“Tyler Matakevich Returns to Steelers: Veteran Special Teams Ace Rejoins Original NFL Team Amid Rule Changes”
A Buffalo Bills special teams standout has returned to a familiar setting. Linebacker Tyler Matakevich has signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team that originally drafted him in the seventh round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Some might speculate that the Steelers made this move to gain insights, but it’s more likely related to adapting to new kickoff rules. The NFL will see many changes in special teams strategies in 2024, prompting teams to analyze spring league football for ideas and discuss new tactics in their meetings. Returners will need to develop new skills to navigate the altered blocking schemes.
Experienced special teams players like Matakevich will likely be in higher demand. Matakevich is returning to Pittsburgh for the 2024 season, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Wednesday.
This move is a homecoming for Matakevich, who was initially drafted by the Steelers nine years ago after playing at Temple. The 246th overall pick, Matakevich has built an eight-year career based on his special teams expertise.
He played the majority of special teams snaps for Pittsburgh by the end of his rookie season and excelled throughout his first NFL contract. Matakevich joined the Bills in 2020 on a two-year deal and later signed two more deals (a one-year extension in 2021 and a two-year extension in 2023). He served as a team captain multiple times with the Bills.
During his time with Buffalo, Matakevich recorded 55 tackles, one interception, and three passes defensed in 66 regular-season games.