The Pittsburgh Steelers are always looking to gain any edge on an upcoming opponent that they can. That is especially the case for when going against divisional rivals. That is likely part of the reason why they have loaded up on so many former Baltimore Ravens in recent years: to try and gain an edge on how their coaching staff works and how they do things. They had a nice winning streak against them up until the end of the 2025 season, so that strategy seemed to work well for a little bit, at least.
Rob Carr / Getty Images
Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen tackles Steelers RB Jaylen Warren.
This time, the Steelers may be killing two birds with one stone. Right before their Week 6 contest against the Cleveland Browns, the Steelers reportedly signed defensive lineman KJ Henry, according to insider Mike Garafolo.
The #Steelers are signing former #Browns DE K.J. Henry to their practice squad. Henry had a brief stop with the #Eagles over the past week and now joins the other PA team after a workout earlier this week. pic.twitter.com/zOxUXqqiSD
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 10, 2025
Henry spent the 2025 training camp and a couple of weeks on the practice squad with the Browns, so he likely knows a thing or two about how their defense works. Even though the practice window is over and Saturday is just a walkthrough before the game, he could still be useful on the sidelines, helping to point out little tendencies that they may have.
Cleveland Browns
Browns' Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz speaks out about playing the Steelers.
Henry also played for the Cincinnati Bengals for a little bit in 2024, as he appeared in two games for them. Even if their defensive coordinator has changed since he last played with them, he could maybe get an edge on player tendencies, like trying to stop Trey Hendrickson from completely wrecking the Steelers' offensive game plan by himself. Every little bit of information could make a difference.
The Steelers play the Bengals in Week 7 on Thursday Night Football. That means Pittsburgh will have a very short week to prepare. Getting the inside scoop will be key to getting two big divisional wins to keep an iron grasp on the AFC North and make sure they don't choke it away yet again. That could also help when the black and gold play both Ohio teams again later on.
Henry himself is a 4-3 defensive end, so he does not really fit the Steelers' scheme. Maybe he could try and transition to be more of a 3-4 outside linebacker, similar to what they did with Jack Sawyer in preseason. That has gone well, so maybe he can find a home with a new scheme and a new system. Maybe he can be more than just a man with intel. Steeler Nation will see soon for sure.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Jack Sawyer celebrates after making a play while defending the run against the Seattle Seahawks in 2025.
Because of how late in the week Henry was signed, he will almost certainly not be elevated from the practice squad in Week 6, and the lack of reps between then and Week 7 could hold him out from then as well. Week 8 will be his first realistic chance to see the field as a player, and not just a pseudo-coach. Hopefully, he can work out in this defensive scheme.
Steelers Have Benefitted From Bringing In A Recently-Cut Player
After Week 1, the Steelers went to free agency and snagged up safety Jabrill Peppers, who had been cut by the New England Patriots at the time. In Week 3, Peppers got his chance for revenge, and he took full advantage of it. He was extra motivated by the idea of proving his former team wrong. It led to an amazing performance that essentially got him a game ball after the contest.
What do you think about the Steelers signing Henry? Will he just be used for intel, or can he be a factor on defense or special teams? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
#SteelerNation
