The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially entered offseason mode following another early playoff exit, announcing 17 Future/Reserve contract signings, including eight players from their 2024 practice squad.
The team heavily relied on practice squad players during the injury-riddled 2024 season, a point head coach Mike Tomlin emphasized in his end-of-season press conference. The eight practice squad members returning under Future/Reserve contracts are:
– OT Dylan Cook
– ILB Devin Harper
– DB D’Shawn Jamison
– OLB Eku Leota
– RB Aaron Shampklin
– OLB Julius Welschof
– WR Brandon Johnson
– DL Jacob Slade
Among these, Leota, Shampklin, and Johnson were active for a total of seven games during the 2024 season. Cook also spent time on the active roster after being activated from the Reserve/Injured Designated to Return List before being waived and rejoining the practice squad.
Johnson and Shampklin could contend for active roster spots, particularly given potential roster changes at wide receiver and running back. Veterans like Van Jefferson, Mike Williams, and Najee Harris are set to hit free agency and may seek new contracts elsewhere.
The Steelers also signed nine additional players to Future/Reserve contracts, including their only quarterback currently under contract for 2025. Tomlin acknowledged the need for a thorough evaluation of the quarterback position during the offseason.
Meanwhile, several practice squad members from 2024, including WR Quez Watkins, WR/KR Jamal Agnew, RB Jonathan Ward, S Eric Rowe, OL John Leglue, TE Matt Sokol, and DT Breiden Fehoko, were not retained.
As the offseason unfolds, key dates such as the Senior Bowl, Scouting Combine, and the start of the new league year in March will play a pivotal role in shaping Pittsburgh’s 2025 roster.
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