Steelers Make Surprise Move: Former UFL Defender Joins the Roster—What This Could Mean for the Season

You ever wonder what it takes for a storied franchise like the Pittsburgh Steelers to keep their edge—literally and figuratively? It turns out, the hunt for fresh talent isn’t limited to the usual suspects or familiar fields. Nope, the Steelers are casting their nets even into the UFL, snagging Michigan Panthers’ defensive end Kenny Willekes, a player who’s been lighting it up with an impressive stat line of 31 tackles, four sacks, and 28 quarterback pressures in nine games. Sure, Willekes has been around the NFL block—drafted by the Vikings, bouncing between practice squads, and logging some solid moments—but this signing feels like more than a shot in the dark. With Pittsburgh’s defensive roster practically bursting at the seams, one can’t help but wonder: will Willekes carve out his own highlight reel here, or is this a story of grit meeting a mountain of steep competition? Either way, Steelers fans have a new wildcard to keep an eye on—and that’s exactly the kind of drama that makes football so addictively unpredictable.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of talent.

They’re even dipping into the UFL.

According to James Larsen of UFL Newsroom, the Steelers have signed defensive end Kenny Willekes.

“Willekes is coming off a tremendous UFL campaign in Michigan, with 31 tackles, 4 sacks and 28 QB pressures to his name. One of the UFL’s top edge rushers from 2024-2025,” Larsen wrote on X.

BREAKING: The Pittsburgh #Steelers are signing @USFLPanthers DE Kenny Willekes, per sources.

Willekes is coming off a tremendous #UFL campaign in Michigan; with 31 tackles, 4 sacks, & 28 QB pressures to his name.

One of the UFL's top edge rushers from 2024-2025. #UFLtoNFL pic.twitter.com/QyGXahYXHd

— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) August 19, 2025

This will be another opportunity for Willekes to succeed in the NFL.

The Minnesota Vikings took him in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

He failed to make their 53-man roster, but he got to stay on the practice squad and then played in six games in 2021.

He logged 18 combined tackles (11 solo), two tackles for loss, seven QB hits and 2.5 sacks.

The Vikings released him, and he signed with the Michigan Panthers.

His numbers in the UFL were much more impressive, with 31 tackles, 28 total pressures and four sacks in nine games this season.

Yet, he’s going to have a tough time making the 53-man roster for Pittsburgh.

The team is stacked on defense with pass rushers T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer all locked in on the roster.

Willekes will most likely have an opportunity to suit up and make a case for himself in the final preseason game, even if it’s just to secure a spot on the practice squad.

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