What's Happening?
The Pittsburgh Steelers have hosted linebacker Jon Rhattigan for a visit, following the extension of Jaylen Warren. Rhattigan, who played college football at Army, went undrafted in 2021 but signed with the Seattle Seahawks, where he appeared in 36 games over three seasons. In 2025, he joined the Carolina Panthers, playing in 16 games primarily as a special teams player. Rhattigan has accumulated 1,018 special teams snaps compared to just 20 on defense throughout his career. Known for his muscular frame and strong tackling ability, Rhattigan is considered a reliable special teams asset, though his role as a backup is seen as his ceiling. The Steelers have not yet signed Rhattigan, but he remains a potential option if the team requires additional linebacker support during the season.
Why It's Important?
The Steelers' interest in Jon Rhattigan highlights their focus on strengthening their special teams unit and ensuring depth in their linebacker corps. Rhattigan's experience and skill set could provide valuable support, especially in special teams scenarios. As the Steelers prepare for their season opener against the New York Jets, having versatile players like Rhattigan could be crucial for adapting to in-game challenges and maintaining a competitive edge. This move also reflects the team's strategy to explore available talent to bolster their roster, which could impact their performance in the upcoming season.
What's Next?
With the season opener against the New York Jets approaching, the Steelers will continue evaluating their roster needs. If Rhattigan is signed, he could contribute to the special teams and provide additional depth at linebacker. The Steelers' decision will likely depend on their assessment of current players and any emerging needs during the season. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if Rhattigan becomes part of the Steelers' lineup and how his presence might influence the team's dynamics.
