A Steeler since signing with the team in March 2022, Gunner Olszewski looks to be on his way out of Pittsburgh. The Steelers are releasing the veteran receiver and return specialist Friday, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero tweets.
Olszewski saw more time as a return man with the Patriots, earning first-team All-Pro honors back in 2020. He has only served in that capacity on a part-time basis in Pittsburgh. Thus far this season, Olszewski has logged just three combined returns. This move could clear the way for Diontae Johnson to return. The fifth-year starter is expected to be activated from IR ahead of Week 7. As of Friday, the Steelers only have four receivers on their 53-man roster.
The fifth-year specialist has fumbled twice, however, despite only logging four touches in his two games. The Steelers will save nearly $1MM by making this move. Because the 27-year-old backup is a vested veteran, he will avoid the waiver wire. Had the Steelers hung onto Olszewski past the trade deadline, he would have needed to pass through waivers. This transaction also would allow Olszewski to immediately pass through to the Steelers’ practice squad, though it is unclear if the team wants to retain the veteran in any capacity.
After spending his entire rookie season on IR, Calvin Austin is in place as Pittsburgh’s punt returner. The Steelers used Desmond King as one of their kick returners this season, making this week rather key regarding Pittsburgh’s special teams. King received his walking papers earlier this week, having only played one defensive snap during his brief run with the AFC North franchise. Olszewski only totaled five offensive snaps and eight ST plays this season.
Last year, Olszewski was closer to a part-timer, He logged 216 offensive plays and 106 on special teams. While the Steelers only deployed Olszewski as a sporadic return man, he spent three years as the Patriots’ primary punt returner. The former UDFA’s 17.3-yard average led the NFL in 2020, producing the All-Pro nod.
Hopefully the Bears have waiver priority over the Patriots.
He has more than 4 years NFL experience and it is still before the trade deadline. He shouldn’t have to go through the waiver process.
Thank god, it’s about time
This isn’t going to make Steeler fans as happy as if the team fired Matt Canada, but it’s not far off from that. Gunner might be the least popular Steeler player of recent memory.
“Return specialist”. There’s nothing special about his returning.
Fire Canada.
Dude was terrible, damn near gave away that game vs Browns.
Bye hope to see you never.
Race is on, who gets added back onto a practice squad sooner Gunnar or Cole Beasley ? Takin Gunnar, lotsa retread wide outs on free market right now, got ol WRs coming outa retirement to play “I’m always open !”
Probably the least talent of anyone I’ve ever seen play in the NFL.
No clue how anyone ever gave him a helmet.