Steelers sign outside linebacker Kenny Willekes
Two days before their preseason finale, the Pittsburgh Steelers added to their depth at edge defender by signing former Michigan State star Kenny Willekes.
Willekes (6-foot-3, 264 pounds) had 26 sacks in 39 games over his final three college seasons but has not stuck in the NFL over the six years since. He has played in only six regular-season games, all with the Minnesota Vikings in 2021. The 28-year-old last year played for the Michigan Panthers of the UFL. In nine games for the Panthers, Willekes had four sacks and 21 tackles.
Keep an eye on @USFLPanthers EDGE rusher Kenny Willekes (@kennyw97) tonight against Birmingham.
Had 6 TKL/1 TFL/1 sack against Memphis last week (28 snaps), posting an outstanding 83.3 Defensive Grade, via PFF.
Given Birmingham's struggles on their O-Line a week ago, a guy… pic.twitter.com/HD49FGfkP4
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) April 4, 2025
A two-time all-Big Ten selection, Willekes was the Big Ten’s defensive lineman of the year in 2018.
Willekes takes the roster spot of offensive tackle Gareth Warren, who was waived/injured. Warren, a 6-6, 333-pound undrafted rookie, was injured during the second half of Saturday’s preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Warren was being evaluated for a concussion after the game.
Chris Adamski is a TribLive reporter who has covered primarily the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2014 following two seasons on the Penn State football beat. A Western Pennsylvania native, he joined the Trib in 2012 after spending a decade covering Pittsburgh sports for other outlets. He can be reached at cadamski@triblive.com.
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