Steelers Sign Defensive Tackle to Practice Squad
The Steelers signed defensive tackle Kyler Baugh to their practice squad on Monday. The team also released cornerback Daryl Porter Jr. Baugh had joined the Steelers during training camp this year. He was added for depth while the team was dealing with injuries to their defensive line, eventually not making the final roster, but was signed to the practice squad. He remained there until being released on Christmas Eve because the team needed to make room for wide receiver Brandon Johnson.
Standing at six-foot-two and 305 pounds, the 24-year-old DT has yet to play in any NFL regular-season games. Baugh’s NFL career began when he joined the New Orleans Saints in 2024 as an undrafted free agent, but was waived in August of 2024. Later that month, Baugh joined the New York Giants. However, he was released as part of the initial roster cuts on August 25th, 2024. He was signed to the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad in December of 2024. Baugh was also a member of the St. Louis Battlehawks in the United Football League. He signed with the team on January 31st, 2025, recording 14 tackles and one sack during his stint in the UFL.
Baugh played collegiate football for the Minnesota Golden Gophers for 26 games over the span of two seasons. During his time playing for Minnesota, he amassed 77 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, and four sacks. He also had four passes defended, one forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He was an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention in 2022 and 2023, and was also named to the Academic All-Big Ten in 2023. Baugh helped the Golden Gophers win the Quick Lane Bowl in 2023 and the Pinstripe Bowl in 2022.
Before playing for Minnesota, Baugh played college football for the FCS Houston Christian Huskies of the Southland Conference for three seasons. The team was formerly named the Houston Baptist Huskies. Baugh played in 26 games, starting in 18 of them. Throughout his time with the Huskies, he amassed 104 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and five sacks.
Baugh will have to be elevated by Saturday to suit up when the Steelers play against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday, January 4th, 2026. The winner of the game becomes this year’s AFC North champion and earns the fourth seed in the AFC playoff bracket. The Steelers must win the game to advance to the postseason. Kickoff is at 8:20 p.m. EST and will be streaming on Peacock and NBC.
