Most Pittsburgh Steelers fans are probably unaware that the United Football League is returning on Friday, March 28. It will bring back the return of the second-year professional football league, which is trying to provide a fruitful developmental process for the NFL.
Spring football has not caught on enough to challenge the NFL for any players, but it could be a perfect rebound for defunct stars.
Pittsburgh remains a football-loving town despite the Steelers struggling to stay relevant. The UFL has some of Pittsburgh's former roster players participating in the league this spring.
They will have 10 weeks of games, plus the playoffs, to expose any talent they might have left in the tank. Those former members of the Steelers could get another shot with the team if they have a terrific campaign.
Don't expect too much, but these players could earn another shot at training camp.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers who could return after playing in the 2025 UFL season
Jalen Elliott - S (San Antonio Brahmas)
After a solid preseason last year, Jalen Elliott made the Steelers' initial 53-man roster out of training camp. He stuck with the team for a handful of weeks until Pittsburgh cut him in October.
He isn't going to become a starting safety, but he fought his way onto the roster. The organization needs help in the safety position, and Elliott is someone they are familiar with.
A lot of UFL talents will only have opportunities arise if specific situations take place in the upcoming NFL Draft. If Pittsburgh cannot address its issues on the depth chart at this position in the draft, it would be wise to consider a reunion with Elliott.
He proved this past preseason that he belongs on an NFL roster, and it would be shocking if the Steelers dismissed this idea.
Andy Isabella - WR (St. Louis Battlehawks)
Maybe the second time is the charm for Andy Isabella in Pittsburgh.
The receiver has spent his early years in the NFL jumping around the league. He was a second-round pick coming out of the 2019 NFL draft. He jumped from the Arizona Cardinals to the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills before he landed with the Steelers.
Isabella has struggled to stick with a team, and his football career is in jeopardy. It would be his second stint with Pittsburgh if he were to return.
Isabella isn't going to wow anyone, but he is a hard worker and could get a head start in this instance. He signed with the UFL to reestablish himself as a football player.
Isabella needs to showcase his skill as a twitchy route runner in the UFL, which got him drafted high in the NFL in the first place. If he fails to take advantage of the lesser competition in the United Football League, Isabella will struggle to find work.
READ MORE: 4 UFL reclamation projects who could get second chance with the Steelers
Jamir Jones - LB (Houston Roughnecks)
Pittsburgh added Jamir Jones to its roster in 2022. He played 17 games with the club before he was released the following April.
He was an undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame during the 2020 NFL Draft. Jones got some interest from the Steelers when he joined the league, and that interest could swing back if he has a nice spring season.
Jones has been a journeyman since signing as an undrafted free agent. His time in Pittsburgh was the most stable of his career to date.
If he has a strong campaign in the UFL, you better believe different teams will invite him to training camp. This veteran linebacker can play on special teams and push different roster players for their jobs.