Tyler Matakevich signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year deal in the days leading up to training camp. As the Steelers’ 2016 seventh-round pick, he has lasted this many seasons due to his abilities on special teams. Of the Steelers’ drafted players who are still active in the league, he is tied for the fifth-oldest, which is a huge testament to his value as a special teamer.
His return to the team coincides with the introduction of the new kickoff rule that will debut with the start of the 2024 season. Instead of lining up way across the field from each other, each team will be separated by just five to 10 yards and unable to move until the ball is either fielded or it hits the ground.