Pittsburgh Focuses on Depth and Development with Strategic Signings
The Pittsburgh Steelers have taken a proactive step in shaping their 2025 roster by signing 17 players to Reserve/Futures contracts. This annual process allows teams to secure talent for the upcoming season by signing players who were not on an active roster at the end of the previous season. The Steelers’ latest signings reflect a strategic blend of returning practice squad members and promising new additions, aimed at strengthening depth and fostering competition.
Building for the Future
Reserve/Futures contracts are pivotal for teams looking to develop talent during the offseason. These contracts enable players to participate in offseason workouts, training camp, and preseason games, giving them a chance to compete for a spot on the active roster.
The Steelers’ approach this year combines continuity and fresh potential. Several of the signees spent the 2024 season on the Steelers’ practice squad, while others bring new energy and skills to the organization.
Full List of Steelers’ Reserve/Future Signings
Defensive Back: Joshuah Bledsoe
Offensive Lineman: Dylan Cook
Defensive Tackle: Domenique Davis
Linebacker: Devin Harper
Running Back: Evan Hull
Defensive Back: D’Shawn Jamison
Wide Receiver: Brandon Johnson
Guard: Steven Jones
Linebacker: Eku Leota
Wide Receiver: Lance McCutcheon
Defensive Back: Kyler McMichael
Guard: Doug Nester
Linebacker: Thomas Rush
Running Back: Aaron Shampklin
Defensive Tackle: Jacob Slade
Quarterback: Skylar Thompson
Linebacker: Julius Welschof
Strengthening Key Positions
The Steelers’ signings reveal a focus on building depth at several critical positions.
Defensive Reinforcements: The addition of defensive backs Joshuah Bledsoe, D’Shawn Jamison, and Kyler McMichael bolsters the secondary, while defensive tackles Domenique Davis and Jacob Slade add strength to the defensive front.
Linebacker Depth: With four linebackers—Devin Harper, Eku Leota, Thomas Rush, and Julius Welschof—the Steelers are clearly aiming to increase competition and versatility in their linebacker corps.
Offensive Line Growth: Guards Steven Jones and Doug Nester, along with offensive lineman Dylan Cook, provide valuable depth to the offensive line, a position critical for offensive success.
Offensive Playmakers: Running backs Evan Hull and Aaron Shampklin, along with wide receivers Brandon Johnson and Lance McCutcheon, introduce competition and potential playmaking ability to the offense.
Quarterback Depth: The signing of quarterback Skylar Thompson adds another layer of security and competition behind the starter, potentially offering developmental upside.
Balancing Experience and Potential
By bringing back familiar faces and introducing new talent, the Steelers are fostering a competitive environment heading into the offseason. The mix of players with experience on the practice squad and new additions ensures that no position goes unchallenged. This strategy not only motivates current players but also opens opportunities for emerging talent to break through.
A Foundation for the 2025 Season
These Reserve/Futures contracts signal the Steelers’ commitment to building a strong, deep roster for the 2025 season. While these signings don’t guarantee spots on the final 53-man roster, they provide crucial opportunities for players to prove themselves in offseason programs.
As the Steelers continue preparing for the draft and free agency, these signings lay the groundwork for a more competitive and resilient team moving forward. Fans can expect an exciting offseason as Pittsburgh works to refine its roster and return to championship contention.