The Pittsburgh Steelers have waived veteran CB Tre Flowers, the team announced Monday. The roster move comes one day after the team’s regular-season finale and clears a path for WR DK Metcalf’s return to the 53-man roster.
Flowers spent two games with the team, appearing in one contest.
Metcalf’s suspension was lifted Monday. It’s possible the team receives a temporary roster exemption in which Metcalf wouldn’t count against the roster, but it’s just as possible Metcalf officially rejoins the team’s 53-man roster today. Which requires a corresponding move. That appears to be Flowers, who was signed Christmas Day as depth.
With cornerbacks James Pierre and Brandin Echols healthy and returning for Week 18, Flowers became expendable. Pierre had missed multiple games with a calf injury while Echols missed Week 17 due to a groin injury sustained the week before against the Detroit Lions.
Flowers only appeared in the team’s Week 17 game against the Cleveland Browns. He logged two snaps, both on special teams as a vice/blocker on the punt return unit and did not see any time defensively. For Week 18, he was a healthy scratch with practice squader D’Shawn Jamison getting a helmet over him.
A fifth-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks in 2018, Flowers has appeared in 98 NFL games. For his career, he’s recorded 287 tackles with four interceptions. But after starting his first two years in the NFL, he’s struggled to find a consistent role and place in the league. Since 2022, Flowers has played for seven NFL teams.
He’ll look to latch on with a team in the offseason and compete for a roster spot in training camp.
Pittsburgh’s cornerback room on the 53-man roster now consists of Joey Porter Jr., James Pierre, Asante Samuel Jr., and Brandin Echols. Jalen Ramsey is also capable of playing corner, though he serves as the team’s starting free safety.