The Steelers made another round of cuts Monday afternoon as they work diligently to trim the roster to the final 53 players ahead of Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline.
Axe Falls on Three: Hardy, McMichael, and Wright
In a bittersweet twist of fate, the Steelers have released offensive lineman Anderson Hardy, defensive back Kyler McMichael, and kicker Matthew Wright. Wright’s departure is particularly poignant; signed for a remarkable fourth stint this past April, he has been part of the Steelers’ up-and-down journey since joining the team as an undrafted rookie in 2019. His precision was as reliable as a Swiss watch, converting all four of his field goals and nailing all seven extra points during his initial three-game run that season.
Wright’s Roller Coaster Ride
Wright knows a thing or two about resilience. Returning for a brief ride in the XFL, he donned the black and gold again, stepping in heroically when Chris Boswell was sidelined in 2022. Wright hit an impressive 12 of 14 field goals, further cementing his reputation. Over his career, which also saw him play for the Jaguars, Panthers, and Chiefs, Wright managed an eye-popping 40-of-47 accuracy.
Wright’s exit all but confirms that Boswell will be the Steelers’ go-to kicker. It’s like passing the baton in a relay race, only this time, Boswell is ready to sprint to the finish line.
Earlier Cuts: A Heartfelt Farewell
But wait, there’s more. The Steelers didn’t stop there. Adding to the cut list, we bid adieu to offensive lineman Tyler Beach, receiver Jacob Copeland, running back Daijun Edwards, offensive lineman Devery Hamilton, receiver T.J. Luther, defensive lineman Marquiss Spencer, linebacker Kyahva Tezino, and defensive back Kiondre Thomas.
| Player | Position |
|---|---|
| Tyler Beach | Offensive Lineman |
| Jacob Copeland | Receiver |
| Daijun Edwards | Running Back |
| Devery Hamilton | Offensive Lineman |
| T.J. Luther | Receiver |
| Marquiss Spencer | Defensive Lineman |
| Kyahva Tezino | Linebacker |
| Kiondre Thomas | Defensive Back |
The Agony and The Ecstasy
Just as a finely tuned orchestra must sometimes part with a violinist to make room for a new instrument, these cuts remind us of the harsh realities of the NFL dream. Each of these players has etched their name into the annals of Steelers lore, even if only briefly. As the clock ticks down to the deadline, the Steelers are making every move count, navigating this labyrinthine set of decisions with the precision of a surgeon.
Pittsburgh’s mission to create a roster worthy of glory heads toward its zenith, blending strategy, emotion, and dedication in a high-stakes game that transcends the gridiron. Hold onto your Terrible Towels; it’s going to be a thrilling ride!
