Football logic is usually pretty cold. You’re either on the 53-man roster, or you’re basically a ghost to the average fan. But the Pittsburgh Steelers just made a move that has the "film grinders" nodding their heads while everyone else asks, "Wait, who?"
The Steelers sign Jacoby Windmon to a deal that brings back a guy who has been bouncing around the league like a pinball. Honestly, if you haven’t kept up with the revolving door of the practice squad lately, you’ve probably missed the most interesting part of Windmon's journey. This isn't just about a depth piece. It’s about a specific type of defensive aggression that Mike Tomlin—and now the rest of the front office—seems obsessed with keeping in the building.
Windmon is a "tweener." That word usually gets used as a knock against players during draft season. Too small to be a pure edge rusher, maybe too stiff to be a pure coverage linebacker. But for a team like Pittsburgh, which loves to disguise blitzes and move guys around like chess pieces, a 250-pounder who can rush the passer and drop into a zone is a weirdly perfect fit.
The Michigan State "Animal" Returns
To understand why the Steelers keep coming back to this guy, you have to look at what he did before the NFL. At Michigan State, Windmon was basically a highlight reel of forced fumbles.
In 2022, he didn't just play well; he was leading the nation in forced fumbles at one point. He had six in just eight games. That is a crazy statistic. He’s got this "ghost move" where he gets underneath offensive tackles, which is a rare skill for a guy who wasn't even drafted in 2024.
✨ Don't miss: Simona Halep and the Reality of Tennis Player Breast Reduction
The Steelers originally grabbed him as an undrafted free agent. He flashed in the 2024 preseason, looking like a guy who could actually push for a roster spot. But the NFL is a numbers game. He got cut, went to the Carolina Panthers, played some special teams, got cut again, and now he's back in the Black and Gold.
The Steelers sign Jacoby Windmon because they lost bodies. It's that simple. When Jon Rhattigan got snatched away by the Las Vegas Raiders and Ja’Whaun Bentley was let go, there was a massive hole in the depth chart. You can’t go into a divisional slugfest with the Browns or Bengals without enough linebackers to rotate.
Why Jacoby Windmon Fits the "Steelers Way"
Pittsburgh doesn't just sign guys because they need a body. They sign guys who fit the "culture," whatever that actually means in 2026. For Windmon, it means being a thumper.
- Versatility: He played defensive end, outside linebacker, and inside linebacker in college.
- Special Teams: If you want to stay on this team, you have to hit people on kickoffs. Windmon has proven he's willing to do the "dirty work."
- Turnover Machine: Those nine forced fumbles from his college days aren't a fluke. He has a knack for punching the ball out at the point of contact.
Teryl Austin, the Steelers' defensive coordinator, has been vocal about wanting fast, smart linebackers who can shift roles mid-play. Windmon is exactly that. He’s 6-foot-2 and looks every bit of 250 pounds. He isn't the fastest guy on the field, but he plays with a motor that doesn't really have an "off" switch.
🔗 Read more: NFL Pick 'em Predictions: Why You're Probably Overthinking the Divisional Round
The move to sign Jacoby Windmon wasn't some blockbuster trade. It didn't break the internet. But for a team that prides itself on finding "undrafted gems" like James Harrison or Jaylen Warren, keeping a guy like Windmon in the ecosystem is just smart business.
The Realistic Outlook for 2026
Let’s be real for a second. Windmon probably isn't going to take T.J. Watt’s job. He’s likely not going to start over Patrick Queen or Payton Wilson either.
He’s a developmental project with a high ceiling. Most people get wrong the idea that these practice squad signings are just "fillers." In reality, the Steelers are looking for someone who can step in for 10 to 15 snaps a game and not be a liability.
If there’s an injury to Nick Herbig or Alex Highsmith, Windmon is the guy who has to know the playbook inside and out. He’s already had a stint with the team, so the learning curve is basically zero. He knows where to stand in the huddle. He knows what Tomlin expects. That familiarity is worth its weight in gold during the grind of an NFL season.
💡 You might also like: Why the Marlins Won World Series Titles Twice and Then Disappeared
There’s also the contract factor. Windmon is playing on a deal that makes him an "Exclusive Rights Free Agent" (ERFA) down the road. This means if he actually turns into a productive player, the Steelers have him locked down for cheap. In a league with a rising salary cap, finding cheap, productive depth is the only way to survive.
What Happens Next?
Now that the Steelers sign Jacoby Windmon, the clock starts. He has to prove he can do more than just "exist" on the practice squad.
The next step is the transition from "camp body" to "game-day elevation." Look for the Steelers to use one of his practice squad elevations in the coming weeks, especially if the special teams unit starts to look a bit thin.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts:
- Watch the Special Teams Snap Counts: If Windmon is active on game day, his impact will first be felt on the punt and kickoff units. If he’s tackling well there, he’ll get defensive looks.
- Monitor the Injury Report: Windmon's path to the active 53-man roster depends entirely on the health of the guys in front of him. If an OLB goes down with a "groin" or "ankle" issue, Windmon is the first phone call.
- Film Study: Go back and look at his 2022 Michigan State tape. Specifically, look at how he uses his hands to disengage from blockers. If he can translate that "hand-fighting" to the NFL level, he could be a situational pass-rush specialist.
- Keep an eye on Reserve/Future contracts: Since we're in the early part of 2026, many of these players are fighting for "Futures" deals that guarantee them a spot in training camp next summer. Windmon is essentially on a long-term audition.