Steelers Sign former Kentucky Defensive End T.J. Carter

The Steelers have signed defensive end T.J. Carter, the team announced Friday afternoon.

Carter, who initially entered the NFL by signing with Arizona as an undrafted free agent in 2020, was recently allowed to work out at Kentucky’s Pro Day. Carter now joins Pittsburgh with hopes of seeing regular season action for the first time. He spent time with New Orleans last preseason.

Carter (6-foot-4, 289 pounds) played four years at the University of Kentucky (2016-19), racking up 71 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and six sacks during one of the most successful periods in program history.

He played end in Kentucky’s 4-3 scheme, as did former Steelers outside linebacker Bud Dupree and current defensive end Calvin Taylor. It’s unclear if the Steelers will use Carter as a defensive end or outside linebacker.

Carter is the latest in a number of offseason street free agent signings by the team. The Steelers also signed inside linebacker Jarvis Miller and wide receivers Mathew Sexton and Tyler Simmons after the unsigned players were working out during their schools’ pro days this spring.