When the Pittsburgh Steelers announced their final roster cuts on Saturday, Nat Berhe was one of only two vested veteran released by the team, along with Landry Jones. However, just minutes after the official list of cuts had hit social media, the former New York Giants’ safety was quick to assure Steeler Nation they had not seen the last of him in 2018.
Very much as promised, Berhe was back with the team by Sunday, returning to Twitter to announce he had re-signed with the Steelers once again.
C’mon guys, you thought I was gone? Signed. ✅
— Natnael Berhe (@NatBerhe) September 2, 2018
A move confirmed by his agent (and brother) moments later, although not yet officially acknowledged by Pittsburgh at the time of writing.
Signed, sealed, delivered. https://t.co/kNwUkEa52n
— Tamerat Berhe, Esq. (@TamBerhe) September 2, 2018
It is expected that one of the existing names on the 53-man roster will be placed on injured reserve in the next 24 hours with the designation to return later in the season, a move the team could only make if that player started the year on the active roster. While that player has yet to be named, many in the media seem to believe it might be fellow safety Morgan Burnett or possibly one of the tight ends in Vance McDonald or Xavier Grimble.
The coaching staff will be hoping that Berhe can become a key player on special teams this season and a valuable contributor as a reserve safety. If Burnett really is the one set to be added to IR, Berhe could well see a significant number of snaps on defense until he returns. Graded as one of the better players at his position during the preseason by Pro Football Focus, the man known as “The Missile” could yet surprise a few onlookers when he does get his chance.
@NatBerhe finished the preseason 3rd among all safeties in run def. with a 83.5% grade and tied for 11th among all NFL safeties in tackling efficiency with a 86.7%. In 108 defensive reps, Nat was targeted twice for a 3 yard gain. Nat also lead the Steelers in ST tckls w/ 5. @PFF
— Lion Share Sports (@LionsShareSG) September 1, 2018
Originally set to earn a base salary of $790,000 this season before his release, it is assumed that Berhe will have signed another 1-year deal for the same amount on Sunday.