On Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers brought back a familiar face in German edge rusher Julius Welschof, the team announced.
Welschof was originally signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 NFL Draft, but he was placed on injured reserve in August after suffering a knee injury in the team’s preseason finale. He was then waived two days later with an injury settlement.
The 27-year-old qualifies for the NFL’s international roster exemption as a native of Miesbach, Germany, but that spot is currently held by safety Ayo Oyelola. The Steelers didn’t need to make a corresponding move, however, since they had an open spot on their practice squad.
Welschof began has collegiate career at Michigan, where he spent five seasons from 2018-22. After redshirting in 2018, he recorded 25 tackles (10 solo), one sack and one pass defensed, while also contributing on special teams the following four years.
In 2023, he transferred to Charlotte, where he started four games before suffering an injury that would cut his final collegiate season short.
The Steelers have suffered several injuries in their edge rusher room this season. Outside linebackers Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig have both been sidelined throughout the year. So bringing Welschof back makes sense, given his familiarity with the defense. Plus, he fits the Steelers 3-4 scheme well, standing at 6-foot-6 5/8, 257 pounds.
Welschof also gets to reunite with former Charlotte alum on the Steelers defensive line in Highsmith and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi. He was also a college teammate at Michigan with the Steelers third-round pick, wide receiver Roman Wilson, who is currently on injured reserve nursing a hamstring injury.
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Welschof made the most of his limited preseason action, registering four tackles and three sacks. The Steelers are hoping he can pick up right where he left off in his second chance with the team.
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