Ex-Steelers WR Gunner Olszewski Quickly Finds New NFL Home

Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Gunner Olszewski did not last long on the open market, as he has reportedly reached a deal to sign with the New York Giants practice squad, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Olszewski was released by the Steelers on Saturday after a season and a part of another with the team. The former All-Pro return man failed to solidify a role with the Steelers either as a wide receiver or as a returner. 

Olszewski had been a healthy scratch in Week 1 when the Steelers had a full complement of wide receivers, but an injury to tight end Pat Freiermuth will make it difficult for the team to carry six wide receivers this week. 

Olszewski also did not play well when given an opportunity due to injuries. He caught a kickoff that was going out of bounds, costing his team 30 yards, and fumbled a catch and a punt return, losing them both. 

In addition to his tenuous grip on a roster spot, Olszewski had been set to earn $1.4 million in salary this season, nearly double an entry-level contract. 

The Steelers signed Olszewski to a two-year contract last spring with the intention of him replacing Ray-Ray McCloud as a slot receiver and return man. He lost his punt return job to Steven Sims early last season and only kept his receiving role because the team traded away Chase Claypool. 

In 18 games with the Steelers, he caught six passes for 53 yards, ran eight times for 39 yards, returned nine punts for 63 yards and two kickoff returns for 24 yards. He had four total fumbles. 

Curiously, the Steelers did not replace Olszewski on their 53-man roster after releasing him and they still have one vacant roster slot as they enter Week 8 and prepare to host the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday.