Report: Steelers expected to sign former Eagles and Raiders WR Johnny Holton

After adding three new players following successful tryouts during their rookie minicamp, it would appear that the Pittsburgh Steelers are still not quite done tinkering with their roster, with another new recruit set to sign this week.

As per Mike Garafolo on the NFL Network, former Philadelphia Eagles and Oakland Raiders wide receiver Johnny Holton will become the latest addition to the team in the coming days.

Much like the expected signings of the three tryout prospects announced on Sunday, this move has yet to be confirmed by the team and will be accompanied by the release of a player currently on the 90-man roster when it does become official. In the case of Holton, it should be presumed he will replace one of the wide receivers.

Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Raiders in 2016. the former Cincinnati prospect played in 15 games as a rookie and ended the year with just two receptions for 34 yards. Holton would turn a mere nine catches into 218 yards in 2017 but was waived before the start of the 2018 regular season. Re-signed to their practice squad as a cornerback later in the year, he would reemerge for one game on the active roster as a wide receiver before returning to the practice squad for the remainder of the season.

Holton would go on to join the Eagles as a future signings in 2019, only to be released three weeks ago and will now look to restart his career in Pittsburgh. Noted for his speed in college, this 6-foot-1 wide receiver ran a 4.42 40-yard dash at his pro day was also a kick return man, finishing his career with 942 yards from 42 returns.

This coming from a scouting report on NFL.com in 2016:

“Straight-­up vertical guy who can blaze and hit the home run, but who lacks of completeness to his game. Holton’s size and speed are worthy of attention and his ability to return kicks gives him a better chance to make a roster than most limited speedsters.”