Steelers Hosted Three Defensive Backs for Tryouts
The Pittsburgh Steelers evaluated three players at their team facility on the South Side on Tuesday.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Football
The Pittsburgh Steelers hosted defensive backs Beau Brade, Austin Brown, and Dan Jackson for tryouts at the team's facility on Tuesday. The session was recorded on the official league transaction sheet.
Why it matters
NFL teams conduct mid-season tryouts to evaluate potential roster depth and identify players capable of contributing to special teams or practice squads. These sessions provide an opportunity for free agents to demonstrate their skills for active roster consideration.
Beau Brade has logged 26 career games with 12 defensive snaps and 400 special teams snaps. Dan Jackson entered the league as the 230th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The players
Beau Brade
He is an experienced defensive back who has previously played for the Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants.
Austin Brown
He is a defensive back who signed with the Indianapolis Colts after going undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Dan Jackson
He was selected by the Detroit Lions with the 230th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The details
The tryouts featured Beau Brade, who has prior experience with the Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants, alongside undrafted player Austin Brown and 2025 draft pick Dan Jackson. Austin Brown was previously waived by the Indianapolis Colts in August 2026, while Jackson spent his rookie season on the Detroit Lions practice squad.
Timeline
Dan Jackson spent the 2025 season on the Detroit Lions practice squad.
Austin Brown was waived by the Indianapolis Colts on August 30, 2026.
The Steelers hosted three defensive backs for tryouts on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
Season Trajectory
These tryouts reflect the ongoing process of roster optimization that teams utilize to fill gaps created by injuries or performance issues. The acquisitions of Isaiah Hodgins and Darius Rush alongside these tryouts signal an active effort to bolster depth for the remainder of the season.
The hosting of these players directly impacts the current team depth chart and potential future practice squad rotations. Any subsequent signing of these defensive backs would result in a corresponding move on the active 53-man roster or the practice squad.
The takeaway
Teams frequently evaluate free agents during the season to maintain competitive depth across all defensive units. Staying updated on these minor transactions helps fans understand the ongoing adjustments made to the team roster.
Further reading
For more updates on roster moves, visit the Football section.
