Steelers Undrafted Free Agent Rookie Jordan Byrd Has A Legitimate Chance To Be The Team's Return Man In 2023

Is Byrd's Value As A Return Specialist Enough To Warrant A Roster Spot With The Steelers?

The Steelers are fortunate to have a talented and deep wide receiver group, which may make it difficult for Byrd to prove to the coaching staff that he is worthy of making the team. He will likely need an extremely impressive training camp and preseason to give himself a legitimate shot of sticking around in Pittsburgh, especially in the return game. 

While the Steelers will give a number of different players a crack at winning the return job in training camp, Byrd's biggest competitor will likely be Olszewski, who had an up-and-down first season in Pittsburgh. Olszewski lacks the same type of game-breaking speed as Byrd, but is only a few years removed from garnishing All-Pro honors as a punt returner in 2020 during his time with the New England Patriots. He is also a much more viable option at receiver compared to the undrafted rookie. 

How Will The NFL's New Kickoff Rule Affect Return Specialist Battle?

Earlier this offseason, NFL owners voted in a new rule that allows players to fair catch on kickoffs and automatically receive the ball at the 25-yard line. The rule change is intended to improve the level of player safety and to cut down on the number of concussions during special teams play. While the health and safety of NFL players should always be given top priority, there is no denying that the new rule will make it difficult for players such as Olszewski and Byrd to make a 53-man roster. 

Easier this month, Olszewski voiced his frustration with the rule in an article written by Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. 

"The rule is the rule. I’m not looking to complain about it. I hate it. I think it stinks for guys who are [special] teamers and guys who try to go out and get jobs and make a name for themselves. They’re taking chances away from us," said Olszewski.

As a player who makes his living playing on special teams, Olszewski has every right to be upset with the rule change. It will certainly be something to keep an eye on during preseason games. With just over a month until players report to Latrobe, the competition for the Steelers' return specialist job will be exciting to watch. 

Thoughts, Steeler Nation?

Do you give Byrd much of a chance to make the Steelers' roster in 2023? Will Olszewski bounce back during his second season in Pittsburgh? Other than these two players, who do you expect to compete for the return specialist job? Be sure to