Steelers Re-Sign Versatile Rookie Max Hurleman to Reserve/Future Deal
The Pittsburgh Steelers are keeping a familiar face around as they look ahead to 2026, re-signing rookie wide receiver Max Hurleman to a reserve/future contract. While it’s not the kind of move that makes headlines in January, it speaks volumes about how the organization views Hurleman’s potential-and his path to this point is anything but ordinary.
Hurleman, 24, first caught the Steelers’ attention during rookie minicamp last spring. He wasn’t a draft pick, nor a splashy free agent signing-just a tryout player who made the most of his shot.
He turned heads in the preseason with three catches for 33 yards and a touchdown, but it wasn’t just the stat line that stood out. His athleticism-and let’s be honest, his touchdown celebration-made it clear he had something worth watching.
Still, cracking the Steelers’ 53-man roster was always going to be an uphill climb. Pittsburgh’s wide receiver room was stacked.
With names like DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller, Robert Woods, Ben Skowronek, Brandon Johnson, and Ke’Shawn Williams in the mix, there simply wasn’t enough room. Hurleman was released during the second wave of roster cuts as the team trimmed down to the league-mandated limit.
But that wasn’t the end of the story.
Hurleman’s journey to this point has been defined by adaptability. He began his college career at Colgate as a running back, where he played in 35 games and started 23 over four seasons.
In 2021 and 2022, he was the Raiders’ lead back, combining for 175 carries, 743 rushing yards, and a touchdown across those two seasons. What really stood out, though, was his ability to contribute in the passing game-30 receptions for 281 yards in 2021, followed by 20 catches for 239 yards and a score in 2022.
In 2023, Hurleman made the switch to wide receiver, where he posted 28 catches for 273 yards and two touchdowns. It was a solid transition, even if he didn’t get quite the same volume of touches.
Then came another curveball: a transfer to Notre Dame in 2024, where he flipped to the defensive side of the ball as a cornerback. He saw just three defensive snaps for the Fighting Irish, but that stat line doesn’t tell the full story.
Where Hurleman truly made his mark was on special teams. He became a four-phase contributor for Notre Dame, playing on kickoff return, kick coverage, punt return, and punt coverage units. He returned 23 punts for 138 yards and added four special teams tackles-showing off the kind of versatility and willingness to do the dirty work that coaches love.
That’s the kind of profile that makes a player stick around in the NFL. Hurleman’s not just a wide receiver.
He’s a do-it-all athlete who’s shown he can contribute in multiple phases of the game. Whether it’s catching passes, returning kicks, covering punts, or even lining up in the secondary, he’s proven he’s willing-and able-to do whatever it takes to stay on the field.
By signing him to a reserve/future contract, the Steelers are giving themselves the chance to see more of that versatility in action during offseason workouts and training camp. It’s a low-risk, high-upside move for a player who’s already shown flashes of what he can bring to the table.
No one’s handing Hurleman a roster spot. But if the past year is any indication, don’t count him out. He’s already beaten the odds once-and he’s not done yet.