Pittsburgh Steelers sign free agent linebacker Tyler Matakevich

Ahead of training camp next week, the Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to terms with free agent linebacker Tyler Matakevich to join them for the 2024 season. Matakevich, who spent the last four seasons with the Buffalo Bills, began his career with the Steelers in 2016.

The former Temple standout played his first four seasons in the league with Pittsburgh after the team drafted him in the seventh round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He began contributing right away, tallying 20 tackles in 16 games as a rookie. He then had 23 tackles in 2017, 16 in 2018 and 18 tackles in 2019.

Following the conclusion of his rookie contract, Matakevich signed a deal in free agency with the Buffalo Bills. He signed for two years, $7.1 million. The Bills then re-signed him twice on one-year deals worth $2.5 million.

While with the Bills, Matakevich had 23 tackles in 2020, which was his most productive season in Buffalo. His production dropped off, however, as he posted 19 tackles in 17 games in 2021. Over the last two seasons, he’s had just 13 total tackles. His first career interception came in 2021 against the Houston Texans.

The Pittsburgh Steelers begin a highly-anticipated training camp next week where the team will begin making progress toward picking a starting quarterback. Rookies and veterans alike arrive for training camp check-in on July 24. Matakevich will join a linebacker group that includes T.J. Watt and new draftee Payton Wilson. He’ll attempt to make the 53-man roster or potentially stick with the practice squad after the roster deadline.

More on the 2024 NFL offseason, free agency

The NFL 2024 calendar year began at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. At that time, contracts running through 2023 officially ran out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams had a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 5. Beginning March 11 through March 13 teams could enter into a legal negotiation with players who will become unrestricted free agents.

In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marked the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 19 marked the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 24, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hit.