The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t just been very diligent in vetting candidates to be their next head coach. The team has also been adding players to their offseason roster. Defensive end Jahvaree Ritzie just became the team’s latest addition.
The Steelers announced Thursday they have signed Ritzie to a reserve/future contract.
Ritzie began his career as an undrafted free agent for the New England Patriots after the 2025 NFL Draft. Following the preseason, he signed with the Patriots practice squad.
Through the NFL Draft process last year, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein labeled Ritzie as a player who was going to have to battle for a roster spot. But the NFL analyst was positive about all the things Ritzie could bring to the table.
“Frame has room for additional muscle mass. Versatility to align in odd or even fronts,” Zierlein wrote. “Gets into initial contact with sound base width. Fluid punch and release to play around blocks.
“Keeps chopping into gaps, creating more work for blockers.”
Ritzie posted 138 combined tackles, including 10.5 tackles for loss in 51 games at North Carolina. He also had nine sacks, two pass defenses, two forced fumbles and an interception during his college career.
Steelers Sign DE Jahvaree Ritzie
With Ritzie, the Steelers have inked their 20th player to a reserve/futures contract. Of those 20 players, Ritzie is the third defensive end.
On January 14, the Steelers signed defensive ends K.J. Henry and Anthony Goodlow to reserve deals.
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