In an ambitious bid to fortify their roster, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed 17 players to reserve/future contracts on January 17, 2024. The signing spree includes both proven and promising talent, with wide receiver Marquez Callaway standing out.
Marquez Callaway: A promising addition.
Callaway, an established athlete who led the New Orleans Saints in receiving yards and touchdowns in 2021, had not previously been on the Steelers’ practice squad. He has a wealth of experience from his stint with the Saints, Denver Broncos, and Las Vegas Raiders.
Callaway’s career stats include 83 catches for 1,069 yards and 7 touchdowns, as well as significant contributions to punt and kickoff return yardage. His arrival to the Steelers’ roster is expected to significantly improve the team’s offensive powers.
Other Notable Signatures and Omissions
Among the other signings, Denzel Mims, a previous second-round pick, stands out despite his underperformance and absence from 2023 play. The Steelers’ decision to sign Mims implies they believe in his ability to grow and improve. Interestingly, the Steelers declined to sign five practice squad players, including nose tackle Breiden Fehoko and running back Anthony McFarland Jr. However, this does not preclude future partnerships with these players.
The significance of reserve/future contracts.
Reserve/future contracts are widespread among NFL clubs, allowing them to secure players throughout the offseason and prepare for the upcoming season.
These additions count against the Steelers’ offseason 90-man roster, although they will not be officially under contract with the team until the new league year begins in March. By signing these players, the Steelers are making a smart effort to secure promising talent and bolster their roster in preparation for a strong 2024 season.
