Steelers Waive Former Louisville Star WR

The Pittsburgh Steelers have released wide receiver Dez Fitzpatrick as part of the team’s final cut down to 53 players, the club announced on Tuesday.

Fitzpatrick had been one of the surprises of the early part of training camp, as he stood out among the crowd of second-tier wide receivers vying for a roster spot. But he wasn’t able to continue that momentum through the preseason.

Fitzpatrick appeared in 76 offensive snaps for the Steelers over three games, seeing increased playing time as the preseason went on, but finished with zero catches on just two targets.

He did appear to be showing some talent for a special teams role, but was unable to unseat incumbents Miles Boykin and Gunner Olszewski in that area.

A college star at Louisville, the Tennessee Titans selected Fitzpatrick with the 109th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Fitzpatrick was waived prior to his rookie season but re-signed with the Titans’ practice squad.

After Julio Jones went down with an injury, Fitzpatrick was promoted to the team’s active roster. In four appearances, Fitzpatrick hauled in five of his eight receptions for 49 yards and one receiving touchdown. His first career touchdown came against the Houston Texans as he caught an 18-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill.

Fitzpatrick has played in five games over his first two seasons and has totaled five catches, 49 receiving yards, and one touchdown.

The Steelers signed Fitzpatrick to a reserve/future contract on Jan. 11, 2023, after his practice squad contract with the Tennesse Titans expired following the 2022 season.

He will remain on waivers until Wednesday at noon, when players that clear can begin being brought back to practice squads.