The Steelers signed wide receiver Tyler Simmons to a one-year contract, the team announced on Monday.
Simmons, was originally signed as an undrafted free agent out of Georgia by the Houston Texans in 2020. He was released by Houston but spent the season on the Texans’ practice squad.
Simmons worked out for NFL teams at Georgia’s pro day last week, where he caught the eye of Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert, according to agent Brian McLaughlin.
Cool story. My guy @TySimmons_3 worked out at Georgia Pro Day this week. He texted me someone from the Steelers was showing interest. Ty calls me and it's Steeler GM Kevin Colbert on the line saying he wants to offer him on the spot. Always compete, you never know who's watching.
— Brian McLaughlin (@bd_mclaughlin) March 19, 2021
A 6-foot, 201-pound receiver from Powder Springs, Georgia, Simmons earned a starting role for the Bulldogs midway through his junior season in 2018, and ended up starting 18 games. Simmons played in the 2018 and 2019 SEC Championship Games, 2018 Rose Bowl and 2020 Sugar Bowl.
Simmons finished his college career with 35 catches for 438 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for 220 yards on 17 carries for two more touchdowns. He averaged 12.7 yards per touch from scrimmage in his college career and scored five total touchdowns on 52 touches.
He will join a crowded Steelers wide receivers room. Regulars Chase Claypool, Diontae Johnson, Ray-Ray McCloud, JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Washington are all under contract and expected to return, as well as 2020 practice squad members Anthony Johnson and Cody White.