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 TE JJ Galbreath.
JJ Galbreath/TE South Dakota – 6033, 231 pounds
There was a brief moment in time Galbreath was an offseason sleeper. It’s no surprise. An athletic “move” tight end with the fluidity of a wide receiver, he shined before the pads come on. Will Howard shouted him out during OTAs and during the first four days of training camp, effectively glorified spring practices under NFL “ramp up” rules, showcased similar.
Then the pads came on, and Galbreath’s candle quickly blew out.
That wasn’t a shock, either. A rookie small schooler without great size or bulk was going to struggle once the defense could hit back. As a blocker, Galbreath struggled and his receiving numbers sunk.
Still, his preseason had two more positive developments. One, he was durable and available. Galbreath didn’t miss time. Two, he played a ton on special teams. He played a lot of snaps in general, logging more during the Steelers’ exhibition games than any other non-offensive lineman. Conditioning is an overlooked factor for young guys making the team. Galbreath was tested and passed.
It proved enough to make Pittsburgh’s practice squad out of the gate. But when the first waves of regular season injuries popped up, Galbreath was on the outs. Released in mid-September, he spent the rest of his rookie year on the street.
Pittsburgh kept tabs on him and signed him back to a Reserve/Future contract in January. Though without tight end-obsessed OC Arthur Smith, Galbreath has a second chance to stick.
With Connor Heyward a pending free agent and Jonnu Smith out the door, there’s a path for Galbreath to remain. But he’ll need to be bigger and stronger to show he can do more than catch passes. And when the pads start popping, prove he can pop back.
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