Steelers Add Former Panthers LB and Special Teams Veteran to Practice Squad
The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed former Carolina Panthers linebacker Jon Rhattigan to their practice squad, bolstering their linebacker and special teams depth ahead of their Week 1 game against the New York Jets. 
According to FOX Sports’ Greg Auman, Rhattigan was brought in for a free agent visit on Monday before being added to the practice squad.
Rhattigan’s football journey began at Army, where he spent all four years of his collegiate career. Although he didn’t play in 2017, he made his debut in 2018, appearing in one game. By 2019, he played in 13 games and recorded six tackles. As a senior in 2020, Rhattigan stepped up, starting every game and finishing the season with 78 tackles, two interceptions (including a pick-six), two fumble recoveries, and 1.5 sacks.
After going undrafted in the 2021 NFL Draft, Rhattigan signed with the Seattle Seahawks as a free agent. He was cut after preseason but re-signed to the Seahawks’ practice squad, where he earned a spot on the active roster and appeared in 14 games as a rookie. Unfortunately, a knee injury landed him on injured reserve in January 2022, and he was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list for part of that year. Rhattigan returned to action in December 2022, playing five games before re-signing with the Seahawks in April 2023.
After being waived during final roster cuts in August 2023, Rhattigan joined Seattle’s practice squad again and eventually played in 17 games, tallying 17 tackles. In April 2024, he was waived once more, and this time, the Carolina Panthers claimed him. Rhattigan made the Panthers’ 53-man roster and appeared in 16 games, recording 12 tackles.
He was released by the Panthers last week, opening the door for the Steelers to sign him. Rhattigan, a special teams standout with over 1,000 career snaps, could be elevated for game days as a valuable contributor on special teams.
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