Steelers All 90: DE T.J. Carter

All 90 is a Pittsburgh Steelers Now series profiling each of the 90 members of the Steelers 2021 offseason roster.

61 • T.J. Carter, first-year defensive end
6-foot-4, 289 pounds

Acquired: Signed by the Steelers as a street free agent on April 9, 2021. The Steelers noticed Carter when he worked out at Kentucky’s pro day for 2021 NFL Draft prospects.

Last season: Spent time on Arizona and New Orleans’ roster last season, after originally signing with the Cardinals as an undrafted free agent, but did not appear in a game.

College: Played four years at the University of Kentucky (2016-19), racking up 71 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and six sacks during one of the most successful periods in program history.

Camp outlook: Carter’s best shot at a job this fall appears to be beating out fellow former Wildcats defensive end Calvin Taylor, who maintained a practice squad spot for the Steelers in 2020.

But with the Steelers adding fifth-round pick Isaiahh Loudermilk to the mix and not losing anyone, the team will likely be cutting a defensive lineman with pedigree, and if that player clears to the practice squad, there might not be a spot even for the winner of that battle.

Future: Carter will be an exclusive-rights free agent after the 2021 season.

The rest of the 90: