As we’ve done in previous years, we’re taking a look at Pittsburgh Steelers on Reserve/Future contracts for the 2026 offseason, as well as what we can expect from them during training camp and (hopefully) into the regular season. Today, an outlook on DL Kyler Baugh.
Kyler Baugh/DL Minnesota – 6016, 302 pounds
For one moment last summer, the glory was all Kyler Baugh’s. A figurative and literal celebration of his hard work, Baugh took down Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Perkins in the preseason finale. There was much rejoicing.
As there should have been. Baugh had no guarantee of even being in a training camp, much less making a play on the field. Signed Aug. 1 to replace the injured Jacob Slade, Baugh stuck with the Steelers the rest of the summer. He finished it with that sack.
The rest of his camp wasn’t notable with our summer report not having much to say, though he showed more athleticism than you might otherwise expect. We gave him a C-plus.
“Baugh was signed early in camp as defensive line depth. A round body and rotational defensive end/tackle who struggled to see consistent reps once the group got healthier and other players, like Breiden Fehoko, were brought back, Baugh plays with burst and an edge. Liked his power and jolt in the one-on-ones, even if his size and other traits weren’t impressive.”
Athleticism he showed at his Minnesota Pro Day, running a sub-5 second 40 and 33-inch vertical at north of 300 pounds.
Even with his sack, Pittsburgh predictably cut Baugh while trimming its roster down to 53. Two days later, the Steelers signed him back to the practice squad. He stuck all the way until Christmas Eve when Pittsburgh needed room and cut him in favor of WR Brandon Johnson.
That disappointment didn’t last long. The Steelers re-signed him five days later and inked him to a Reserve/Future deal on Jan. 14.
Baugh still has a tough path ahead. He doesn’t even have the benefit of the same coaching staff. It’s possible a new group with a new evaluation could show him the door at any point once players hit the field. Baugh is always on the roster fringe. His odds of appearing in a regular-season game remain long. No matter what happens, no one can take away his sack, celebration, and moment in the sun.