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special teams mainstay has found a new, though very familiar home. Linebacker Tyler Matakevich signed a one-year contract to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team and head coach who originally selected him in the seventh round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Some might see this as a move by the Steelers to gain intel, though hardly necessary for a mid-summer joint practice or preseason game. Instead, it may have more to do with a head coach looking to gain an advantage amid the revamped kickoff rules.

There are likely to be a lot of special teams changes in the NFL in 2024. The new kickoff rules will have teams scouring spring league football tape for strategies. Different types of special teams tactics will be discussed in meeting rooms. Returners will have to learn new skills to identify creases in blocking that look different than they’re used to.

Players with the experience and skill to play special teams as well as Matakevich will likely see an increased demand. For Matakevich, he’s back in the Steel City for at least the 2024 season — with ESPN’s Adam Schefter first sharing the news late on Wednesday.

As mentioned above, it’s a homecoming for Matakevich, who was drafted by the Steelers nine seasons ago after playing college football at Temple. The 246th overall pick, Matakevich has already carved out an eight-year career through his special teams prowess.

He was playing the majority of special teams snaps for Pittsburgh by the time his rookie season came to a close, and he continued to excel in that arena throughout his first NFL contract.

Matakevich signed with the Bills in 2020, originally agreeing to a two-year deal, and he actually ended up signing two more deals with Buffalo (a one-year extension in 2021 and a two-year extension in 2023). He was a team captain multiple seasons during his time with the Bills as well.

Matakevich leaves the Bills having amassed 55 tackles, one interception, and three passes defensed in 66 regular-season games.