Steelers Cut Cornerback After Refusing Final Snap in Preseason Game

Pittsburgh, PA – August 24, 2025 — The Pittsburgh Steelers made a surprising roster move this weekend, releasing a cornerback shortly after their preseason schedule concluded. The decision came as the team reduced its roster ahead of Week 1.

The release followed a reported dispute during the final moments of a preseason contest. According to multiple sources, the player declined to take the field for the last snap, an act the coaching staff viewed as unacceptable.

That player was Kyler McMichael, a recent training camp addition. Signed in late July to compete for depth in the secondary, he had hoped to carve out a role but instead found himself on the outside looking in.

Head coach Mike Tomlin, long known for emphasizing discipline and accountability, viewed the refusal as a breach of team culture. Pittsburgh acted swiftly, cutting ties and reinforcing the standards expected inside the organization.

McMichael, a former North Carolina standout, entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2022. His journey included brief stints with Tampa Bay, Buffalo, and Arizona, but injuries and inconsistency limited his professional impact.

At training camp, the 6-foot, 200-pound defender never rose above the third unit on the depth chart. Despite some flashes in drills, his preseason production was minimal, leaving little reason for the Steelers to extend patience.

The decision comes amid a secondary already stacked with veterans like Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey, and Darius Slay. With roster spots at a premium, the coaching staff prioritized reliability and commitment as they finalized the 53-man group.

For Pittsburgh, the move underscores how thin the margin can be for players fighting to earn jobs. In a franchise built on toughness and discipline, accountability remains just as valuable as raw talent.