As the dust settles on a disappointing loss to the Cleveland Browns, the Pittsburgh Steelers are wasting no time exploring ways to fortify their roster. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the team hosted a contingent of nine free agents for tryouts on Friday, headlined by a pair of former third-round linebackers in Chad Muma and Marte Mapu. The workouts, first reported by PennLive’s Nick Farabaugh, signal a proactive approach from the Steelers’ front office as they look to shore up depth on both sides of the ball.
Muma Brings Elite Athleticism and Special Teams Pedigree
Chad Muma, a 2022 third-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars, spent the 2025 season split between the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots. While he has largely carved out a role on special teams as of late, Muma boasts seven career starts on defense, with his most recent coming in 2024. The Wyoming product has amassed 103 career tackles and posted a remarkable 9.79 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) coming out of college—a metric that undoubtedly intrigues a Steelers defense that values speed and explosiveness at the second level. His experience in multiple systems could make him an immediate contributor if signed.
Mapu’s Versatility Offers Intriguing Option
Marte Mapu, another recent Patriots draftee (2023 third round), is a hybrid defender who logged nine starts on defense in 2024, recording 46 total tackles, six passes defensed, and an interception. However, his snap count shifted primarily to special teams in 2025. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein critiqued Mapu’s “short-area athleticism and long speed” pre-draft, but his box-safety background and collegiate production at Sacramento State make him a tantalizing project. The Steelers, known for developing versatile defensive backs, could view Mapu as a potential chess piece in sub-packages.
Full List of Tryout Participants
Pittsburgh cast a wide net beyond the two linebackers, working out edge rusher Cameron Sample, offensive tackles Tomas Rimac and Andrew Coker, centers Gus Hartwig and James Brockermeyer, running back Terrell Jennings, and defensive back Miles Battle. This sweep suggests the team is evaluating depth across multiple position groups, particularly along the offensive line and in the secondary. The Steelers did not immediately sign any of the players, but they do have open spots on the practice squad following the recent promotions of Travis Homer and Doneiko Slaughter to the 53-man roster.
What This Means for the Steelers’ Roster Strategy
As highlighted on Vulius, the Steelers are clearly in win-now mode, and these workouts reflect a desire to leave no stone unturned. With the AFC North race heating up, adding athletic, scheme-diverse defenders like Muma and Mapu could pay dividends down the stretch. While no signings are imminent, the front office’s diligence is a testament to their commitment to competing at the highest level. For die-hard fans, this is a sign that the team is actively seeking edges—whether on special teams or in rotational defensive snaps.
“We’re always looking to improve our football team, and that includes exploring every avenue to add talent,” a team source told Vulius Sports. “These workouts are part of our due diligence.”
Keep it locked on Vulius for the latest NFL roster moves and in-depth analysis. As the Steelers continue to tweak their lineup, we’ll bring you the inside scoop on every development.
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