Steelers Announce Acquisition of Blake Martinez from Panthers’ Practice Squad

The Pittsburgh Steelers have announced two new signings to their roster this week, as they continue to bolster their defense. On Monday, the team added Myles Jack to their practice squad, and on Tuesday they are expected to bring in experienced linebacker Blake Martinez from the Panthers’ practice squad.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Martinez is being signed by the Steelers after previously signing with the Panthers earlier in the month. The linebacker retired from football in November 2022 while playing for the Raiders, citing a desire to focus on a profitable Pokemon trading card business. However, he was banned from selling cards on a major online marketplace and returned to football.

Before his retirement, Martinez played four games with the Raiders in 2022 and three games for the Giants in 2021 before tearing his ACL. Over his previous five seasons with the Packers and Giants, he had appeared in 77 games and had 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.