The Pittsburgh Steelers are now transitioning into the offseason mode following another one-and-done playoff run. With the end of the season, the Steelers announced multiple Future/Reserve contacts that included eight 2024 practice squad members.
The Steelers relied heavily on their practice squad members in 2024 with the multitude of injuries throughout the year–something head coach Mike Tomlin mentioned in his end-of-season press conference. Eight members from the 2024 practice squad were signed to Future/Reserve contracts including:
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
Of the eight members who spent time on the 2024 practice that are returning, three of them were active for a combined seven games that includes Leota, Shampklin, and Johnson. Dylan Cook was also on the active roster briefly after being activated from the Reserve/Injured Designated to Return List before being waived and returning via practice squad.
Players like Johnson and Shampklin likely will have an opportunity for the active roster with the Steelers depending on their impending moves at the receivers and running back positions. Players such as Van Jefferson, Mike Williams, and Najee Harris will enter the offseason with their contracts expiring; expecting a new contract elsewhere.
Additionally, the Steelers signed nine others to Reserve/Future contracts including their now only quarterback currently under contract for 2025. Tomlin expects he and the Steelers front office to address the quarterback position with a lengthy evaluation ahead.
The Steelers did not retain wide receiver Quez Watkins, wide receiver and kick returner Jamal Agnew, running back Jonathan Ward, safety Eric Rowe, offensive lineman John Leglue, tight end Matt Sokol and defensive tackle Breiden Fehoko from their practice squad.
As the offseason progresses, there are multiple key dates of the 2025 offseason including the Senior Bowl, Scouting Combine, and beginning of the NFL New League Year in March.