Moving onto part 38 of our 90-part series — assuming the roster does not change before we are complete — which will break down each player of the Steelers current 90-man roster in alphabetical order. This series will encompass many aspects of each players game and their current role with the team. At the end, I’ll give some projected stats as well as their chances to make the 53-man roster.

Let’s take a look at depth receiver and return specialist:

Quadree Henderson

Position: WR/KR
Height: 5’ 8”
Weight: 190 lbs
College: Pittsburgh
Draft: UDFA in 2019

2019 stats

NFL
N/A — Spent time on the Panthers and Steelers practice squad in 2019

Contract remaining

Expires in 2021
$675,000 salary cap number (0.30% of total cap)
$0 Dead money
$675,000 Savings if cut

Likelihood of making the roster

Unlikely. The Steelers haven't held a return specialist on roster since the days of Allen Rossum and Stefan Logan. If Henderson wants to make this roster he’ll have to do it as a receiver and will have to beat out the likes of Deon Cain, Ryan Switzer, and Saeed Blacknall.

2020 projection

Maybe if Quadree can take a couple kicks for house calls during the 2020 preseason he can sneak his way onto the roster. He has one more year of practice squad eligibility and a spot on that unit may come down to a battle with Saeed Blacknall.

If he wins the job on the practice squad, Henderson could get called up for a game or two as a depth receiver but would primarily take reps on the return team.

Projected stats:

N/A —Practice squad or cut

Summary

The Steelers have made their stance on returners know during the last few seasons. They have stayed away from the flashy return men and sent out the sure handed returners. The teams philosophy has also leaned toward fair catching the ball at all costs to avoid turnovers. Even All-Pro punt returner Diontae Johnson didn't return kicks the entire season after early muffed punts led to the team putting out more conservative returner Ryan Switzer.

Because they already have an All-Pro on the roster coupled with the team no longer carrying a return specialist, it seams unlikely that Henderson makes this Steelers team.

Previously Highlighted

Ola Adeniyi
Marcus Allen
Tyson Alualu
Trajan Bandy
Zach Banner
J.T. Barrett
John Battle
Jordan Berry
Saeed Blacknall
Breon Borders
Chris Boswell
Antoine Brooks Jr.
Isaiah Buggs
Devin Bush
Deon Cain
Kam Canaday
Chase Claypool
Josiah Coatney
James Conner
Anthony Coyle
Jordan Dangerfield
Amara Darboh
Carlos Davis
David DeCastro
Christian DiLauro
Kevin Dotson
Bud Dupree
Eric Ebron
Terrell Edmunds
Trey Edmunds
Matt Feiler
Minkah Fitzpatrick
Zach Gentry
Ulysees Gilbert III
Derwin Gray
Joe Haden
J.C. Hassenauer