With the offseason now in full swing for the Pittsburgh Steelers, they've announced the signing of 17 players to reserve/futures contracts. Most of the players signed Wednesday spent time on the team's practice squad this season. The list is highlighted by former New York Jets second round pick Denzel Mims.
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Newcomers to the Steelers include running back Aaron Shampkin, wide receiver Keilahn Harris, offensive tackles Devery Hamilton and Anderson Hardy, and defensive lineman Jacob Slade.
Shampkin is a two-time First Team All-Ivy League recipient (2018, 2021) at Harvard. Shampklin led the league in 2021 by averaging 92.8 rushing yards per game. Over his three seasons (2017-18, '21) of action, he totaled 2,251 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns on 402 carries (5.6 avg.), setting a career high with 11 scores in 2021. Shampklin added 29 receptions for 296 yards (10.2 avg.) and three touchdowns.
He played three games in the USFL before signing with the Los Angeles Chargers prior to the 2023 season. He also has spent time with the Dallas Cowboys, and Indianapolis Colts.
Slade was an UDFA in 2023 and eventually landed on the Arizona Cardinals practice squad. Slade played in 42 games across four seasons at Michigan State from 2019-22. He amassed 88 tackles, 11.5 for loss, four sacks, four passes defensed and one fumble recovery. He was originally signed by Arizona in April and was with the team through the preseason.
Hamilton has bounced around the NFL the past few seasons after playing his college ball at Stanford and Duke. He's had stints on the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants practice squads. He's able to play multiple positions on the offensive line.
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Hardy played in 44 games in college for Appalachian State. He started his career as a center, but eventually moved to left tackle. He was named First Team All-Sun Belt Conference his final season there. Hardy spent the preseason with the Kansas City Chiefs. He was brought in for a workout for the Steelers back on September 8th.
The following players are all back after spending time on the practice squad: CB Luq Barcoo, OT Tyler Beach, WR Marquez Callaway, FB Jack Colletto, OT Kellen Diesch, S Jalen Elliott, G Joey Fisher, WR Dez Fitzpatrick, DL Jonathan Marshall, C Ryan McCollum, and WR Duece Watts.
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Steelers Offseason Needs Highlighted
It's no secret that the Steelers need help at offensive tackle and wide receiver going into 2024. That's more apparent by the team adding four offensive tackles, and five wide receivers to their offseason roster.
Harris joins the Steelers after spending time with the Atlanta Falcons practice squad this past season. His stats during his collegiate career include 196 receptions for 2,510 yards and 26 touchdowns. He also returned kicks, including 70 for 1,570 yards and a touchdown.
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