The Pittsburgh Steelers are making another move along the defensive line, releasing nose tackle Brodric Martin-Rhodes from the 53-man roster. It’s a notable shift, but not exactly a surprising one given how the rotation has played out in recent weeks.
Martin-Rhodes, who was signed off the Chiefs’ practice squad earlier this season, saw action in just one game for Pittsburgh and was a healthy scratch for the rest. Despite his size-6-foot-4, 337 pounds-and the kind of frame that typically checks all the boxes for what the Steelers like in their interior linemen, he never quite carved out a role. Instead, it was rookie Logan Lee who leapfrogged him on the depth chart and earned more opportunities.
Originally a third-round pick by the Lions in the 2023 NFL Draft, Martin-Rhodes didn’t stick long in Detroit. After two seasons with minimal production-just four total tackles-he was let go, eventually landing on Kansas City’s practice squad in August before Pittsburgh brought him in for a look.
The tools are there. Martin-Rhodes has the size to be a space-eater in the middle, which is exactly what you want from a traditional nose tackle in a 3-4 front.
But in Pittsburgh, it’s not just about size-it’s about impact. And right now, the Steelers are getting more of that from Logan Lee and Esezi Otomewo, both of whom have stepped up and earned larger roles in the rotation.
There’s still a chance Martin-Rhodes finds his way back into the fold. He’ll head to waivers, and if he clears, Pittsburgh could bring him back on the practice squad. That would give them some added depth, especially with rookie Derrick Harmon expected to return soon, which should further bolster the defensive tackle room.
For now, the Steelers are rolling with the guys who are producing. It’s a competitive group up front, and Martin-Rhodes just couldn’t break through. But in a league where big-bodied run stuffers are always in demand, his story might not be finished just yet.