It was announced just two days ago that the Pittsburgh Steelers were bringing back LB Tyler Matakevich on a one-year deal, likely on a veteran benefit deal. The former Steeler spent his first four seasons in Pittsburgh after getting taken in the seventh round of the 2016 NFL Draft, becoming a fan favorite as a core special teams player. “Dirty Red” ended up signing with the Buffalo Bills in 2020 when his rookie contract was up, spending four seasons in Buffalo where he primarily played special teams with sparse time in Buffalo’s defense (134 snaps).
The signing of Matakevich shouldn’t move the needle much when it comes to his contributions as a defender, as Pittsburgh is now loaded at off-ball linebacker, having signed LB Patrick Queen this offseason while also drafting LB Payton Wilson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft to go along with Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts who acted as Pittsburgh’s starters last season.