Steelers Transactions

Steelers Sign Journeyman Defensive Back

Published

1 month ago

July 30, 2024

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. McMichael is wearing No. 42 for the Steelers, which was previously assigned to Scott.

McMicheal originally signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent out of North Carolina following the 2022 NFL Draft. He spent the 2022 season on the Buffalo Bills practice squad and also spent time this offseason with the Arizona Cardinals after they claimed him off waivers.

McMicheal, an Atlanta native, appeared in 12 games and made eight starts at defensive back during his senior year at North Carolina in 2021. For the season, he had 18 tackles, one interception, one breakup and one TFL • Had single-tackle games in the season opener at Virginia Tech and against both Virginia and Duke.

At 6-feet, 203 pounds, McMichael is a rather tall cornerback. He joins a cornerbacks room that features Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, Cory Trice Jr., Anthony Averett, Beanie Bishop Jr., Cam Sutton, Grayland Arnold and Darius Rush.

Sokol is a 28-year-old Michigan State alum that spent the last two seasons with the New England Patriots and played three games.

Sokol originally signed with the Los Angeles Chargers following the 2019 NFL Draft. He has spent time on the practice squads of the Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Detroit Lions and Patriots. He also spent time on the Chargers active roster, appearing in two games.

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.

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.