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Steelers Release Return Specialist Gunner Olszewski Ahead Of Week 7

Originally posted on Steeler Nation | By Spencer Schultz | Last updated 10/20/23

It's about time that the Pittsburgh Steelers cut ties with wide receiver and return man Gunner Olszewski. The team signed the former New England Patriots All-Pro returner to a two-year, $4.2 million contract just ahead of the 2022 season. Unfortunately, the Steelers never got the 2020 All-Pro version of him. He had quite a long leash too, as many wondered why the team didn't cut ties with him sooner.

In fact, it was a bit of a mild surprise that he made the 53-man roster in 2023. He was consistently solid throughout the summer, which earned rave reviews from his fellow teammates. With the team's lack of back end depth at wide receiver, the coaching staff opted to give him another chance. Well, it didn't exactly work out. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero was the first one to report the news that Pittsburgh has moved on from Olszewski.

The #Steelers are releasing WR Gunner Olszewski, per source. A productive veteran special teamer and receiver available.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 20, 2023

Somehow, Olszewski's mistakes became even more plentiful in 2023. Everyone remembers him toe tapping a kick return in Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns. That wasn't it, as he had a few costly fumbles, including in the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens. Thankfully, rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr. saved Olszewski with an interception a few plays later. Later, Olszewski admitted that he "owed" the rookie a huge gift.

It should be noted that the team met with Keke Coutee on Thursday. We speculated that this could signal the end of Olszewski's tenure in Pittsburgh, and that held true. Now, we wait to see if the team picks up Coutee. He has some experience in the return game in his career with the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts, while also bringing more of a possible impact on offense.