The Pittsburgh Steelers waived cornerback Daequan Hardy with an injury designation on Monday. Hardy cleared waivers and reverted to injured reserve shortly after. The move opens a roster spot during the team's offseason workouts.
NFL insider Aaron Wilson reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers waived cornerback Daequan Hardy with an injury designation. The transaction occurred on May 5, 2026, ahead of the NFL Draft. Hardy, a Penn State product and 2024 sixth-round pick by the Buffalo Bills, had joined the Steelers' practice squad in November and signed a reserve/futures contract in January. He has yet to play in an NFL game and wore No. 45 with Pittsburgh. An update from Steelers Depot confirmed Hardy cleared waivers and moved to injured reserve by 5:03 p.m. that day, no longer counting against the offseason roster total. The injury likely happened during Pittsburgh's recent offseason workouts. Originally from Penn Hills High School, Hardy impressed at Penn State with five career interceptions and two punt return touchdowns. At the 2024 NFL Combine, he measured 5-foot-9, 179 pounds and ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash. The Steelers had shown pre-draft interest, meeting him with then-defensive backs coach Grady Brown. The waiver creates a roster opening after the team signed tight end Jaheim Bell the previous day. Pittsburgh added undrafted free agent cornerback Devan Boykin and has D’Shawn Jamison, Donneiko Slaughter, Donte Kent, and Cory Trice Jr. competing for defensive back spots. Scouting notes described Hardy as a potential special teamer with slot receiver potential, though competition intensified with Brandin Echols and Jalen Ramsey's positional shift.