Mike McCarthy Cuts Rising Second-Year Player for Missing Every Offseason Program Session: “He Chose to Travel While the Entire Team Was Training”

Posted May 3, 2026

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – the Pittsburgh Steelers have made a decisive and pointed move. Head Coach Mike McCarthy confirmed the team has released a second-year linebacker — a player selected in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft who was once viewed as a potential depth piece in the linebacker room.

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The official reason: the player has not participated in a single workout with the team since Phase 1 began. While teammates — from the team’s biggest stars to the longest-tenured veterans — have attended every session, he chose instead to spend the time traveling.

At today’s press conference, McCarthy did not hold back:

“Although the workouts are voluntary, none of our veteran players or No. 1 stars have missed a single session. While the entire team has been working hard to build our system and chemistry, he chose to go on vacation and hasn’t shown up for any workouts at all. His performance last season wasn’t good, and honestly he was already on our cut-candidate list. More importantly, his actions show he isn’t demonstrating any desire to improve or fight for a spot on this year’s roster. This isn’t just about physical training. This is about whether you truly want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler or not.”

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The player referenced by McCarthy is second-year linebacker Carson Bruener — the Steelers’ seventh-round pick (No. 226 overall) in the 2025 NFL Draft.

McCarthy stressed that even though the Offseason Program is technically “voluntary,” it remains a critical period for the coaching staff to evaluate players’ attitude and commitment.

Carson Bruener, who saw limited action as a rookie in 2025 primarily on special teams, has now officially been placed on the cut list due to his complete absence from the program.

The decision sends a clear message from McCarthy and the Steelers’ coaching staff: whether you’re a rookie or a second-year player with upside, no one is guaranteed a spot on the 53-man roster if they fail to show professionalism and hunger.

The Steelers remain in Phase 2 of the Offseason Program. The team will move into OTAs and the mandatory minicamp next week. Linebacker depth is now expected to be a priority for veteran signings or further additions in the coming weeks.

Update: A representative for Carson Bruener has not yet issued a comment on the matter.

From the Courtroom to the Endzone: Steelers Offer a Final Path to Redemption for the 7-Season 1,000-Yard Legend Seeking One Last Shot at Glory
The landscape of professional football is often defined by those who can maintain elite consistency despite the relentless and unforgiving march of time. Few athletes in the modern era have managed to secure seven consecutive seasons of reaching the prestigious four-digit receiving yardage milestone across the league. This statistical dominance has placed a particular veteran wide receiver in the pantheon of modern greats, yet his immediate future recently hung in a delicate balance. As the 2026 off-season reaches its fever pitch, the market for high-tier offensive talent has become increasingly volatile, leaving one specific superstar waiting for a call. While teams are desperate for playmakers who can stretch the field, they are equally cautious about the headlines that follow this mercurial and gifted talent. Recent legal complications stemming from a high-profile trial in early April have created a shadow of doubt over what should be a straightforward signing process. General managers across the league are currently weighing the undeniable on-field production against the potential distractions that might erupt within a professional locker room. However, a franchise in the heart of Pennsylvania, known for its "Steel Curtain" toughness and history of veteran second chances, has emerged as the logical destination. The Pittsburgh Steelers, looking to find a reliable partner for DK Metcalf, are reportedly ready to provide a sanctuary where this elite talent can focus on football. It is within this high-stakes environment that the football world anticipates the official arrival of the legendary wide receiver, Stefon Diggs, to the iconic Steelers roster. "I am coming to Pittsburgh not to just participate, but to dominate every single snap while proving that my passion for the game transcends any noise. This black and gold represents a legacy where my work ethic finally meets home." The strategic fit for Stefon Diggs in Pittsburgh is undeniable, especially when considering the veteran precision he provides for a team navigating a complex quarterback situation. Opposing coordinators will face a nightmare scenario trying to contain a dual-threat perimeter attack that features both veteran savvy and youthful, explosive athletic speed. For the athlete, this move represents a profound redemption arc in a blue-collar media market where his personal brand can flourish alongside his professional statistics. The contract is reported to be a performance-heavy deal that protects the organization’s interests while rewarding the player for maintaining an elite level of physical conditioning. Fans are already imagining the spectacle of home games at Acrisure Stadium, where the roar of the crowd greets every diving catch and calculated route. If the chemistry clicks early in training camp, this signing could be the definitive move that propels the Steelers back into true championship contention this year. The integration of such a high-caliber weapon provides the coaching staff with endless possibilities to exploit mismatches during the most critical moments of the season. Every target will be scrutinized by the global media, as the journey from personal struggle to professional triumph becomes a primary storyline for the entire league. Only time will tell if this bold path to redemption results in a Lombardi Trophy or another chapter of "what if" in the storied history of Pittsburgh.

NFL Pittsburgh Steelers

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