Steelers Release Rookie Outside Linebacker with Injury Settlement

The Pittsburgh Steelers have reached an injury settlement with rookie outside linebacker Julius Welschof, removing him from their injured reserve list and allowing him to become a free agent, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston.

Welschof, who recorded three sacks in three preseason games, was placed on season-ending injured reserve after suffering a knee injury against the Detroit Lions in the preseason finale. The extent of Welschof’s injury is unknown, but since an injury settlement was reached, it doesn’t appear to be a 4-6 month type of recovery time. Perhaps the Steelers could sign him back at some point down the road.

A native of Miesbach, Germany, Welschof was the Steelers international player pathway roster exemption after joining the team as an undrafted free agent out of Charlotte. Welschof has two seasons remaining on his deal and will also be able to re-join the Steelers as an exempt player in 2025.

During his lone season at Charlotte, Julius Welschof won a starting job out of camp and looked to have a breakout season. His season was cut short after just four games due to a season-ending injury. In his four games for the 49ers, Welschof logged four tackles.

Residing from Germany, Welschof played the majority of his collegiate football at the University of Michigan. During his first season on campus, Welschof did not see any game action and spent the year on a redshirt. In 2019, Welschof played in his first career game but did not log any official stats.

Welschof received his first serious playing time in 2020 as he played in six games for the Wolverines. He recorded a half of a sack which was his only credited sack of his collegiate season.

In 2021, Welschof played in 13 games and recorded 11 tackles. As a redshirt senior, Welschof seen time in just four games. He decided to transfer and use his last year of eligibility at Charlotte.

In his six colligate seasons, Welschof played in 28 games and totaled 27 tackles, half of a sack and a half of a tackle for loss.