A.T. Perry Gets Another Shot: Former Saints WR Signs Futures Deal with Steelers
Sometimes, all it takes is the right system, the right timing, and a little patience. For wide receiver A.T.
Perry, the journey through the NFL so far has been anything but linear-but the door isn’t closed yet. The 6-foot-5 Wake Forest product is getting another shot, this time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, after signing a reserve/futures contract that could set the stage for a fresh start.
Let’s rewind a bit. Perry entered the league as a high-upside Day 3 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, landing with the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round.
Coming out of Wake Forest, he was a tantalizing prospect-long, athletic, and productive. He racked up big numbers in college, showcasing a knack for high-pointing the football and stretching the field.
But as is often the case with late-round picks, the transition to the pros wasn’t seamless.
In his rookie season with New Orleans, Perry struggled to find his footing early on. It wasn’t until injuries thinned out the Saints’ receiving corps that he started seeing the field more regularly.
Over the course of 10 games, including three starts, he hauled in 12 catches for 246 yards and four touchdowns. That’s a touchdown every three receptions-not bad for a guy who was fighting for snaps in a crowded room.
But the momentum didn’t last. In 2024, Perry couldn’t climb the depth chart and was ultimately released by the Saints in October.
The Denver Broncos scooped him up, but he never made it off their practice squad. Now, after a year of waiting in the wings, he’s headed to Pittsburgh with a clean slate and a shot to prove he belongs.
So what does this mean for the Steelers?
Well, Perry brings something you can’t teach-size. At 6-foot-5, he’s a mismatch waiting to happen, especially in the red zone.
He’s shown flashes of that potential in limited NFL action, and the Steelers are clearly intrigued enough to bring him into the fold ahead of the offseason program. A reserve/futures contract doesn’t guarantee a roster spot, but it does give Perry the chance to compete through OTAs, training camp, and the preseason.
For Pittsburgh, it’s a low-risk, high-upside move. And for Perry, it’s another opportunity to carve out a role in a league where chances don’t come easy-especially for late-round picks still trying to prove they belong.
The challenge now? Turning potential into production. If Perry can stay healthy, refine his route running, and make the most of his reps in camp, he could push for a spot on the 53-man roster-or at the very least, earn a role on the practice squad with a path to more.
It’s still early, and there’s a long offseason ahead. But for A.T. Perry, the road to redemption runs through Pittsburgh.