Steelers Roster Cuts
Steelers Release Veterans Dean Lowry and Elandon Roberts Ahead of Roster Cuts
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Key Points
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Lowry’s contract arc includes being a 2016 fourth‑round pick by the Packers, then a two‑year, $8.5 million deal with the Vikings in 2023 before joining the Steelers on a two‑year, $5 million pact and re‑signing with Pittsburgh in May 2024; in 2024 he appeared in 12 games with five tackles, one sack and one pass defensed.
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Roberts logged 81 preseason snaps across his first two Steelers games (71 on defense) and totaled 10 tackles, signaling he was on track for a sizable role before being released.
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Roberts’ NFL résumé spans 157 regular‑season games with 694 tackles, 14.5 sacks and five forced fumbles, including stints with New England, Miami, Pittsburgh and Las Vegas, underscoring his veteran versatility.
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Because Roberts is a vested veteran, he isn’t subject to waivers, leaving the door open for a return to the Steelers via practice squad or a backdoor 53‑man/IR maneuver, depending on roster needs.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are trimming their roster to 53 players, releasing veteran defensive lineman Dean Lowry and inside linebacker Elandon Roberts. NFL Trade Rumors reports Lowry, 31, was a 2016 fourth-round pick by Green Bay who played 12 games last season with five tackles and one sack. Roberts, a vested veteran with 157 career regular-season games, logged 10 tackles across two preseason games before the cut.
Both moves signal the Steelers are reshuffling their front seven and linebacker depth ahead of the regular season. Because Roberts is a vested veteran, he won't clear waivers, leaving open a possible return via the practice squad or a back-door deal if Pittsburgh needs depth later.
Lowry's Three-Team Journey Ends in Pittsburgh
Dean Lowry signed with the Steelers in 2023 on a two-year, $5 million deal after stints with the Packers and Vikings. NFL Trade Rumors notes he was a 2016 fourth-round pick by Green Bay and signed a two-year, $8.5 million contract with Minnesota before Pittsburgh. Last season, Lowry appeared in 12 games with modest production: five tackles, one sack, and one pass defensed.
The release comes as the Steelers look to revamp their defensive line rotation heading into the new season. Lowry's departure opens roster space for younger or more productive defensive linemen as Pittsburgh finalizes its depth chart.
Roberts' Preseason Performance Didn't Guarantee Roster Spot
Elandon Roberts logged 10 tackles across two preseason games, playing 71 snaps on defense and 81 total snaps. Sports Yahoo reports the move surprised fans who expected the veteran to earn a larger role. His release signals the Steelers want to go in a different direction at inside linebacker despite his promising early-season work.
Roberts has NFL experience spanning 157 regular-season games with 694 tackles, 14.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles across stops in New England, Miami, Pittsburgh, and Las Vegas. His veteran versatility made him an attractive option, but Pittsburgh opted to move on as it evaluates depth at the position.
Vested Veteran Status Leaves Door Open for Return
Unlike younger players, Roberts won't go through the waiver process. NBC Sports explains his vested veteran status means the Steelers could bring him back via the practice squad or a back-door arrangement if linebacker injuries occur. This gives Pittsburgh flexibility as the roster takes shape.
The Steelers face continued uncertainty at linebacker heading into the regular season. With Roberts and Malik Harrison both released, Pittsburgh must evaluate who fills key defensive roles. Roberts' possible return option gives the team a safety net if injuries strike early.
Broader Roster Shuffle Reshapes Steelers' Front Seven
The Lowry and Roberts releases are part of a wider early-round wave of cuts. Rolling Out reports the Steelers are finalizing their 53-man roster with questions remaining about linebacker depth and front-seven composition. These moves reflect Pittsburgh's need to refresh its defensive line and linebacking corps.
With multiple linebacker departures, the Steelers must identify internal options or rely on depth signings. The roster churn signals a broader defensive rebuild in progress, with the team evaluating younger talent and veteran contributors ahead of the new season.
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