The Pittsburgh Steelers have been granted a roster exemption for international outside linebacker Julius Welschof, allowing them to expand their offseason roster to 91 players. This exemption has been in effect for Welschof during his two seasons with the team, who originally hails from Germany. Welschof, 29, faced injuries throughout his college career and has spent significant time on the practice squad, competing against established linebackers like T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. His performance this summer will be crucial in securing a spot on the NFL roster, especially in special teams. However, moving to the active roster would mean losing the exemption and the roster flexibility it provides.

By the Numbers
  • Welschof is 6'6" tall, making him a unique build for an outside linebacker.
  • He has been on the Steelers' practice squad for parts of the past two seasons.
State of Play
  • Welschof's position on the team is precarious, with several players ahead of him on the depth chart.
  • The Steelers have consistently dealt with injuries in their outside linebacker group.
What's Next

Welschof must showcase his skills in the upcoming summer training to impress the new coaching staff and earn a spot on the 53-man roster. His pathway remains challenging, but performance on special teams could provide a way in. If elevated to the active roster, he would lose his international player status, affecting the team's roster flexibility.

Bottom Line

The Steelers' roster exemption presents an opportunity for Welschof to demonstrate his value, but he must navigate a crowded linebacker corps. Impressing the coaching staff is essential for his chances of seeing regular-season play, especially given his injury history and age.