In a stunning development out of Pittsburgh, the Steelers have officially confirmed the release of rookie wide receiver Darius Franklin, just months after selecting the former Michigan State standout in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
The announcement, made early Saturday morning, shocked fans and analysts alike who had expected Franklin to compete for a depth role on the team’s revamped offense. Instead, the freshman receiver was among several names cut ahead of OTAs as part of what the Steelers called an “early strategic evaluation process.”
“This is never an easy part of the job,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. “Darius is a talented young man, but after internal evaluations, we’ve decided to move in a different direction at that position.”
Franklin, known for his speed and physical playmaking at the college level, struggled to gain traction during early rookie minicamp sessions. Team insiders cite concerns over route timing, inconsistency in catching drills, and difficulty adapting to the playbook as contributing factors.
Still, few expected the Steelers to part ways with a draft pick this early, especially one brought in to inject youth into a wide receiver room that has thinned in recent seasons.
The move raises questions about how the team views its current depth chart, particularly behind George Pickens and Diontae Johnson. With Franklin gone, undrafted rookie Devonte Parks (LSU) and second-year wideout Calvin Austin III could see expanded reps heading into mandatory minicamp.
Despite the setback, Franklin is expected to receive interest from other NFL teams and practice squads. His agent released a brief statement shortly after the cut:
“Darius remains confident in his ability and is eager for the next opportunity. This is just the beginning.”
The Steelers, meanwhile, remain focused on building around a young core and are expected to evaluate more free-agent wide receivers in the coming days. While Franklin’s departure is a surprise, it signals the team’s commitment to finding the right fits—regardless of draft status.
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