The Pittsburgh Steelers have released wide receiver Marquez Callaway, the team announced on Tuesday. They also made the releasing of cornerback Josiah Scott official, which was previously reported by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
In corresponding moves, the Steelers signed tight end Matt Sokol and defensive back Kyler McMichael.
The Steelers signed Marquez Callaway to a reserve/future contract on Jan. 17, 2024. Callaway brought a big frame and above-average return abilities to the Steelers wide receiver room. He stands at 6-foot-2, 204 pounds and was an All-SEC returner during his senior season. While he does not have top-end speed, he makes up for it with his physicality. Callaway ran a 4.55 40-yard dash at the 2020 NFL Combine.
Over his four seasons in New Orleans, Callaway appeared in 45 games and started 17 games. He has amassed 83 receptions for 1,069 yards.
Marquez Callaway did not receive a qualifying offer from the Saints following the 2022 season and became a free agent. He signed with the Denver Broncos in March but was released as a part of the team’s final roster cuts. From there, Callaway signed with the Las Vegas Raiders and was placed on their practice squad. The Raiders released him just over a month later.
In November, the Saints and Callaway reunited as they signed him to their practice squad. He was elevated for three games last season but did not record any stats. The Saints did not offer him a reserve/future contract following the season.
Coming out of Georgia as a four-star prospect, Marquez Callaway committed to the University of Tennessee. He appeared in six games as a true freshman but caught just one pass.
In 2017, Callaway became a first-time starter and started 10 of his 11 appearances. He finished the season with 24 receptions for 406 yards and a team-high five receiving touchdowns.
The release of Callaway is somewhat surprising. He was among the taller receivers on the roster and with his previous starting experience, there appeared to be potential of him earning a starting spot.