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Editors note: From now until reporting day to training camp at Saint Vincent College, TribLive is running through the Pittsburgh Steelers 90-man roster, looking at each player and assessing his outlook for the 2026 season.
The breakdown will run in alphabetical order with two players each day between June 13 and July 28.
Contract data courtesy spotrac.com.
OLB JULIUS WELSCHOF Experience/age: No regular-season games, 29 Contract status: $885,000 cap hit if he makes the team in 2026 The past: Growing up in Germany, Welschof says he never even had heard of (American) football.
It wasnt until a trip to the U.S.
as a 16-year-old that someone spotted his frame that led to Welschofs 6-foot-6, 266-pound stature he stands at today, and encouraged him to try the sport.
He took to it, joined clubs in his native land and ultimately made enough of a name for himself that Welschof ended up at the University of Michigan.
After a sixth college season at Charlotte, Welschof signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent soon after the 2024 draft.
The Steelers held a roster exemption for Welschof 27 at the time of his signing via the NFLs International Player Pathway program.
Welschof led the Steelers in defensive snaps played during the 2024 preseason and had three sacks over the final two games.
A knee injury suffered during the preseason finale in Detroit, however, landed Welschof on injured reserve.
He was on the practice squad by the end of that season upon recovery, though, and stuck with the Steelers over the 2025 offseason and training camp.
After spending all of last season on the practice squad, Welschof again re-signed with the Steelers via a reserve/future contract in January.
Julius Welschof brings him down on third down ???? pic.twitter.com/QHASSertyA Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 18, 2024 2026 outlook: The NFL again granted the Steelers the IPP roster exemption, leaving little to lose in regard to keeping Welschof around.
Hes shown a knack for pass rushing during preseason games and has shown to be coachable and good in the locker room.
That makes him ideal for the practice squad.
Welschof also has good size.
It would be naive, however, to believe that if the Steelers werent allotted a 91st roster spot and if Welschof was from, say, Florida, that he would be in camp as a 29-year-old with no NFL experience.
Hes been well worth having around, and he fills in capably with the scout team.
It would take quite a massive camp and preseason, though, for Welschof to garner consideration in regards to the 53-man active roster come September.
But thats OK.
By all indications the Steelers are as satisfied having Welschof around as he is being part of the team.
The team wouldnt have brought him back for a third season if it didnt feel that way.