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Steelers Shock NFL: Claim WR & TE Off Waivers
Steelers Add Two New Players to Preseason Roster
What Happened on Friday?
The Pittsburgh Steelers made some changes to their team on Friday. Think of it like a teacher switching students between classrooms before the school year starts. The team claimed two players from other teams and let go of two players to make room.
Important Point:
"Claiming a player off waivers" means another team decided they didn’t need that player anymore, and the Steelers said, "We’ll take him!" The player’s contract just moves to the new team automatically.
Meet the New Steelers
1. Colton Dowell – Wide Receiver
A wide receiver’s job is to catch passes from the quarterback. Here’s what to know about Dowell:
- Height & Weight: 6 feet 3 inches, 212 pounds (that’s tall and strong!)
- Experience: Played 10 games as a rookie (first-year player) for the Tennessee Titans in 2023
- How he got here: The Titans drafted him in the 7th round (near the end of the draft) in 2023
- Stats so far: 1 career catch for 3 yards
- Recent stop: Spent time on the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad last season
- Claimed from: The San Francisco 49ers
What’s a Practice Squad?
Think of it like a "waiting room" team. These players practice with the main team but don’t play in real games unless someone gets hurt or they get promoted.
2. Lance Mason – Tight End
A tight end is like a mix between a receiver (catches passes) and an offensive lineman (blocks defenders). Here’s Mason’s story:
- Height & Weight: 6 feet 4 inches, 239 pounds
- College Career:
- 3 seasons at Missouri State
- 1 season at Wisconsin
- College Stats (42 games total):
- 86 catches
- 1,198 yards
- 12 touchdowns
- How he got here: Signed with the Seattle Seahawks in May as an undrafted free agent
What’s an Undrafted Free Agent?
Players who weren’t picked in the NFL Draft but can sign with any team that wants them. It’s like applying for a job directly instead of being recruited!
Who Left to Make Room?
To add two new players, the Steelers had to release two players from their current roster:
| Player | Position |
|---|---|
| A.T. Perry | Wide Receiver |
| JJ Galbreath | Tight End |
Important Note:
Being "released" means the player is now a free agent and can sign with any other team. It’s not necessarily a reflection of their talent—sometimes it’s just a numbers game!
Why Does This Matter? (The Simple Version)
- Depth Building: Preseason rosters hold 90 players. Teams constantly swap players to find the best 53 for the regular season.
- Competition: New players push everyone to work harder in practice.
- Special Teams: Late-round picks and undrafted players often make teams by excelling on special teams (kickoffs, punts, etc.).
Summary
- Steelers added: Colton Dowell (WR) and Lance Mason (TE) via waivers
- Steelers released: A.T. Perry (WR) and JJ Galbreath (TE)
- Dowell: 7th round pick (2023), 10 games experience, claimed from 49ers
- Mason: Undrafted free agent, productive college career (86 catches, 12 TDs)
- Both join: 90-man preseason roster competing for final 53 spots
FAQ
What does "claimed off waivers" mean exactly?
When a team cuts a player, other teams have 24 hours to "claim" them. The claiming order is based on last year’s standings (worst team gets first pick). The player’s existing contract transfers to the new team.
Why would the 49ers and Seahawks give up on these players?
NFL rosters are crowded! Teams have 90 players in preseason but only 53 in the regular season. Sometimes good players get cut because of:
- Scheme fit (playing style doesn’t match the coach’s system)
- Position depth (too many good players at one spot)
- Salary cap reasons
- Special teams ability
Can Dowell and Mason play in the regular season?
Absolutely! If they make the final 53-man roster, they’ll play in real games. Many waiver claims and undrafted players become starters (like Kurt Warner or Tony Romo!).
What happens to Perry and Galbreath now?
They become free agents. They can:
- Sign with another team’s active roster
- Join another team’s practice squad
- Wait for a call if someone gets injured during the season
How many more cuts will happen?
A lot! Teams must go from 90 players down to 53 by late August. Expect 37 more moves from the Steelers alone before the regular season starts!
Preseason roster moves are like musical chairs—players keep moving until the music stops in late August. These two new Steelers now have a chance to earn a seat!
