Steelers Re-Sign Local Defensive Back Recently Released

The Pittsburgh Steelers have brought back defensive back Daequan Hardy to their practice squad, the team confirmed on Tuesday. Hardy, who played college football at Penn State and attended Penn Hills High School, initially joined the Steelers on November 4, 2025.

Hardy did not participate in any regular-season games before being released from the practice squad on November 26. Originally drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Hardy spent his rookie season on Buffalo's practice squad and later signed a reserve/future contract on January 27, 2025. He was released by the Bills after the preseason and re-signed to their practice squad, only to be released again on August 28.

During his college career, Hardy appeared in 48 games for the Nittany Lions, recording 60 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 20 pass defenses, and five interceptions. At pre-draft evaluations, the 5-foot-9 3/8, 179-pound defensive back ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash and achieved a 42.5-inch vertical jump.

In high school, Hardy played on a 7-on-7 team alongside Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and Dino Tomlin, the son of Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. Me, Joey, and Dino, we all played on the same 7-on-7 team, so I was always around Mike Tomlin, Hardy said in April 2024.

In a roster update, the Steelers also released wide receiver Cornell Powell, who had been signed shortly after Hardy's previous release.

Author's Opinion: Hardy's Return to the Steelers Practice Squad

The Pittsburgh Steelers' decision to re-sign defensive back Daequan Hardy to their practice squad highlights their ongoing commitment to developing depth in their secondary. Hardy, who previously spent a brief stint with the team in November 2025, returns with the potential to contribute in the long term. While he did not appear in any regular-season games last year, his strong college performance and impressive pre-draft metrics indicate that he has the physical tools to make an impact.

Hardy's trajectory in the NFL has been a winding one, from being drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2024 to bouncing between their practice squad and being released, before joining the Steelers. His speed and athleticism, as showcased by his 4.38-second 40-yard dash and 42.5-inch vertical jump, make him an intriguing prospect for a Steelers defense that has been bolstering its depth at cornerback. The return of Hardy is likely a move to strengthen their practice squad and evaluate his potential for future contributions, with a specific focus on his skills in coverage and versatility.

Additionally, the Steelers' decision to release wide receiver Cornell Powell may suggest they are refining their roster to better align with team needs as the season progresses. Given the nature of the NFL, where roster moves are common, it's important to recognize that these decisions are part of the constant evaluation process that teams undergo.

Ultimately, Hardy's return is a sign that the Steelers are keeping an eye on promising talent to fortify their defense. If he can prove himself during practices and further develop his skills, there may be an opportunity for him to break into the active roster in the future.

Sources:

• Steelers Bring Back Recently Released Local Defensive Back