Steelers release veteran safety Rayshawn Jenkins
The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Oct. 21, 2026, that they had released safety Rayshawn Jenkins. Jenkins signed with Pittsburgh in the offseason and appeared in six games for the team in 2026, making one start. The transaction was posted Oct. 21, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. on Steelers.com by Teresa Varley.
Jenkins, a fourth-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2017 NFL Draft, totaled 15 tackles for Pittsburgh this season, including nine solo stops. He had a limited role in the Steelers secondary in 2026 but provided veteran depth while on the roster. The transaction posting included his 2026 totals and career statistics.
Over his NFL career, Jenkins has played for the Chargers (2017-20), Jacksonville Jaguars (2021-23), Seattle Seahawks (2024) and Cleveland Browns (2025). He has appeared in 145 career games with 93 starts and has recorded 523 tackles, 363 of them solo stops, along with 34 passes defensed, 20 tackles for a loss and 11 interceptions. Those totals were included in the Steelers’ transaction announcement.
The transaction posting included no additional comment, according to the Oct. 21, 2026, post on Steelers.com by Teresa Varley. The team listed the roster move and the accompanying season and career information in the notice. Fans may view the full transaction on Steelers.com.
NFL Sports Blog Take
Jenkins brought substantial NFL experience to Pittsburgh but saw limited playing time in 2026, which likely influenced the decision to release him. His career totals reflect a player capable of providing veteran leadership and depth in the secondary. The Steelers now will manage their roster and evaluate options to address safety depth as the season continues.