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The Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed another new recruit to the fold on Sunday with the signing of offensive tackle Zach Banner. To make room for him on the roster, offensive tackle Kyle Meadows was waived/injured.
Banner was the first to announce the news via Twitter, a move later confirmed by the team in an official press release.
Officially signed with the @Steelers today, and I feel blessed and grateful for the opportunity to play for this organization. Taking it day by day with my life, but I couldn’t be happier.#FightOn #HulkSmash#BibaGuahan #EastTacoma pic.twitter.com/kbatzJM9j0
— Zach Banner (@ZBNFL) August 12, 2018
We have signed OL Zach Banner to a one-year contract, and waived/injured OL Kyle Meadows.
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 12, 2018
Drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Banner would be released in the final round of cuts and was claimed by the Cleveland Browns off waivers before the Colts could add him to their practice squad. After spending the first half of the year on the inactives list, injuries would eventually open the door for Banner to see some playing time and he would see action in eight games for the Browns last season.
Released by Cleveland in March, Banner would have a brief stay with the Carolina Panthers before hitting the free agent market once again in June. At 6-foot-8 and 360 pounds, the former USC product has an impressive frame, but he has not always used that size to his advantage. Scouting reports ahead of the draft commended his physical nature and strength, while questioning his agility, flexibility and foot speed.
Meadows time with the Steelers was brief, having only joined the team 10 days ago. Assuming no other team claims him off waivers, his rights will revert to Pittsburgh and he could still stay with the team if they opt to keep him on injured reserve rather than offering him an injury settlement.