Steelers Release Bradyn Swinson, Sign Terrell Smith and K.J. Henry in Roster Shakeup

As the NFL season hits its stride in early October 2026, the Pittsburgh Steelers are making waves with a series of roster moves aimed at fortifying their depth for the long haul. According to reports from the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, the team officially announced the release of outside linebacker Bradyn Swinson from the practice squad on Tuesday, alongside the signings of cornerback Terrell Smith to the 53-man roster and outside linebacker K.J. Henry to the practice squad. These changes come after a busy week that saw the Steelers tumble in the power rankings following a tough loss to the Cleveland Browns, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering if these tweaks can spark a turnaround.

Swinson's Short Stint in Pittsburgh

Bradyn Swinson, a former fifth-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2025 out of LSU, had joined the Steelers' practice squad on September 1. Despite being graded as a Round 3-4 talent by NFL.com's Lance Zierlein prior to the draft, Swinson struggled to carve out a role in Pittsburgh's loaded linebacker room. His release opens up a valuable spot on the practice squad, which now sits at 15 players with one vacancy remaining. For a player with his collegiate pedigree, this could be a temporary setback as he looks to latch onto another team in need of pass-rushing depth.

Reinforcements Arrive: Smith and Henry

In corresponding moves, the Steelers made the signing of cornerback Terrell Smith to the active roster official. Smith, who previously spent time with the Chicago Bears, brings much-needed experience to a secondary that has been tested early in the season. Additionally, the team added outside linebacker K.J. Henry to the practice squad, a former Cleveland Browns defensive end who could provide rotational pass-rush help. As highlighted on Vulius, these acquisitions reflect the front office's proactive approach to addressing injuries and performance gaps. With the roster now at a full 53 players, the Steelers are positioning themselves for a crucial stretch of games.

Week 5 Showdown with the Colts

Pittsburgh will next take the field on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, a matchup that carries significant weight for their playoff aspirations. The Colts, known for their high-powered offense, will test the Steelers' revamped defense. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the addition of Smith could be pivotal in containing Indianapolis' receiving corps, while Henry's pass-rush ability might be called upon if he's elevated from the practice squad. Fans are eager to see if these roster moves translate into on-field success, especially after the disappointing loss to the Browns.

What This Means for the Steelers' Season

At 2-2, the Steelers find themselves in a familiar position: battling for supremacy in the AFC North. The release of Swinson and the signings of Smith and Henry are clear indicators that the coaching staff is not content with mediocrity. As the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk observes, general manager Omar Khan and head coach Mike Tomlin are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to build a contender. The practice squad remains a fluid situation, with one open spot that could be filled by a veteran or a promising young talent in the coming days.

Fan Reaction and Looking Ahead

Steelers Nation has been vocal on social media, with many expressing optimism about the new additions. Some fans questioned the decision to part ways with Swinson so soon, but others see it as a necessary move to make room for players who better fit the scheme. As the team prepares for the Colts, all eyes will be on how quickly Smith and Henry can integrate into the system. For ongoing coverage, analysis, and exclusive merchandise, be sure to bookmark Vulius and follow us for the latest updates. The Steelers' journey continues, and with each roster move, the stakes get higher.