Steelers Now
In the unforgiving world of the NFL fringe, survival requires a willingness to do absolutely anything. That chameleon mindset defines Pittsburgh Steelers versatile weapon Max Hurleman, whose ultimate “Swiss Army Knife” utility has kept his professional football dreams alive.
Hurleman’s journey to the Steel City is a masterclass in perseverance. After a multi-faceted collegiate career that saw him play running back and receiver at Colgate before transferring to Notre Dame as a graduate walk-on cornerback, he arrived at Steelers rookie minicamp in 2025 strictly as an unsigned tryout player. He quickly turned heads with his work ethic, ultimately spending the entire 2025 campaign developing on the team’s practice squad.
That “do-it-all” reputation is something Hurleman actively embraces. When asked on the Steelers Afternoon Drive podcast by Steelers Now if coaches have always wanted to leverage his versatility, Hurleman made his mindset clear.
“I want to do it all,” Hurleman said. “I want to play kick returner, punt returner, if you ask me to play two ways, I’ll play two ways.”
Now entering his second professional year, management has rewarded that flexibility. The Steelers signed Hurleman to a one-year, $885,000 reserve/future contract for the 2026 season. According to contractual details, the agreement features zero guaranteed money or signing bonuses. This offers Pittsburgh total cap flexibility while giving the former Fighting Irish special teams ace a clear directive to remain indispensable.
Whether covering punts, tracking down returners, or taking reps out of the backfield, Hurleman’s diverse skillset provides vital roster depth. As training camp battles loom, his unique ability to wear multiple hats remains his strongest currency in a league where positional flexibility translates directly to job security.
Acquired: Hurleman’s new agreement with the Steelers provides the franchise with total financial flexibility heading into the 2026 season. Hurleman locked in a one-year, $885,000 reserve/future contract that features zero guaranteed money or signing bonuses, anchoring his salary cap hit at that exact same figure. The Steelers can cut or trade the former Notre Dame product prior to the regular season without absorbing a single dollar in dead cap space, clearing the entire $885,000 off their books.
Last Year: The Steelers kept Hurleman within the organization for the entirety of his 2025 rookie campaign. After originally joining the team as an unsigned tryout candidate during rookie minicamp, Hurleman logged three receptions for 33 yards and a touchdown across three preseason contests. Though he failed to make the initial 53-man roster out of training camp, the undrafted Notre Dame product cleared waivers and immediately signed to the practice squad. Hurleman did not see regular season action but remained a developmental piece on the scout team all year, ultimately earning a reserve/future contract following the conclusion of Pittsburgh’s season.
Pro Career: The Steelers signed Hurleman to a one-year, $885,000 reserve/future contract for the 2026 season, securing the multi-positional athlete after a developmental rookie campaign. Originally joining the...
