The Steelers are giving tight end J.J. Galbreath another shot to make his NFL dream stick, signing the 24-year-old to a reserve/future contract as they begin shaping their 2026 offseason roster.
Galbreath is no stranger to Pittsburgh. After going undrafted out of South Dakota in 2025, he initially joined the Steelers for training camp and logged time on the practice squad early in the season. While his stint was short-lived - he was released after Week 2 - the team clearly saw enough to bring him back into the fold with an eye on development.
At 6-foot-4, Galbreath brings intriguing size to the tight end room. He was a standout at the FCS level, racking up 1,355 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns during his college career.
His senior season was especially impressive, earning him first-team AP All-American honors. That kind of production, even at a smaller program, doesn’t go unnoticed - and it’s likely part of why Pittsburgh is giving him another look.
During the 2025 preseason, Galbreath appeared in three games for the Steelers, hauling in three catches for 23 yards. Modest numbers, but preseason reps are often more about showing flashes - route running, blocking technique, football IQ - than lighting up the stat sheet. Now, with a reserve/future deal in hand, he’ll have a full offseason to build on those flashes and show the coaching staff what he can bring to the table.
This opportunity could be even more significant given the current state of the Steelers' tight end room. Connor Heyward is heading toward free agency, and if he doesn’t return, there could be a depth spot up for grabs behind Pat Freiermuth. Galbreath will be one of several players vying for that role when camp kicks off in Latrobe.
For now, it’s a low-risk, high-upside move for Pittsburgh - a chance to develop a young, athletic tight end with good hands, solid size, and a productive college resume. And for Galbreath, it’s another crack at sticking on a 53-man roster. The road won’t be easy, but the door is open.