Steelers Move On From K.J. Henry as Roster Shuffles Continue

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a notable roster move, releasing edge rusher K.J. Henry from their practice squad just weeks after signing him. This decision comes amid a flurry of roster adjustments, reflecting the team’s ongoing efforts to balance depth, experience, and performance as the 2025 NFL season reaches its midpoint.

Henry’s departure is not entirely surprising given his history in the league. A 2023 fifth-round pick by the Washington Commanders, Henry has spent time with multiple teams over the past few years, including the Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles, Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, and Cleveland Browns. Despite flashes of talent, he has yet to secure a permanent roster spot.

The Steelers initially signed Henry on October 10, 2025, likely viewing him as a depth option for the edge rusher position. However, just weeks later, the team decided to move on. Steelers insiders suggest that this decision was influenced by the team’s desire to make space for other acquisitions, as well as Henry’s inability to distinguish himself sufficiently during practice sessions.

Henry’s Career So Far

While Henry has yet to become a household name in the NFL, his career contains moments that hint at his potential. Over the course of his professional journey, he has recorded 22 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two pass deflections. These numbers, while modest, reflect his limited opportunities in game action rather than a lack of effort or skill.

Before entering the NFL, Henry was a standout at Clemson University, where he played from 2018 to 2022. His collegiate career included winning a National Championship in 2018 and being named a second-team All-ACC selection in 2022, his final season in college. Known for his athleticism and versatility on the defensive line, Henry has the physical tools to succeed at the professional level; however, translating collegiate dominance into consistent NFL production has proven challenging.

A native of Clemmons, North Carolina, Henry has navigated a whirlwind of team changes since being drafted. After one year with the Commanders, he joined the Bengals before brief stints with the Eagles, Cowboys, and Browns. Despite this instability, Henry has earned praise from coaches and teammates for his work ethic and professionalism, qualities that may yet allow him to land a more permanent role elsewhere in the league.

Steelers’ Roster Strategy and Moves

The release of Henry coincided with a series of other roster adjustments by Pittsburgh. The team re-signed inside linebacker Mark Robinson, providing depth and experience in the linebacker corps, and brought in slot cornerback Daequan Hardy, who replaces the recently released Beanie Bishop. These moves reflect the Steelers’ broader strategy of maintaining flexibility while addressing areas of immediate need.

Head coach Mike Tomlin has long been known for his willingness to make bold personnel decisions, whether via trades, signings, or practice squad adjustments. While the Steelers remained quiet at the trade deadline, their internal roster changes demonstrate that Tomlin and his staff are actively managing the depth chart to maximize performance and readiness, particularly as injuries and inconsistent play can impact the team’s competitiveness.

For Henry, the move is another chapter in a professional journey marked by perseverance. While the Steelers ultimately decided he wasn’t the right fit for their system, his time with the organization gave him an opportunity to showcase his skills and continue developing as a player. In a league as competitive as the NFL, such brief stints are common, and many players like Henry find success with other teams after gaining experience and exposure.

The Edge Rusher Market and Future Opportunities

Edge rushing remains one of the most competitive positions in the NFL, and opportunities for young players like Henry are often limited. Teams prioritize production, consistency, and fit within defensive schemes, making it challenging for players with a history of short-term engagements to establish themselves.

However, Henry’s size, speed, and college pedigree make him a candidate for teams in need of rotational depth on the defensive line. The Steelers’ release does not preclude future opportunities; other NFL franchises are always on the lookout for players with raw talent and a strong work ethic. Teams in playoff contention or those managing injuries at defensive end may view Henry as a valuable mid-season addition.

NFL insiders note that Henry’s familiarity with multiple defensive schemes — from the Commanders’ system to the Cowboys’ 4-3 alignment — gives him an edge in adapting quickly to new teams. For a player navigating the precarious nature of professional football, versatility can be a decisive factor in landing a new contract.

Balancing Development and Immediate Needs

The Steelers’ decision highlights a key challenge in NFL roster management: balancing the development of young, unproven talent with the need for immediate impact. While Henry possesses potential, the team opted to prioritize players who can contribute immediately, such as Robinson and Hardy.

Practice squads serve as critical developmental spaces, but teams often shuffle players to optimize depth and prepare for upcoming opponents. In Henry’s case, the Steelers may have concluded that other players could better address immediate needs, particularly with challenging games on the horizon.

For Tomlin and his coaching staff, the release represents a calculated risk. By freeing up a practice squad spot, Pittsburgh can continue to rotate talent and provide opportunities for other players to earn a role. This ongoing roster management underscores the NFL’s highly competitive nature, where performance, opportunity, and timing often determine a player’s trajectory.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, K.J. Henry’s future in the NFL remains uncertain, but his career thus far demonstrates resilience and adaptability. While Pittsburgh has chosen to part ways, other teams in need of edge depth may give him a chance to prove himself on game day.

For the Steelers, the release allows the team to focus on players they believe can make an immediate impact while keeping developmental prospects ready for opportunities as they arise. It is a reminder that the NFL is a business where decisions are driven by performance metrics, strategic needs, and team goals.

Henry’s journey also serves as a cautionary tale for young players navigating the professional ranks. The path from draft pick to established NFL player is rarely linear, and persistence, preparation, and adaptability are essential. Henry has already shown these qualities, and there’s every reason to believe he could find a fit with another team that values his skill set.

Conclusion

K.J. Henry’s release from the Pittsburgh Steelers is a reflection of the high-stakes nature of the NFL and the constant roster evaluation required to compete at a high level. Despite his brief tenure in Pittsburgh, Henry’s career highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by many players navigating professional football.

From his collegiate success at Clemson to his time with multiple NFL franchises, Henry has continually demonstrated skill, determination, and adaptability. While the Steelers move on, other teams may yet capitalize on his potential, offering him the chance to prove that he belongs in the league.

For Steelers fans, the move is just one of many mid-season adjustments, indicative of a coaching staff committed to maximizing their roster’s performance. For Henry, it is another step in a journey defined by perseverance and the pursuit of NFL success.