The Pittsburgh Steelers first-year players began their NFL journey on the field this weekend at the team’s rookie minicamp. The weekend, though, was also an opportunity for a dozen players to try and make the Steelers offseason roster. Among the list of candidates was former Pitt linebacker Brandon George.
The Steelers announced their tryout players for their rookie minicamp Friday. The list included George, along with three other former Pitt players and three other linebackers.
Another local college player — Penn State punter Gabriel Nwosu — was also on the list.
A Reading, Pennsylvania native, George played at Pitt from 2019-24. He signed as an undrafted free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs last May.
The last day of the Steelers rookie minicamp will be May 10. The camp was scheduled for May 8-10.
Former Pitt LB Brandon George Attends Steelers Rookie Minicamp
From a tryout perspective, Steelers rookie minicamp had a significant local flair.
Nearly half the players trying out played at either Pitt or Penn State. Besides George, the other former Pitt players at Steelers rookie minicamp attempting to earn roster spots were defensive back Rashad Battle, wide receiver Raphael Williams, and linebacker Joseph Zelinsky.
In addition to George and Zelinsky, Texas Tech’s Terrell Timon and LSU’s Jimari Butler were the four linebackers on Pittsburgh’s rookie minicamp invite list.
Linebacker appeared to be the main area where the Steelers were aiming to add depth. The team also invited three punters to try out at the camp.
The other tryout players were the only ones at their respective positions.
That means George faced some of the stiffest competition at the tryout. But it could also mean the Pitt product has a better chance of getting a roster spot because the Steelers may be most interested in another linebacker.
George played in 65 games over his six seasons at Pitt. He posted 198 combined tackles, including 16.5 tackles for loss. George also registered four sacks, three pass defenses, three forces fumbles and two interceptions.
All of his forced fumbles came during his final college season in 2024. George also had 80 combined tackles, including 5.5 for loss, two sacks, one pass defense, and one interception during 2024.
George spent the summer of his rookie season with the Chiefs. But injuries prevented him from earning a roster spot.
Kansas City released the linebacker on May 5.
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Among the 28 rookies and veterans practicing at Steelers rookie minicamp, only one played linebacker.
That could be the another reason why the Steelers invited four linebackers to tryout at their rookie minicamp. The team needed more linebackers to properly run practice.
Of course, only one linebacker on the roster at rookie minicamp also signals a potential need at the position.
Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson and Malik Harrison are set to return as the team’s top three inside linebackers this season. The Steelers also re-signed Cole Holcomb and have Carson Bruener to play special teams.
In undrafted free agency, the Steelers added linebacker Daylan Carnell.
But the team might be interested in more depth. George could provide that with some potential upside, particularly on special teams.
“Inside linebacker who boasts a burly frame and outstanding pro-day testing numbers,” wrote NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. “George was a mainstay on special teams during his six-year career, spending only one season (2024) as a full-time starter [at Pitt].
“George’s testing, measurables and special-teams experience might appeal to teams, but likely as an undrafted free agent.”
With the conclusion of Steelers rookie minicamp Sunday, George should discover whether he made the team’s offseason roster soon.
Steelers Host Ex-Pitt, Chiefs LB for Tryout at Rookie Minicamp