A Busy Day For The Steelers During Cutdown Deadline Day

In compliance with the NFL's mandatory 53-man cutdown deadline, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced the release of 28 players.

On offense: OL William Dunkle, OL Adrian Ealy, OL Chaz Green, OL John Leglue, OL Ryan McCollum, OL Max Borghi, TE Kevin Rader, TE Jace Sternberger, WR Tyler Snead, WR Tyler Vaughns, WR Cody White.

On defense: DB Elijah Riley, CB Chris Steele, CB Linden Stephens, LB Ron'Dell Carter, LB Hamilcar Rashed, LB Delontae Scott, LB James Vaughters, DL Carlos Davis, DL Khalil Davis, DL Donovan Jeter, and DL Henri Mondeaux.

The most notable releases included cornerback Justin Layne, their 2019 third round pick who played in 43 career games; their 2020 fourth round pick, running back Anthony McFarland Jr., who registered 113 rushing yards in 13 career games; linebacker Buddy Johnson, their 2021 fourth round pick who played on 59 special team snaps and in two games last season; defensive lineman Henri Mondeaux, who played in 26 career games with the Steelers; 2020 seventh round pick Carlos Davis, who was featured in 11 career games with the Steelers; and linebacker Marcus Allen, their 2018 fifth round pick who played in 33 career games.

Undrafted free agent defensive back Carlins Platel was placed on injured waivers.

In addition, the Steelers made two trades to bolster their depth on both offense and defense. Firstly, they traded their 2023 sixth-round pick to the Denver Broncos for pass rusher Malik Reed and a 2023 seventh-round pick in return. The undrafted linebacker out of Nevada has registered 15 sacks and 119 tackles in 34 career starts with the Broncos. Later in the day, they acquired veteran offensive lineman Jesse Davis from the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a 2025 conditional seventh round pick. In his seven-year career, Davis has made 72 starts in 80 career games.