Former college quarterback John Rhys Plumlee never received a shot to play behind center for the Pittsburgh Steelers. But Plumlee appears to now have a chance to play quarterback in the UFL.
The league’s communications department announced on X the Houston Gamblers signed Plumlee in free agency Saturday.
The Steelers released Plumlee from their offseason roster on April 28. Before the cut, Plumlee was set to compete for a spot at wide receiver with the Steelers for the second time since 2024.
With the Gamblers, though, it appears the converted receiver will move back behind center. The X post of the transaction listed Plumlee as a quarterback.
DC OLB, Durrell Johnson
Free Agent Signing: Houston QB, John Rhys Plumlee
Plumlee played quarterback at Ole Miss and UCF during his five-year college career. As a senior for the Knights, he completed 62.9% of his passes for 2,271 yards with 15 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
The quarterback also had 505 rushing yards with five scores on the ground.
Quarterback John Rhys Plumlee Joins UFL
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio wrote Sunday night Plumlee elected to jump into the UFL rather than pursue another NFL roster spot. The UCF product should have a better opportunity at quarterback in that league.
It’s not 100% clear Plumlee will return behind center. But it’s easy to view the league’s official transaction account as a clear indication that he will. The Gamblers have also experienced problems at quarterback.
“The Gamblers have had injury issues at the quarterback position,” wrote Florio. “On Friday, the Gamblers lost to the Columbus Aviators, falling to 2-4.”
The Steelers signed Plumlee as an undrafted free agent two years ago. He spent the summer with the team transitioning to wideout. The team released Plumlee as part of its final roster cuts at the end of August.
Over the next year, the new receiver spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks practice squads. The Seahawks released Plumlee with an injury designation after the 2025 preseason.
The Steelers brought back Plumlee on their practice squad in October. The team then signed the converted receiver to a reserve/futures contract during January.
In July 2024, the Arlington Renegades drafted Plumlee in the 2024 UFL Draft.
Steelers WR Depth Without Plumlee
The UCF product was always going to face an uphill battle to a roster spot with the Steelers this summer. The team did a lot this offseason to address its receiving depth.
First, the Steelers acquired Michael Pittman Jr. from the Indianapolis Colts on the first day of the legal tampering period in NFL free agency. Pundits expect Pittman to start opposite DK Metcalf this season.
In the 2026 NFL Draft, the Steelers added two more receivers. During the second round, the team traded up for Alabama’s Germie Bernard. Then with their first selection of Day 3, the Steelers selected Kaden Wetjen in the fourth round.
Wetjen is expected to play a bigger role as a returner. But four of the team’s roster spots at receiver already seem determined. The Steelers also have Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek returning.
Those are likely going to be the six receivers on Pittsburgh’s final roster. Seventh-round rookie Eli Heidenreich is another possibility although the team could list him as a running back.
The Steelers also have A.T. Perry, Cole Burgess, Brandon Smith and Brandon Johnson on their roster for receiver depth.
Steelers Recently Cut Former QB Finds Next Opportunity