The Pittsburgh Steelers have re-signed one of their standout rookie wide receivers for the 2026 season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have re-signed promising rookie wide receiver Max Hurleman to a reserve/future contract for the 2026 season, the team announced .
Hurleman, 24, joined the Steelers in May after trying out for the team during rookie minicamp, and he impressed during the preseason, recording three catches for 33 yards and a touchdown while also displaying his eye-popping athleticism during a celebration.
Pittsburgh Steelers undrafted rookie Max Hurleman celebrates his touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Aug. 9, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
However, it became increasingly clear that he wasn't going to make Pittsburgh's 53-man roster in a crowded wide receiver room that included DK Metcalf , Calvin Austin III , Roman Wilson Scotty Miller, Robert Woods , Ben Skowronek , Brandon Johnson and Ke'Shawn Williams.
That's exactly what happened as Hurleman was released as part of the team's second wave of cuts to trim its roster down to the NFL-mandated 53-player limit.
Hurleman started out his collegiate journey as a running back at Colgate . With the Raiders , he played in 35 games and made 23 starts over four seasons.
He was the starting running back in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, rushing 92 times for 346 yards and one touchdown in 2021 and 83 times for 397 yards in 2022. He was also a prolific receiver, catching 30 passes for 281 yards in 2021 and 20 for 239 yards and one touchdown in 2022.
In 2023, Hurleman moved to wide receiver, but did not see as much playing time, catching 28 passes for 273 yards and two touchdowns as a redshirt junior.
Hurleman then transferred to Notre Dame as a cornerback for the 2024 season. He played just three snaps of defense for the Fighting Irish.
No matter what position he is listed to play, Hurleman's major contributions have come on special teams. He returned 23 punts for Notre Dame last season for 138 yards. He also returned punts and kicks for Colgate in his time with the Raiders.
At Notre Dame, Hurleman was a four-phase special teamer, playing on kickoff return, kick coverage, punt return and punt coverage units. In addition to his returns, he had four special teams tackles in 2024.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Steelers Bring Back Promising Rookie Wide Receiver
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