As we’ve done in previous years, we’re taking a look at Pittsburgh Steelers on Reserve/Future contracts for the 2026 offseason, discussing what we can expect from them during training camp and (hopefully) into the regular season. Today, an outlook on DL Anthony Goodlow.
Anthony Goodlow/DL – Oklahoma State: 6042, 283 pounds
It’s not easy to be Anthony Goodlow. Presuming he’s working with the interior defensive linemen and not the EDGE rushers this summer, as he wasn’t with the EDGE group during minicamp, Goodlow appears at the back of a crowded room. It has seen plenty of additions in Sebastian Joseph-Day, Gabe Rubio, Kevin Jobity Jr., and Dean Lowry’s late re-signing.
Before the NFL, Goodlow began his college career at Tulsa. He spent five seasons there, posting 8 TFLs in 2022, and transferred to Oklahoma State for his final season. His production was a respectable seven tackles for a loss and three sacks.
At his Pro Day, Goodlow posted middling marks. A 4.95 40-yard dash, 28-inch vertical, 9’4″ broad jump, and 22 reps on the bench press. His overall size was most appealing with good height and long, 34 5/8-inch arms.
Undrafted in 2024, he signed with the Los Angeles Rams. He got hurt in late August and waived with an injury settlement in early September. Goodlow latched on with the Arizona Cardinals for 2025. Beginning the year on the practice squad, Goodlow made his regular-season debut in Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks. He appeared in three games for the Cardinals, logging 36 defensive snaps and making three tackles.
A month after his third game, Arizona released him, and Goodlow spent the rest of the season as a free agent. He visited Pittsburgh right after being cut, but didn’t sign. He inked his Futures contract in January after Mike Tomlin’s resignation but before Mike McCarthy’s hire.
Pittsburgh showed interest in Goodlow before. In 2024, the team worked him out and met with him the following year. Now, he’s on the roster. His frame for playing the run is interesting, but adding weight to his 283-pound listing is important.
Goodlow is likely to open camp as a fourth or fifth-stringer. Reps will be rare. He must take advantage of them while walking the line between wanting to stand out with impact plays versus doing his job and executing his assignment. Any day Cam Heyward gets off must be capitalized on.
The reality is that Goodlow has a tough climb, and injuries to other position groups could leave him on the street. Making the practice squad would be a win for Goodlow. At least, he survived one defensive line cut with Jahvaree Ritzie’s waiver in May. That’s one situation survived, but there are plenty more to go.