The Steelers sign five defenders to futures and reserve contracts.

The Steelers have officially confirmed five key moves in their offseason roster, welcoming defensive backs Thomas Graham Jr., Kalon Barnes, and Josiah Scott, along with linebackers David Perales and Tyler Murray. Notably, all five players have past connections with the Steelers.

Thomas Graham Jr., a cornerback from the University of Oregon, was initially associated with the Steelers during a tryout before Week 18. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, the 5’11, 197-pound corner spent his rookie season with the Bears and the subsequent year with the Cleveland Browns. Over these two seasons, he played in 11 games, contributing 19 total tackles and four passes defensed. However, his 2023 season began on the Browns’ injured reserve before his release in November.

Kalon Barnes, drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Baylor, previously spent time on the Steelers’ practice squad earlier in the season. Known for holding the second-fastest 40-yard dash in NFL Combine history (4.23 seconds in 2022), the 6’0, 186-pound corner has had stints with the Dolphins and Vikings since being drafted.

Josiah Scott, another cornerback, rejoins the Steelers after spending time on the team’s practice squad/injured list before being picked up by the Philadelphia Eagles ahead of Week 7. Scott played four games for the Eagles in 2023, recording two total tackles. He had previously been with the Eagles in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, accumulating 29 games with 49 total tackles, two interceptions, and eight pass deflections. Originally a fourth-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020, Scott brings valuable experience to the Steelers’ cornerback lineup.

Moving to the linebackers, David Perales, a familiar name to Steeler fans, has already had stints on the team’s practice squad this year as a reserve pass-rusher. The Fresno State alumnus recorded 47 total tackles and 11.5 sacks in his senior year. At 6’3 and 255 pounds, Perales contributed four total tackles with the Steelers in the 2023 preseason.

Tyler Murray, a linebacker who also spent time on the Steelers’ practice squad in 2023, brings a unique story to the team. An undrafted rookie free agent out of Memphis, Murray initially signed with the Cincinnati Bengals following the draft. He worked for Amazon before receiving a call from his agent, marking a significant shift in his career. Starting all 13 games for the Tigers in his senior season, Murray recorded 67 tackles and six tackles for a loss.

This series of offseason moves signals the Steelers’ intent to bolster their defensive depth after a period of focusing on offensive positions in their previous signings. As the team navigates the offseason, these acquisitions contribute to the evolving narrative of the Steelers’ roster, setting the stage for the upcoming NFL season.