The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed linebacker Devin Harper to their practice squad, the team announced Friday.
Harper was originally a sixth-round selection by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2022 NFL Draft. He was placed on the reserve/injured list with Achilles tendinitis on Oct. 29, 2022. He appeared in the first three games of the season playing on special teams and did not record any stats.
In 2023, he appeared in three games for the Cowboys, before being claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Bengals. He played six games for the Bengals last season, making two special teams tackles. He was waived by the Bengals on Aug. 27.
Harper spent five seasons at Oklahoma State University (2017-21; redshirted in ’16), where he earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors as a team captain in ’21. He started 13 out of 14 games in 2021, finishing the season with 96 tackles (second on the team), 10 tackles for loss, six sacks (third on the team), 15 quarterback hurries (second in school history), two passes defended, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
Harper registered a 9.49 RAS score, so he’s a pretty athletic linebacker. He ran a 4.50 in the 40-yard dash at his pro day.
Along with Harper, the Steelers also signed wide receiver Ben Skowronek, guard/tackle John Leglue, guard/tackle Doug Nester, running back Boston Scott, wide receiver Brandon Johnson and outside linebacker Adetokunbo Ogundeji to the team’s practice squad on Friday.
They join the nine Steelers players who were re-signed to the practice squad — tight end Rodney Williams, running back Jonathan Ward, fullback Jack Colletto, defensive tackle Jacob Slade, outside linebacker Marcus Haynes, cornerback Anthony Averett, cornerback Zyon Gilbert, defensive back Thomas Graham and wide receiver Quez Watkins.
Harper is the only inside linebacker on the Steelers’ practice squad. Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, Payton Wilson, Mark Robinson, and Tyler Matakevich are the inside linebackers on the initial 53-man roster.