The Pittsburgh Steelers finished their 2025 preseason schedule Thursday night against the Carolina Panthers. Less than 24 hours later, they began making roster cuts.
The Steelers announced Friday the organization released 11 players the day after their preseason concluded.
The list of offensive players released included quarterback Logan Woodside, running back Evan Hull, tight end Kevin Foelsch, guard Doug Nester, and tackle Julian Pearl.
On defense, the Steelers released linebacker Kenny Willekes and four defensive backs — Kam Alexander, Quindell Johnson, Kyler McMichael, and Mikey Victor.
The team also moved on from long snapper Jake McQuaide.
Steelers Release Long Snapper Jake McQuaide
Long snappers don’t get a lot of attention. But of the cuts Pittsburgh made Friday, McQuaide was arguably the most significant.
Steelers starting long snapper Christian Kuntz suffered an injury during Week 2 of the preseason. The team moving on from McQuaide is an indication that Kuntz could be ready for the regular season.
The most notable cut is McQuaide, as it’s a sign that LS Christian Kuntz, who was injured in the team’s second preseason game, could be ready to go Week 1,” Steelers Depot’s Joe Clark wrote. “Still, the team could look to add McQuaide to its practice squad for insurance if Kuntz, who reportedly suffered a fractured sternum, can’t go.”
Steelers Release QB Logan Woodside, 4 Other Offensive Players
Woodside and Hull were the most notable Pittsburgh cuts on offense Friday. However, neither release was surprising.
Including rookie Will Howard, who didn’t play in the preseason because of a hand injury, Woodside was the No. 5 quarterback on the team’s depth chart. Even if Howard begins the regular season on injured reserve, the Steelers didn’t have room for Woodside unless they surprisingly carried four quarterbacks.
Woodside completed four of six passes for 38 yards in Week 3 of the preseason. He was 4-for-9 with 45 passing yards and an interception during Week 2.
Hull was one of seven running backs the Steelers had on their offseason roster. The position was arguably the most competitive group for the team’s offense during the preseason.
Steelers Part With 5 Defensive Players, Including 4 Defensive Backs
Pittsburgh added to its secondary depth prior to the Week 3 preseason contest. So it’s not shocking that’s where the Steelers made the most cuts with their first roster trimming.
Alexander, Johnson, McMichael and Victor were not expected to make the team’s 53-man roster.
The Steelers just added Alexander on Monday. ESPN’s Brooke Pryor speculated that the team potentially made the addition just for extra depth in Thursday’s game.
The Steelers moved on from Willekes also just days after signing him. One of the top edge rushers from the UFL the past two years, Willekes inked a contract with the Steelers on Tuesday.
Obviously, neither player spent much time with the team. But clearly, the Steelers thought enough of them to at least give them a brief stint on the roster.
Perhaps that gives the team an edge at potentially adding them to the practice squad.
The Steelers, along with every other NFL team, must cut their rosters down to 53 players by 4 pm ET on August 26. Pittsburgh had the opportunity to start its cuts early since the team ended the preseason Thursday.
20 of the 32 NFL teams will play their final preseason game Saturday.
Steelers Release 11 Players 1 Day After Preseason Finale