The Pittsburgh Steelers re-signed linebacker Jacoby Windmon for a third stint with the team in June.
Windmon, who originally signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent out of Michigan State in 2024, played with the Columbus Aviators in the UFL this spring. In three games with Columbus, Windmon recorded five tackles and 3.5 sacks.
The Steelers invited Windmon to their rookie minicamp as a pro tryout it May. It was after that camp that Windmon signed in Columbus, playing the final three weeks of the UFL season with the Aviators.
Windmon played defensive end for Columbus, but has mostly played off-ball linebacker in his time in the NFL. He played both edge rusher and off-ball linebacker in his collegiate career.
Windmon originally entered the NFL with the Steelers in 2024 as an undrafted free agent. After being waived during final roster cuts, he returned to Pittsburgh's practice squad in October before eventually being signed away by the Carolina Panthers later that same month.
Carolina gave Windmon an opportunity at the NFL level during the 2024 season, appearing in eight games and recording 22 tackles. The versatile linebacker showed flashes as both a downhill defender and special teams contributor, which helped him stick around the Panthers organization into 2025.
After appearing in three preseason games in 2025 — including the Windmon failed to crack Carolina's initial 53-man roster. The Steelers then brought him back for a second stint on their practice squad in October, though he was never elevated to the active roster before eventually being released later that month.
He bounced back to Carolina once again, with the Panthers signing him to their practice squad in November before eventually giving him a reserve/future contract in January of 2026, but he was released by Carolina in May, just before he reported to Pittsburgh for rookie camp.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jacoby Windmon makes a play against the Houston Texans on Aug. 9, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Acquired:The Steelers signed Jacoby Windmon as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 NFL Draft. He received a three-year contract from the Steelers.
Last Season: Jacoby Windmon played in one game for the Panthers. With the UFL's Columbus Aviators this spring, he recorded eight tackles, two tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and one forced fumble in just three games.
Career:In his first two seasons in the NFL with the Panthers, Windmon played in nine games, starting two. He has recorded 22 tackles (13 solo), 1.5 sacks, one tackle for loss, two passes defended and two quarterback hits.
JACOBY WINDMON COLLEGE CAREER
Linebacker Jacoby Windmon in a game against Ohio State, Michigan State Athletics
jacoby Windmon began his career at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas or UNLV. He enrolled early as a tight end prospect but moved to defensive end. He played in all 12 games as a true freshman and made 12 combined tackles and contributed on a sack.
In 2020, Windmon started all six of the Rebels game at defensive end and totaled 39 tackles, five sacks, and 6.5 tackles for a loss. Windmon earned All-Mountain West honorable mention nods following the season.
As a junior, Windmon took his game to another level for the Rebels. He started all 12 games and a career-high 118 combined tackles, six sacks and 11 tackles for loss. He earned second-team All-Mountain West after his career season. Following the season, Windmon decided to transfer to Michigan State.
He won a starting job in his first season with the Spartans and started the first eight games of the season, six at defensive end and two at linebacker. Windmon finished the game with a FBS-leading six forced fumbles, 49 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. He missed the final four games of the season due to partaking in a fight against players of the Michigan team in the tunnel before the game.
Over his five years in college, Windmon appeared in 41 games and totaled 233 total tackles, 18 sacks and 30.5 tackles for loss.
JACOBY WINDMON COLLEGE STATS
| Year |
School |
GP |
Tackles |
Sacks |
TFLs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 |
UNLV |
12 |
12 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
| 2020 |
UNLV |
6 |
39 |
5.0 |
6.5 |
| 2021 |
UNLV |
12 |
118 |
6.0 |
11.0 |
| 2022 |
Mich. St. |
8 |
49 |
5.5 |
10.5 |
| 2023 |
Mich. St. |
3 |
15 |
1.0 |
2.0 |
JACOBY WINDMON PRE-DRAFT TESTING
In the pre-draft process, Windmon ran a 4.65-second 40-yard dash and showed decent agility but poor explosiveness and strength, posting a low 16 bench press reps and a 5.68 out of 10 overall Relative Athletic Score . He was not expected to be drafted and was the No. 501 overall player in the NFL Mock Draft Database consensus big board.
SALARY CAP AND CONTRACT
Windmon signed a one-year contract with the Steelers worth $1,005,000 for the 2026 season. His average annual salary and base salary are both $1,005,000.
ODDS AND ENDS
Windmon was the first player in NFL history to be flagged on the field for the newly banned hip-drop tackle. It occurred in Week 16 of his 2024 rookie season with the Panthers.
MORE STEELERS ALL 90
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Hard-Hitting Steelers LB Jacoby Windmon Could Become Next Special Teams Demon
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