The Pittsburgh Steelers have started trimming their roster following Thursday night's preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills. Pittsburgh waived 11 players in its first round of moves as the organization begins working toward its initial 53-man roster. Every training camp opportunity and preseason snap carried consequences for players fighting to extend their NFL careers. The evaluation period officially ended once the final seconds expired in Buffalo. Pittsburgh has now moved from studying potential to determining who fits this new regime's vision for the regular season.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy stands on the field and looks into the distance with his play sheet in hand as the team works out during a 2026 training camp practice at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
The opening wave focused heavily on the secondary and wide receiver room. Five defensive backs and three receivers were released, while one offensive lineman and one running back were also included. None of the moves involved a major surprise, but they officially ended several summer roster competitions.
ESPN Steelers reporter Brooke Pryor announced the complete group of cuts on Friday afternoon. The first wave contained no shocking departures, but it provided an early indication of how Pittsburgh is beginning to organize the bottom of its roster. The announcement officially ended the summer roster battles for 11 players while preserving Pittsburgh’s most difficult decisions for the next round of moves.
"Steelers have released 11 players in their first round of cuts: TE Jaheim Bell; OL Greg Crippen; DBs Jaylon Guilbeau, Jack Henderson, Brandon Hill, Tamon Lynum and Daryl Porter; WRs Jakobie Keeney-James, Cornell Powell and Isaiah Winstead; and RB Alex Tecza," Pryor reported.
The five defensive back departures begin creating greater clarity in a crowded secondary. Pittsburgh entered the summer with several players competing for limited reserve roles behind an experienced collection of starters and established backups. The receiver moves also remove three contenders from a competition that remains unsettled near the bottom of the depth chart. Powell and Winstead were added during training camp, while Keeney-James attempted to earn a role through his size and athleticism.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy during 2026 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
These moves represent only Pittsburgh's first step. More difficult decisions remain as Mike McCarthy and the front office evaluate the final preseason tape and determine which players offer the necessary combination of offensive or defensive value and special teams ability. Releasing players before the final deadline can also give them additional time to attract interest elsewhere. Every NFL organization is conducting similar evaluations, and strong preseason film could provide some of Pittsburgh's former players with another opportunity.
Steelers May Not Be Done With All 11 Players Who Got Released
A departure does not necessarily end every relationship with the Steelers. Players who clear waivers could eventually return to the practice squad if Pittsburgh believes they still possess developmental value or familiarity worth retaining. The front office must also monitor cuts around the league. Pittsburgh's initial roster will not be assembled exclusively from players currently inside its facility, especially if another team's decision creates an unexpected opportunity to strengthen a vulnerable position.
Pittsburgh's next moves should reveal how this coaching staff intends to construct its roster. The difficult choices will involve recognizable veterans, recent draft picks and younger players who produced arguments throughout August.
The initial 53 will also remain temporary. Waiver claims, injuries and opportunities created by cuts elsewhere can force immediate adjustments before preparation for the regular-season opener intensifies. Reaching the deadline does not guarantee that every surviving player will remain when Pittsburgh plays its first meaningful game. That creates a tense stretch for everyone still near the roster bubble. The obvious releases are finished, and the decisions coming next will carry substantially greater consequences for Pittsburgh's depth.
The preseason is over, and Pittsburgh's focus shifts to Week 1. The Steelers host the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, September 13 at 1 p.m. at Acrisure Stadium.
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