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Steelers sign Jaheim Bell. What to know about ex-Patriots tight end
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- Steelers sign Jaheim Bell. What to know about ex-Patriots tight end
Just two weeks out from the start of offseason team activities , the Pittsburgh Steelers have found their new tight end .
On May 4, the team signed 24-year-old Jaheim Bell to a one-year contract. The 6-foot-2, 241-pound tight end has already played a season for the New England Patriots, and he signed to the Steelers' practice squad near the end of the 2025 season.
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Here's a look at what he brings to the team.
What team has Bell played for in the past?
Jaheim Bell of the New England Patriots runs with the ball during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at Gillette Stadium on September 15, 2024.
Before the Steelers signed him, Bell played in 15 games as a rookie during the 2024 season for the New England Patriots, The Tribune-Review reported . He was drafted by the team in the seventh round and played mainly on special teams, though over the course of that season, he had two catches for 20 yards among 83 offensive snaps.
Where was Bell in 2025?
Bell was cut by the Patriots during last year's training camp, The Tribune-Review reported. In 2025, he spent an in-season week on the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad. He was added to the Steelers' practice squad for the final week of the regular season leading into the team's wild-card playoff week.
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Pittsburgh released Bell on Jan. 20, 2026. He signed a contract with the Eagles the next day, but was cut on April 28 before resigning with the Steelers.
Jaheim Bell, Philadelphia Eagles (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Where did Bell go to college?
Bell spent three seasons at University of South Carolina and one at Florida State University, The Trib-Review reported. During that time, he had 95 receptions for 1,260 yards and 12 touchdowns in 38 games. He also had four rushing touchdowns.
Who else have the Steelers recently signed, drafted?
During the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, the Steelers filled a number of positions. Here's a look at who they picked:
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Round 1, Pick 21: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
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Round 2, Pick 47 (from Colts ): Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
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Round 3, Pick 76 (from Cowboys): Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
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Round 3, Pick 85: Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
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Round 3, Pick 99: Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa
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Round 4, Pick 121: Kaden Wetjen, WR, Iowa
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Round 5, Pick 169 (from Rams via Chiefs): Riley Nowakowski, TE, Indiana
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Round 6, Pick 210 (from Rams via Chiefs): Gabriel Rubio, DT, Notre Dame
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Round 7, Pick 224 (from Saints via Patriots): Robert Spears-Jennings, S, Oklahoma
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Round 7, Pick 230 (from Colts): Eli Heidenreich, RB, Navy
When does Steelers' offseason training begin?
The Steelers will start their organized team activities on May 18, with official training camps to being in the summer.
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During the offseason, each team is allowed as many as 10 days of organized team activities, according to the league's collective bargaining agreement, though many teams opt for fewer. Live contact isn't permitted during OTAs, according to the NFL, but "7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are permitted," according to their website.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Steelers sign ex-Patriots tight end Jaheim Bell to one-year contract
