The Pittsburgh Steelers added a new dimension to their practice squad on Friday, signing wide receiver Andy Isabella. Known for his electrifying speed, Isabella will join Quez Watkins, Lance McCutcheon, and Brandon Johnson on the Steelers’ practice squad, giving the team added depth and flexibility at the receiver position.
This signing comes as little surprise, as Isabella previously worked out for the Steelers on October 1. The 5’9”, 188-pound receiver first made waves in the 2019 NFL Draft after a standout college career at UMass, where he logged 102 catches, 1,698 receiving yards, and 14 total touchdowns in his final season. His 4.31-second 40-yard dash time solidified his reputation as one of the draft’s top speedsters, ultimately leading the Arizona Cardinals to select him in the second round.
While his talent was undeniable, Isabella struggled to carve out a consistent role in Arizona’s offense. His best statistical year came in 2020 with a modest 224 receiving yards, and he has since seen time on the rosters of the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills. His last NFL catch came in 2022, but his 43 games of NFL experience and unique speed make him an intriguing addition for Pittsburgh.
Steelers fans and analysts will be curious to see how Isabella might fit into the team’s plans as the season unfolds. Known for his quickness and separation skills, he could prove valuable as a practice squad player, adding depth and pushing the Steelers’ current receivers to step up. For now, Isabella has a chance to impress coaches and perhaps earn a call-up as Pittsburgh looks to maximize its receiving options.