Despite having some depth questions at tight end entering training camp this summer, former undrafted tight end JJ Galbreath didn’t earn a chance to stay with the Pittsburgh Steelers roster.
However, Galbreath could compete for a role with the Indianapolis Colts over the next week or so.
According to the NFL transaction wire, the Colts signed Galbreath in NFL free agency Friday. Galbreath agreed to a deal with Indianapolis after trying out for the team.
The tight end also had a tryout with the Cleveland Browns since his release from Pittsburgh on August 7.
Last year, Galbreath didn’t make the Steelers roster as an undrafted free agent. However, he impressed a lot of pundits during training camp.
Galbreath played college football at South Dakota from 2021-24. He made first-team FCS All-American as a senior in 2024.
JJ Galbreath Signs With Indianapolis Colts
Galbreath had a really nice training camp for the Steelers last year. But Pittsburgh already had a loaded tight end room with Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Jonnu Smith and Connor Heyward.
The team really didn’t have space for any undrafted rookie standouts at the position.
The Steelers brought Galbreath back on their first practice squad last August. But he was on that squad only until September 16.
Galbreath remained unsigned throughout the rest of the season. The Orlando Storm selected the tight end in the 2026 UFL Draft. The Steelers, though, called again and signed Galbreath to a reserve/futures deal in January.
Pittsburgh cut Smith and didn’t re-sign Heyward, which gave Galbreath hope that there could be room for him on the 53-man roster this fall. But that hope ended when he was an early training camp cut.
With the Colts, Galbreath is joining a tight end room that already had six players, including 2025 first-round pick Tyler Warren. Indianapolis also has Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree, Pharaoh Brown, Will Mallory and Tyler Moore at tight end.
Steelers TE Depth in 2026 NFL Preseason
The Steelers lost half of the tight end room from their 53-man roster last season. Galbreath was another notable departure.
But the team has intriguing options to fill out their tight end depth chart for 2026.
Freiermuth and Washington are back, and they will clearly be the top options at the position. Tight ends also aren’t likely to be featured as much in Mike McCarthy’s offense as they were in Arthur Smith’s system last season.
The Steelers also have Robert Tonyan, Jaheim Bell, Lake McRee and Lance Mason on the roster at tight end. McRee and Mason are both undrafted free agents.
Tonyan has posted the strong training camp of that group. The veteran tight end had a strong preseason debut on August 13 versus his former team, the Green Bay Packers. Tonyan has prior experience with Aaron Rodgers, which should be key for the Steelers.
McRee stood out in Friday’s preseason game versus the New York Jets. McRee led the Steelers with 46 receiving yards thanks to a 38-yard reception from fellow rookie Drew Allar.
The Steelers have quality options for TE3 and TE4 on their roster despite not having Galbreath anymore.
Ex-Steelers UDFA Standout Signs With AFC Foe