Stallions. The spring league had another successful season, crossing the finish line.

Expect many NFL teams to monitor potential additions after the game ends.

The Steelers will be one of the teams watching this game closely. They aren’t afraid to add talent to their roster from a spring league or two in the past. Expect them to sniff at the idea of ​​adding a few players not only from the championship game but also from the UFL. There are talented players who deserve another chance in the NFL.

It almost makes too much sense that the Steelers would stage an Anthony McFarland Jr. reunion.

The only way this doesn’t happen is if McFarland feels it’s time to leave Pittsburgh. He was given many opportunities to play a role on the team, but for one reason or another, he was unable to take advantage of them. His shot at the UFL has been rocky, but he’s been showing up lately. Sometimes making things happen in the playoffs is what matters most.

The Steelers need a potential upgrade at their third running back spot. McFarland Jr. has filled that role and is currently playing some of the best football of his professional career. It might be best for both parties to get together and work out a contract. He suffered an injury that caused him to miss half the season with the Brahmas, so as long as his health is impeccable, Pittsburgh should have him back.

Adding a quarterback to the roster here as a potential option, as Kyle Allen has little competition for the third spot.

Perhaps not having competition for Allen is intentional given the amount of experience he has in the NFL. John Rhys Plumlee probably won’t be knocking on the door to make the list. He could retain a spot on the practice squad, but there are better options currently. No, we’re not adding the UFL MVP here, but his backup is a potential option.

Matt Corral has had a tough time since his draft stock fell off a cliff in 2022. He was part of a weak class of quarterbacks that year and went from NFL practice squads to a backup in the UFL. He was benched for Adrian Martinez, leading Martinez to the UFL MVP award. Corral had a lot of interest from the Steelers before the draft. He might not make the roster, but he might be a better option for the practice squad than Plumlee.

If the Steelers can’t get McFarland back, perhaps they can turn their attention to his teammate.

Some might recognize the name John Lovett from his playing days at Penn State. He was a steady contributor in college, but that led to him becoming an undrafted free agent. He’s a bigger back who isn’t afraid of contact and makes the final yards needed to keep the drive moving. He was a perfect balance for the Brahmas at running back with McFarland.

Lovett is mostly the short yardage and goal line defender, while McFarland is the speed guy who can break up big plays. Much like McFarland, Lovett also has a connection to the Steelers. They signed him to join their training camp last preseason. Things didn’t work out that time, but he could see more opportunities with that third-place finish at that wide-open position.

Everyone and their mother knows the Steelers need help at the wide receiver position. They have a lot of players at that position now, and it’s become a bunched mess. They need someone who could potentially improve this place, either through trade or free agency. Perhaps free agents from the UFL could provide an answer for Pittsburgh.

Jentre Kirkland was one of the top receivers in the UFL looking to make his next chance in the NFL count.

Another San Antonio player is on the list here, but he was one of the most explosive receivers in the league. He may have only caught three touchdowns, but he compiled 614 receiving yards, which was second in the UFL. He is an explosive receiver and will have the opportunity to sign in the NFL. Pittsburgh should make some calls as he could be a surprise in training camp for whoever brings him in.

Cole Holcomb may be closer to a return than many initially thought, but adding depth at middle linebacker remains a priority.

We know how important quality and depth are at this position, especially after what the Steelers went through last season. Other than their three guys at the top, four if you count Holcomb, there is little proven depth behind them. Signing Kyahva Tezino could be the best option for the UFL championship game. He was a monster for the stallions.

Few linebackers have proven to be better than Tezino in spring leagues. He outperformed former NFL first-round pick Reuben Foster when they played for the Pittsburgh Maulers last year. He’s an undersized player, but he has speed to burn and has proven to be a reliable tackler. If he could show some things on special teams, then he could prove to be a better depth piece than those currently on the team.

After signing Cam Sutton a few weeks ago, many tossed aside the idea of ​​adding a defensive back or two. They have their starting lineup ready to go, but the depth behind them is limited and inexperienced. Pittsburgh could use some help in this area to provide competition for the guys currently on their roster.

The Steelers might be intrigued by Teez Tabor as he shows positional flexibility in the UFL.

Sometimes the best thing you can do to stay in the NFL is show you can do more than one thing. Tabor was a failed second-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. The Steelers like the draft pedigree when looking at potential additions from leagues like the UFL. Tabor was a cornerback for most of his career, but began playing as a safety in San Antonio. He seems ready for another shot in the NFL, and the black and gold should be his landing spot.