The Pittsburgh Steelers have lost a second UDFA training camp darling to waivers. The Cincinnati Bengals have claimed OG Fred Johnson, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Johnson was one of the Steelers top UDFA signings after this year’s draft and played reasonably well during the summer while showcasing his versatility. In camp and the preseason, he wound up playing every position besides center despite only working at right guard and right tackle at Florida.
Pittsburgh gave him to $15K signing bonus to sign. He’ll have a $10,000 dead money cap hit in 2020.
He made the 53 man roster out of camp but was released Friday to bring Trey Edmunds and Paxton Lynch to the 53 man roster to fill the void left by Jaylen Samuels and Mason Rudolph. Johnson had yet to dress for a game.
Earlier this year, the New York Giants claimed OLB Tuzar Skipper off waivers.
The Steelers have two linemen who could be promoted to the 53, Derwin Gray and Patrick Morris. However, Edmunds figures to remain on the 53 man roster until Jaylen Samuels’ knee is healed and if the team intends to re-sign Jayrone Elliott, as he hinted at last week, Pittsburgh will roll with just eight offensive linemen on their 53 for now.
