Steelers cut ties with 25-year-old WR started who started career as QB

The Pittsburgh Steelers have reportedly seen enough from an intriguing offensive contributor. 

According to KPRC 2 Houston’s Aaron Wilson, the Steelers are cutting ties with a 25-year-old wide receiver who started his career as a quarterback.

“#Steelers part ways with receiver John Rhys Plumlee,” Wilson reported on X/Twitter Tuesday.

During his collegiate playing days, Plumlee occupied the quarterback position at a respectable level. The Hattiesburg, Mississippi native started his career at Ole Miss, but didn’t make a noticeable impact at that level until he transferred to UCF in 2022. 

As a member of the Knights, Plumlee completed 79 passes for 4,857 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. UCF reached two Bowl games during Plumee’s stint with the program, but failed to come out victorious in both.

Upon joining the Steelers in 2024 as an undrafted rookie, Plumlee converted from QB to WR. The switch didn’t help much, though, as Pittsburgh released the 6-foot pro before the start of the 2024-25 season. 

Plumlee joined the Jacksonville Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks for short periods before reuniting with the Steelers last October. Although Plumlee is young, it’s a bit concerning that he’s already been waived four times to start his career and has yet to appear in an NFL game. 

Still, it’s reasonable to assume the UCF product will continue to fight for long-term stability in the most competitive football league in the world.

More NFL: 

• Giants closing in on ex-Texans $2 million starter, Dexter Lawrence replacement
• Cowboys predicted to cut ties with George Pickens in favor of declining $10 million Bills WR
• Eagles named top landing spot for former Cowboys $21 million starter