Mar 16, 2023; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Travis Homer speaks during a press conference at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Steelers: Sign Special Teams Standout for 2026

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Jackson Loschko | Last updated Mar 23, 2026 12:42 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers needed to address their special teams this offseason to pair with Pro Bowler Ben Skowronek after losing multiple key contributors. Long-time special teams coordinator Danny Smith landed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while two-time Pro Bowl ace Miles Killebrew and Kenneth Gainwell, the primary kick returner, joined him. Meanwhile, punt returner Calvin Austin III signed with the New York Giants, and secondary kick returner Ke’Shawn Williams signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, which significantly weakened the unit.

Pittsburgh Steelers sign special teams standout for 2026

According to Ian Rapoport, the Steelers have signed running back Travis Homer . He is widely regarded as a standout special-teamer who excels as a gunner in punt and kickoff coverage while being a solid leader and blocker in the return game. He is also a capable return specialist with 24 kick returns for 570 yards in his career, though he has not had over five returns in a single season since 2020. Although Homer offers depth at running back, he does not play much on offense, logging just 655 snaps in his first seven seasons, including 87 over the past three years with the Chicago Bears and totaling only 32 yards from scrimmage during that span.

The #Steelers are signing former #Bears and #Seahawks RB and special teamer Travis Homer, source said.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 23, 2026

Here’s a quick review of his 2025 campaign

Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Travis Homer (21) warms up before an NFC Divisional Round game against the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears re-signed Travis Homer to a one-year, $2 million contract last March. He enjoyed a solid third season in Chicago, recording ten special-teams tackles while posting a 77.0 PFF grade. However, Homer did not see much playing time on offense, rushing for a career-low -2 yards on his lone attempt and tying a career-low with six offensive snaps.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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