Not every player on the Pittsburgh Steelers' roster can stick around long term, but that does not mean their football careers are over. Many players turn to the United Football League for another chance to keep their NFL dreams alive, and several of them have ties to Pittsburgh. The UFL featured a number of former Steelers players this season, and quite a few stood out.
After strong seasons in the UFL, these former members of the Pittsburgh Steelers earned selections to the 2026 All-UFL Team.
That honor represents one of the league's highest achievements and should draw attention from several NFL organizations. While a reunion in Pittsburgh appears unlikely, these players could generate legitimate interest on the free agent market. Now, it will be up to each of them to capitalize on the opportunity.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers commanding new NFL opportunities after All-UFL nominations
LB Tae Crowder
Tae Crowder only spent the 2022 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he made plenty of noise in the United Football League this year. The linebacker emerged as one of the UFL's top defensive players and could become someone Pittsburgh considers bringing in for training camp. Crowder led the league in tackles during the season while consistently making impactful plays on defense.
Although he is getting older, he still possesses clear NFL talent and deserves another opportunity at the professional level.
WR Hakeem Butler
Another standout season in the UFL is nothing new for Hakeem Butler, as his previous success in spring football helped earn him an opportunity with the Steelers in the past. That NFL comeback attempt ultimately did not work out, but he could have another chance to make it happen. His continued dominance in spring football has breathed new life into his professional career.
IDL Isaiah Buggs
If it were not for his off the field concerns, Isaiah Buggs would likely still be in the NFL.
During his time in Pittsburgh, he proved to be a reliable rotational defensive lineman, and he has continued to showcase that ability in the UFL. His dominant play earned him All-UFL honors this season and could draw interest from NFL teams once again. However, any opportunity at a return to the league will depend on whether he can put those off-the-field issues behind him.
WR Tyler Vaughns
Steelers fans should remember the preseason buzz surrounding Tyler Vaughns a few years ago. The wide receiver spent two seasons hanging around Pittsburgh's roster before taking his talents to the UFL in an effort to revive his professional career. Vaughns is coming off an impressive season in the United Football League, where he led the league in touchdown receptions.
IDL Carlos Davis
After being selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Carlos Davis has built a respectable professional career for himself. Although he has not appeared on an NFL roster since 2024, his time in the UFL has been productive and filled with strong performances.
Any team searching for a late free agent addition to strengthen competition along the defensive line should strongly consider Davis.
IOL Gareth Warren
He signed with the Steelers last year as an undrafted free agent, and joining the United Football League proved to be a smart decision for his career. Coming from a Division III program, he faced an uphill battle to gain recognition, but earning All-UFL honors should put him firmly on the NFL radar. Pittsburgh may want to consider bringing him back after his standout spring season.
LB Kyahva Tezino
Kyahva Tezino only spent a brief period with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but few former players have built a stronger UFL résumé than he has.
The linebacker continues to thrive in spring football thanks to his aggressive play style and consistent production on defense. Although Tezino has not yet been able to turn that success into a lasting NFL opportunity, he has done enough to deserve another chance. A reunion with Pittsburgh may not be likely, but he could compete for a depth or fringe roster spot with another NFL team.
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