Steelers sign 1, release 1 following NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers have released a versatile offensive weapon to make room for the return of a veteran wide receiver.

On Tuesday, the Steelers announced that wide receiver John Rhys Plumlee, who also has experience as a college quarterback, was released to make room for wide receiver Brandon Johnson.

Signing with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in April 2024, Plumlee spent the offseason with Pittsburgh before being waived in August 2024.

Plumlee signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars' practice squad shortly after but was released in November 2024.

Signing with the Seattle Seahawks' practice squad a week later, Plumlee would eventually be signed to the active roster as a wide receiver in January 2025. In August 2025, he was waived by Seattle with an injury designation as a part of final roster cuts.

Plumlee later rejoined the Steelers for a second stint in October 2025 and signed a reserve/futures contract with the team in January 2026 after spending the season on and off the practice squad.

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers sign Brandon Johnson, release John Rhys Plumlee after draft