Hold up, Steelers fans! Just when we thought we knew the roster, a training camp standout is on the move. Brandon Johnson has been released from IR with an injury settlement. What does this mean for the Black and Gold’s receiving corps, and where do you think Johnson will land next?

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a significant roster move, officially releasing wide receiver Brandon Johnson from their Injured Reserve list following an injury settlement, a development that now grants the pass-catcher the freedom to explore opportunities with any NFL franchise once he has fully recovered from his recent foot ailment.

This decision stems directly from an unfortunate incident during the Steelers’ final preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, where Johnson sustained a foot injury that prematurely ended his participation in the contest and subsequently led to his placement on injured reserve, halting his immediate prospects with the team.

Johnson’s journey in professional football began in 2022 when he signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent. During his tenure in the Mile High City, the promising wide receiver appeared in 20 games, gaining valuable NFL experience before making the transition to the Pittsburgh Steelers in August 2024.

His initial stint with the Steelers last season was relatively brief, featuring in just three games where he managed to secure one reception for nine yards. Despite this limited playtime, Johnson’s potential and work ethic did not go unnoticed by the coaching staff and front office.

Earlier this January, Johnson inked a Reserve/Future contract with Pittsburgh, a strategic move that provided him with a crucial opportunity to showcase his talents. He certainly made the most of this chance during training camp, emerging as a notable standout and demonstrating significant improvement, particularly catching the eye of observers with his consistent play.

An injury settlement allows a team to remove a player from Injured Reserve by paying them a predetermined amount of their remaining salary. This agreement severs ties between the player and the team, enabling the player to sign with another organization as soon as they are medically cleared, providing a pathway for a quicker return to the field.

The competitive nature of NFL rosters means that even promising talents like Johnson can find themselves in difficult situations due to injuries. Teams constantly evaluate their depth charts, and tough decisions are often made to maintain flexibility and prepare for the regular season.

For Brandon Johnson, this release marks a new chapter in his professional career. While he recovers from his foot injury, the 27-year-old wide receiver will undoubtedly be focused on rehabilitation and preparing himself to secure another opportunity in the National Football League, where his training camp performance will likely serve as a strong highlight reel for interested teams.