The Pittsburgh Steelers waived outside linebacker Julius Welschof on Sunday evening as part of their roster reduction process. Welschof was among the final cuts made by the team ahead of the NFL’s 53-man roster deadline.
Earlier in the month, NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated had identified Welschof as a sleeper to watch for the Steelers, according to steelersnow.com. Breer noted that Welschof stood out because of his size, strength and length on the edge.
Despite being mentioned as a potential surprise talent, Welschof did not perform significantly during the preseason. He was on the practice squad for the entire 2025 season and never elevated to the active 53-man roster.
Welschof had been signed by the team as an undrafted free agent after the 2024 NFL Draft. He was placed on injured reserve after a knee injury in the preseason and was waived two days later with an injury settlement.
He qualified for the NFL’s international roster exemption as a native of Miesbach, Germany. Welschof re-signed with Pittsburgh in November and was again signed to a reserve/future contract following the 2024 season.
He made the most of his limited preseason action last year, recording four tackles and three sacks. This season, he managed just three tackles, one for a loss and one quarterback hit.
Welschof began his college career at Michigan, where he played five seasons from 2018 to 2022. After redshirting in 2018, he recorded 25 tackles, one sack and one pass defensed over four years.
In 2023, he transferred to Charlotte and started four games before suffering an injury that ended his season early.
The Steelers also cut several other players in the roster reduction, including defensive linemen Kyler Baugh and Anthony Goodlow, according to a report from triblive.com. Defensive backs Devan Boykin, D’Shawn Jamison, Doneiko Slaughter and Sebastian Castro were also released. Wide receivers Max Hurleman and Brandon Smith were among those cut as well.
Inside linebacker Jacoby Windmon was also released from the team. Veteran offensive lineman Jack Driscoll was placed on injured reserve, while defensive back Donte Kent remains on the physically unable to perform list.
The Steelers are now entering a season with four quarterbacks on their roster for the first time in over three decades. Jones was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a third-round pick and a sixth-round selection. Johnson was sent to the Green Bay Packers for a 2028 sixth-round pick pending a physical.
Neither player was cut directly but instead moved to other teams through trades. The team also kept several draft picks, including late-round selections Gabriel Rubio, Robert Spears-Jennings and Eli Heidenreich.
These players were not cut and are now on the initial 53-man roster. The Steelers’ practice squad is expected to be established Monday with many of Sunday’s cuts likely joining that group.
Rubio, Spears-Jennings and Heidenreich each had strong camps and were considered promising additions. Rubio’s size and ability on special teams made him a valuable asset.
Heidenreich was noted for his versatility and strong performance at the Naval Academy. The team also placed DeShon Elliott on injured reserve, which opened a spot for Spears-Jennings.
Joey Porter Jr. was removed from the physically unable to perform list and is now able to practice and play. Porter’s absence had been linked to contract negotiations with the team.
The Steelers are now preparing for their upcoming season with a reduced roster and several new additions to the practice squad.
IMAGE: UM_UNI_09.18.21_606. Photo: Maize & Blue Nation / Wikimedia, taken 2014-01-31, CC BY 2.0