Key Roster Moves and Transactions

The Steelers executed two waves of roster cuts over the weekend to reach the mandatory 53-player limit by 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 30 — On Saturday, the team released linebacker Jamin Davis and wide receiver Levi Wentz, according to Steelers.com. On Friday, 11 players were cut, including five defensive backs and three wide receivers.

Among the most significant moves was the trade of running back Kaleb Johnson to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2028 NFL Draft. Johnson was selected by the Steelers in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the 83rd overall pick, and played in 10 games in 2025, finishing with 28 carries for 69 yards and one reception for nine yards. His best game came in Week 11 against the Cincinnati Bengals, when he had five carries for 15 yards and returned eight kickoffs for 190 yards (23.8-yard average), including a 29-yard long return.

Full Roster Breakdown

According to Steelers Depot, the initial 2026 roster includes 26 offensive players, 24 defensive players, and three special teams players, and the offensive group features four quarterbacks, including Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Drew Allar. Running back Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle, and Eli Heidenreich are the top three rushers, while Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, and Robert Tonyan are the starting tight ends. The wide receiver group includes veterans like DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr., as well as emerging talents like Roman Wilson and Germie Bernard.

On the defensive side, the Steelers have seven defensive linemen, including Cam Heyward, and four edge rushers, led by T.J. Watt. The linebacker corps includes Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson, while the secondary is anchored by Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey, and Asante Samuel Jr — the special teams unit includes kicker Chris Boswell, punter Cameron Johnston, and long snapper Christian Kuntz.

Five players were placed on injured reserve, including DeShon Elliott (Designated To Return), Jack Driscoll (Designated To Return), Logan Lee, Daequan Hardy, and Cole Burgess, as CB Donte Kent was placed on the Reserve/PUP list.

Remaining Changes and Expectations

While the initial 53-man roster is set, it remains fluid, as teams can make further changes through waivers, trades, and injuries, and the Steelers are expected to continue evaluating players through training camp and the preseason. According to Steelers.com, the team will remain active in the waiver period, where they will have first claim on players released by other teams.

Overall, the Steelers’ roster includes a mix of veteran leadership and young talent, with an emphasis on depth and versatility. The team is hoping that this foundation will lead to a successful 2026 season, particularly after a challenging 2025 campaign in which several key players were lost to injury. With the roster now set, the focus shifts to training camp and the upcoming regular-season opener.