Steelers Release Gunner Olszewski After Muffed Returns End Tenure

The Gunner Olszewski era in Pittsburgh ended not with a bang, but with a fumble. On October 21, 2023, the Pittsburgh Steelers cut the 28-year-old wide receiver and return specialist — a move that surprised few who’d watched his inconsistent, often costly performances on special teams. Olszewski, an undrafted gem from Bemidji State University, had signed a two-year, $4.2 million deal on March 18, 2022, hoping to rebuild his career after being released by the New England Patriots. But his time in Pittsburgh became a cautionary tale: talent, yes. Reliability? Not so much.

From Patriots Prodigy to Steelers Liability

Olszewski first made waves in 2019 with the Patriots, returning two punts for 35 yards in his NFL debut against — ironically — the Steelers. He flashed elite speed and agility, earning a reputation as a dangerous weapon in the return game. But injuries derailed his momentum. Placed on injured reserve in November 2019 with ankle and hamstring issues, he never fully regained his early-season rhythm. When New England didn’t tender him in 2022, Pittsburgh saw opportunity.

He caught five passes for 53 yards in 2022, but his real value was supposed to be on special teams. Nine punt returns for 63 yards. Five kick returns for 73. Solid numbers on paper. But the eye test told a different story. Multiple muffs. Bad decisions. One infamous moment against the Cleveland Browns saw him catch a kickoff at the Steelers’ nine-yard line, toe-tap in bounds — and then step out of bounds himself. Had he let the ball roll, NFL rules would’ve placed Pittsburgh at their own 40. Instead, they started deep in their own territory. That play became a meme. And a red flag.

One Reception, Zero Yards — And the Writing Was on the Wall

The 2023 season was worse. Olszewski appeared in just 12 games, catching one pass — for zero yards. His punt return average dipped below seven yards per attempt. The coaching staff, led by Mike Tomlin, had grown tired of the risk. Special teams aren’t just about big returns; they’re about consistency. About not giving opponents short fields. And Olszewski, for all his athleticism, kept handing them gifts.

By October, the decision was inevitable. He was released on October 21, 2023, after just one-and-a-half seasons. The Steelers didn’t make a big announcement. No press conference. No emotional farewell. Just a quiet transaction on the NFL’s official roster tracker. It was the kind of move that says: we valued your effort, but we can’t afford your mistakes.

Giants Rollercoaster: From Roster to Release — Twice

Within days, the New York Giants picked him up. They were reeling after losing core special teamer Bryce Ford-Wheaton to a season-ending Achilles tear. Olszewski was a cheap, high-upside fix. He played 10 games in 2023, returning a punt for a touchdown — his first since college. A spark. A reminder of what he could be.

Then came the 2024 offseason. He made the Giants’ initial 53-man roster on August 27, 2024. But just 24 hours later, on August 28, 2024, he was cut. Giants.com confirmed the move, citing depth and roster flexibility. No explanation beyond that. No injury. No controversy. Just… gone.

It was the second time in two years he’d been cut after making a team’s final roster. A pattern. And yet — he didn’t disappear.

2025 Comeback: Holder, Receiver, Survivor

On July 29, 2025, Olszewski re-signed with the New York Giants — his third stint with the team. This time, he wasn’t just a returner. He was a utility player. When kicker Graham Gano went down with a hamstring injury during Week 3 against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 21, 2025, Olszewski was called on to hold for punter Jamie Gillan on PAT attempts. He did it flawlessly. No botched snaps. No panic. Just steady hands.

Then, on September 29, 2025, against the San Francisco 49ers, he caught his first NFL reception since 2020 — a 24-yard touchdown. His first ever as a Giant. A moment of redemption. A reminder that talent doesn’t vanish just because you’ve made mistakes.

At 28, Olszewski isn’t a star. He’s not even a regular. But he’s still in the league. And that’s saying something. He’s the ultimate journeyman: undrafted, bounced, forgotten, then resurrected. His career stats? 15 catches for 180 yards, one receiving TD, one punt return TD, and eight rushes for 39 yards. He’s never been the guy you build around. But he’s been the guy you call when you need someone who won’t quit.

What’s Next for Olszewski?

He’s a free agent again as of late 2025. Teams looking for a return specialist who can also hold kicks or play slot receiver might still see value. His speed is elite. His ball security? That’s the question. The Steelers let him go because his errors outweighed his flashes. The Giants kept giving him chances — and he kept giving them reasons to doubt. But he also kept showing up. And sometimes, in the NFL, that’s enough.

He’s not a household name. But ask any special teams coach: Gunner Olszewski is the kind of player who makes you sweat — and occasionally, makes you smile.