Tyler Matakevich Rejoins Pittsburgh Steelers
Tyler Matakevich, a standout on special teams for the Buffalo Bills, has returned to a familiar setting by signing a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team that originally drafted him in the seventh round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Some may speculate that the Steelers aim to gather insights, but this move likely centers on Head Coach Mike Tomlin seeking a strategic edge with the revamped kickoff rules.
The NFL is expected to see numerous special teams changes in 2024 due to new kickoff regulations. Teams will be analyzing spring league football footage and discussing various special teams strategies in their meetings. Returners will need to adapt to new blocking schemes.
Given his extensive experience and skill in special teams, Matakevich will likely be in high demand. Returning to Pittsburgh for at least the 2024 season, Matakevich’s signing was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
This move marks a homecoming for Matakevich, who was drafted by the Steelers nine years ago after his college career at Temple. As the 246th overall pick, he has built a notable eight-year career through his special teams expertise.
By the end of his rookie season with the Steelers, Matakevich was playing the majority of special teams snaps and continued to excel throughout his first NFL contract.
In 2020, Matakevich joined the Bills, initially on a two-year deal, and subsequently signed two more contracts with Buffalo (a one-year extension in 2021 and a two-year extension in 2023). He served as a team captain multiple times during his tenure with the Bills.
Matakevich departs the Bills with 55 tackles, one interception, and three passes defended in 66 regular-season games.
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