Willie Yarbary

Steelers Sign USFL DL Doug Costin

More USFL-to-NFL connections are happening ahead of training camps opening. The Steelers became the latest team to tap into the spring-summer league Tuesday, signing defensive lineman Doug Costin.

The Steelers announced a one-year deal for Costin, who worked out for the team Monday. Costin secured a 90-man roster spot after auditioning along with four other USFL players. Defensive end Freedom Akinmoladun, defensive tackle Domenique Davis, defensive tackle Dondrea Tillman and defensive tackle Willie Yarbary rounded out the workout, Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets.

While Costin played in the USFL this year, he has NFL starting experience. Costin started nine games for the Jaguars in 2020. The Miami University (Ohio) product recorded 32 tackles (three for loss) as a rookie but only played in one game with the Jags in 2021. He spent time on the Bengals’ practice squad leading up to Super Bowl LVI last season.

Costin joins select other USFLers in receiving an NFL opportunity. The Cowboys signed linebacker Christian Sam, and the Commanders added defensive backs DeJuan Neal and Channing Stribling. The Saints are also set to work out USFL running back Darius Victor.

Chargers Cut 10 Players

The Chargers are among the teams making early cuts Monday. Teams have until 3pm CT Tuesday to trim their rosters down to 53 players. The Bolts parted ways with 10. In addition to cutting linebacker Jessie Lemonier, here are the players Los Angeles is waiving:

None of these players has reached vested-veteran status, so the contingent will head to the wire. Mazza and St. Louis will revert to the Chargers’ IR list — with injury settlements likely — if they pass through waivers. Some of these players figure to be candidates to land on the Bolts’ practice squad. Teams can begin making those additions later this week, after waiver claims are processed.

Chargers Sign TE Matt Seybert

The Chargers announced a handful of signings on Friday morning. Tight end Matt Seybert, defensive lineman Willie Yarbary, linebacker Damon Lloyd, and wide receiver Michael Bandy will all join the team’s 90-man offseason roster.

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Seybert, Yarbary, and Bandy played together for a time with the Conquerors of the Spring League. Seybert, a Michigan State product, caught 26 passes for 284 yards and three touchdowns in 2019, his final year on campus. Yarbary, who played his college football at Wake Forest, has been fighting for his chance while playing for multiple non-NFL pro leagues. Bandy, a University of San Diego alum, registered 163 grabs for 2,850 yards and 26 touchdowns between his 2018 and 2019 seasons for the Toreros.

The top of the Chargers’ TE depth chart is well set, thanks to new addition Jared Cook. But, beyond that, there should be at least one spot potentially available for Seybert.