There's never a day when the Pittsburgh Steelers aren't looking for quality depth pieces to aid them in the future. Even if they bring in guys that will likely end up on the practice squad, it's always a good idea to look for these diamonds in the rough and grab a player that the rest of the NFL overlooked for one reason or another. General Manager Omar Khan has found some key players this way in the past. Even if the hit rate is low overall, there's no risk attached with seeing what these players have.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan stands at the podium as he fields questions from reporters about the future of the team during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, IN.
As the Steelers start to wrap up their second week of training camp, Khan tried to find some more magic. The Steelers officially announced the releases of wide receiver AT Perry and tight end JJ Galbreath, while claiming two players off waivers to replace them.
We have claimed WR Colton Dowell (from San Francisco 49ers) and TE Lance Mason (from Seattle Seahawks) off waivers and released TE JJ Galbreath and WR A.T. Perry. @BordasLaw https://t.co/oXpF894cmJ
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 7, 2026
Perry was a former late-round pick that has struggled to find a home anywhere. He seemed to be looking good in training camp while working with the young quarterbacks on the scout team offense, but clearly, he did not impress the coaching staff enough. Neither did Galbreath, as he was also on the training camp roster for Pittsburgh in 2025 before getting released in the final wave of cuts.
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Steelers tight end JJ Galbreath stretches on the field with his teammates as the group gets set to workout during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
To replace Galbreath is Lance Mason, another undrafted tight end. Despite his low stats, he still made the Second Team All-Big-10 team. He was primarily a blocking tight end in his one season with the Wisconsin Badgers, but he did rack up four touchdowns on 30 receptions, so he also provides value as a red zone threat. That ability could help get him on the practice squad with a chance to get a helmet if injuries pop up.
The real exciting piece here is Colton Dowell. The former seventh-round pick was a star for the UT Martin Skyhawks, as he racked up over 1,000 yards and six touchdowns in his final collegiate year. He was a big piece to getting the Skyhawks to the playoffs in 2021, where they eventually won their first ever playoff game., and he showed lots of upside that could be translated to the NFL level.
The biggest reason that Dowell fell in the 2023 NFL Draft was injuries, and that seemed to pop up again. He missed some time in Martin due to it, and that continued to haunt him in the NFL, as it effectively ended his tenure with the Tennessee Titans, and it happened again with the Baltimore Ravens before he could even get back on his feet.
Steelers Got An Absolute Gem At Receiver If Healthy
Outside of injuries, Dowell has shown all the intangibles of a great receiver while also having the size and skill that the Steelers seem to like. He would always be trying to figure out how to get extra practice in, asking multiple different people to help him out before and after practice. Even with all the adversity that he's been through, he typically keeps a positive mentality while doing everything he can to see the field.
When he was healthy in Tennessee, Dowell was a big-time contributor on special teams, which is typically a great way for bubble players in Pittsburgh to see the field. Like Mason, he most likely will have to just rely on making it to the practice squad and continuing to work until an opportunity comes up. If that chance comes and he stays healthy, Pittsburgh might have a dark horse contributor.
What do you think about the Steelers' roster moves, as well as what Dowell brings to the table? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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