The Pittsburgh Steelers could use additional safety depth. Well, safety Sebastian Castro, who began the season on the team’s practice squad, just became available.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers waived Castro from their active roster Saturday. FOX Sports’ Greg Auman reported the Buccaneers are “expected to sign back” Castro to their practice squad Monday.
However, Castro will have to clear waivers first. The Steelers could put in a claim for the safety before 4 pm ET on Monday. General manager Omar Khan could also always try to sign Castro to the Pittsburgh practice squad.
The Steelers signed the safety as an undrafted free agent in May. He quickly endeared himself to fans as a potential diamond in the rough during training camp and the preseason.
Castro didn’t earn a spot on the team’s initial 53-man roster, but he signed with the team’s practice squad in August. The Buccaneers added Castro off the Steelers practice squad to their active roster on September 30.
Safety Sebastian Castro Hits Waivers
Castro was one of three rookies from Iowa the Steelers had at training camp this past summer. The team drafted running back Kaleb Johnson and defensive lineman Yahya Black, who were college teammates of Castro’s at Iowa.
Although the safety didn’t make the team’s initial roster, he performed well during the summer. Steelers fans were disappointed to see the Buccaneers poach Castro from the practice squad.
“The Tampa Bay Buccaneers broke many Pittsburgh Steelers fans’ hearts when they poached Castro from the Pittsburgh practice squad,” wrote Steelers Depot’s Ross McCorkle.
“Castro has experienced playing all around the secondary from his team at Iowa, and that carried over into the preseason in Pittsburgh. He logged 73 snaps at free safety, 20 as a box safety, and 12 as a slot corner during the preseason and was credited for eight total tackles.
“The 5-foot-11, 203-pound safety ran a 4.58 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine and posted a 30 1/2-inch vertical jump. He isn’t the most athletic player, but showed good mental processing, play strength and physicality throughout his time at Iowa.”
Castro appeared in one game for the Buccaneers. He posted one tackle while playing six special teams snaps. Castro didn’t play a snap on defense.
Steelers Safety Depth Entering Week 10
If Castro was still in the Steelers organization, it’s likely he would be receiving an opportunity on the team’s 53-man roster.
The Steelers lost veteran starting safety DeShon Elliott likely for the season because of a knee injury. Fellow veteran Jabrill Peppers also won’t play in Week 10 because of a quad ailment.
Chuck Clark will return Sunday, but even with him in the mix, the Steelers could start Jalen Ramsey and Kyle Dugger at safety again against the Los Angeles Chargers. Ramsey is a converted cornerback, and Dugger has been with the Steelers for a week and a half.
For those reasons, the Steelers could be interested in bringing back Castro. Although he doesn’t have any experience playing safety at the NFL level, he spent the offseason in the Steelers system.
The Steelers currently have two safeties on their practice squad — Jack Henderson and Darrick Forrest. Veteran safety Juan Thornhill is also on Pittsburgh’s active roster, but Thornhill lost his job to Ramsey and Dugger during Week 9.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Steelers Have Second Opportunity at Training Camp Safety Standout appeared first on Heavy Sports.