The Pittsburgh Steelers brought a host of offensive skill players in for Tuesday tryouts, including a pair of notable names at quarterback. Per the league’s transaction sheet, the team brought in the following players today:

Quarterback: Hendon Hooker, Jack Plummer
Running Back: Tre Stewart, Jordan Waters, Ian Wheeler (visit)
Wide Receiver: Johnny Johnson III, Brandon Smith, Chris Tyree
Tight End: JJ Galbreath, Colin Granger

Hooker is the most notable name on the list. A strong-armed former third-round pick of the Detroit Lions in 2023, he appeared in three games for the Lions last season. Hooker attempted nine passes for 62 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions. He was waived during final cutdowns. Hooker latched onto the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad until they cut him in early October.

Listed at 6’3, 217 pounds coming out of college, our scouting report touted his arm strength and velocity. It also questioned his decision-making and the benefit of playing in a pass-friendly offense. Hooked faced the Steelers in a 2024 preseason game, throwing for 114 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. A lack of mobility was also evident, and Pittsburgh sacked Hooker five times.

Plummer is a former undrafted free agent from Louisville. He spent time with the Panthers in 2024 and 2025 before they waived him during August’s cutdowns. He’s yet to appear in a game.

Pittsburgh is looking for quarterback depth after waiving QB John Rhys Plumlee from the practice squad earlier today. Bringing in quarterbacks also helps evaluate the rest of the skill players invited to Tuesday’s tryout (and vice versa).

Stewart began his college career at Limestone University before finishing at Jacksonville State, where he rushed for more than 1,600 yards last season. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings after the 2025 draft. A Shrine Bowl invite, he measured in at just under 5’9 and 186 pounds with a 4.52 40. He’s yet to appear in a regular-season game.

Waters played at Duke and NC State and signed with the Los Angeles Rams this offseason. He has also never played in an NFL game. Wheeler played at Howard and spent time with the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints. He was waived from the Saints’ practice squad early this month.

Tyree is a versatile receiver, runner, and returner who played at Notre Dame and Virginia. In 2020, he finished second on the Fighting Irish in rushing yards behind Kyren Williams. In 2023, he led the team in receiving. Undrafted in 2025, he spent time on the New Orleans Saints roster but was waived/injured in August. We noted Tyree as a possible UDFA whom Pittsburgh would have interest in.

Johnson spent time with the Houston Texans after concluding his college career at Oregon. In a 2024 preseason game against the Steelers, he caught two passes for 22 yards. Smith went undrafted in 2021 out of Iowa and has played for several NFL teams and multiple stints with the D.C. Defenders. He has appeared in three NFL games, including two with the New York Jets earlier this year.

Galbreath is the most familiar name to Steelers fans. He signed with Pittsburgh as an unheralded UDFA out of South Dakota. He flashed in the spring but struggled in the summer with his in-line blocking, something expected out of an undersized but athletic “move” tight end. Galbreath started the year on Pittsburgh’s practice squad before he was waived in mid-September.

Granger went undrafted in 2025 out of Coastal Carolina. He signed with the Panthers in April, but they waived him one month later due to a hamstring injury. Interestingly, Granger didn’t play college football. He played basketball for Western Carolina and Coastal Carolina, averaging 7 points per game in the 2024-2025 season. He tried his hand at football this year and is still getting looks on the tryout circuit. At a listed 6’8, 245 pounds, his size alone is interesting, but his game is predictably raw.

As of now, the Steelers have not signed any of these players. But with an open practice squad spot, Pittsburgh could add one or more players in the next 24 hours. Pittsburgh could also be getting a jump on assembling a list of Reserve/Future players to sign after their season is over. Typically, the Steelers use this time of year to get a jump on external names to consider.

Starting RB Jaylen Warren is dealing with an illness that could have the Steelers consider adding running back depth this week. Pittsburgh also waived and then lost rookie WR and returner Ke’Shawn Williams to the Cincinnati Bengals earlier today, potentially creating a need for extra return help.