Former Pittsburgh Steelers WR Gunner Olszewski has quickly found a new home. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, he is signing to the New York Giants’ practice squad.
Pittsburgh officially released Olszewski on Saturday after two miserable years with the team. His stint with the Steelers was plagued by muffed returns and fumbles. In 2022, he fumbled twice, once on a reception and once on a punt return, turning the ball over both times. He also had a mental gaffe in Week Two against the Cleveland Browns when he fielded a kick that was headed out of bounds, costing the offense 31 yards of field position.
In two years with the team, Olszewski appeared in 18 games, but his production was scant. Just six receptions, eight rushing attempts, and 14 total returns (nine punts, five kicks). He averaged only 14 yards per kick return and just seven per punt while contributing little on offense aside from being a try-hard blocker.
With WR Diontae Johnson returning for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams, Olszewski became expendable. Now, he’ll try to work his way back to playing time with the Giants. As Pelissero notes, Olszewski had a strong resume prior to signing with Pittsburgh, an All-Pro return man with the New England Patriots, and he’ll try to recapture that success with his new team.
Pittsburgh used RB Godwin Igwebuike as its kick returner in Sunday’s win over the Rams. WR Calvin Austin III continued to handle punts. When RB Anthony McFarland Jr. is activated off IR, he figures to resume his role as the Steelers’ starting kick returner.
