Steelers Set to Acquire Linebacker Blake Martinez from Panthers’ Practice Squad

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made two significant signings this week in their ongoing quest to strengthen their roster. On Monday, the team added Myles Jack to their practice squad. Now, they are set to bring in another experienced linebacker, Blake Martinez, on Tuesday. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Martinez is being signed off the Panthers practice squad.

Blake Martinez had previously signed with the Panthers earlier in the month after coming out of retirement. He retired while playing for the Raiders in November 2022 to focus on a profitable Pokemon trading card business. However, he returned to football after being banned from selling cards on a major online marketplace.

Before his brief retirement, Martinez played in four games with the Raiders in 2022 and three games for the Giants in 2021 before tearing his ACL. Over the previous five seasons, he appeared in 77 games for the Packers and Giants and has amassed 706 tackles, 13 sacks, four interceptions, four forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries throughout his career. These signings demonstrate the Steelers’ commitment to strengthening their linebacker corps with experienced players.