Two More XFL/USFL Players Steelers Should Sign
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are watching the USFL and XFL to help round out their 2023 roster, already signing two former spring league players to their 90-man roster. Outside of their latest additions, two players have likely stood out, both with experience in Pittsburgh, and should be considered for returns this summer.
The first is Mark Gilbert, a cornerback for the Pittsburgh Maulers. The former undrafted free agent for the Steelers, spent the summer with the team two years ago and impressed. He played on the practice squad until being signed to the Detroit Lions active roster. He then returned to the Steelers practice squad last season.
At just 25 years old, Gilbert has plenty left in the tank and has turned his play up a whole notch since joining the USFL. He leads the league this season with two interceptions and 10 pass breakups. He also has 19 tackles, and has made some impressive hits for the Maulers.
Gilbert could join a young group of cornerbacks for the Steelers, who will watch Madre Harper, Chandon Sullivan, Duke Dawson, Cory Trice Jr., and XFL star Luq Barcoo compete for jobs during training camp.
Heading over the XFL, former Steelers' training camp star Tyler Vaughns continued to do what he does best - shine in big moments.
Playing for the XFL champions, Arlington Renegades, Vaughns turned into a secret weapon when it mattered most, in the playoffs. During the regular season, he caught 31 passes for 302 yards and a touchdown, but then put on a show during the championship, with eight receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown, as the 4-6 Renegades upset the 10-1 D.C. Defenders.
Vaughns was the receiving star during his final summer in Pittsburgh, impressing during training camp and then the preseason, but ultimately finding himself as the odd man out of the receiving core.
Pittsburgh doesn't have a depth issue at wide receiver, but Vaughns could make a return to try and earn a depth chart spot with another impressive preseason, competing with another XFL star in Hakeem Butler.
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