Tre Flowers’ NFL journey has been anything but predictable, and this week added yet another twist to his winding path. Just days after being waived to make room for wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, the Pittsburgh Steelers have brought the veteran cornerback back into the fold—this time on their practice squad. The move comes as the Steelers gear up for their wild-card playoff showdown against the Houston Texans on Monday night, January 12, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium.
Flowers, who turned 30 this season, was originally a fifth-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2018 NFL Draft. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing in at 203 pounds, he quickly made a name for himself as a rookie starter. In his first two seasons with Seattle, Flowers started 30 games and put up career-best numbers in 2019: 82 tackles, two for a loss, two quarterback hits, eight passes defended, three interceptions, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. But as the years rolled on, Flowers’ role shifted from starter to journeyman, and his NFL map now includes stops with the Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts, Detroit Lions, and, most recently, the Steelers.
The Steelers first picked up Flowers on December 25, 2025, after a rash of injuries left their cornerback room thin. He was slotted into the 53-man roster and made his Pittsburgh debut in Week 17’s clash against the Cleveland Browns. Flowers logged two snaps on special teams but didn’t see the field on defense. The following week, with key corners James Pierre and Brandin Echols returning from injury, Flowers was a healthy scratch for the regular season finale against the Baltimore Ravens.
Then came the roster shuffle. On Monday, January 5, 2026, the Steelers reinstated D.K. Metcalf from a two-game suspension, necessitating a move to clear space on the active roster. Flowers drew the short straw and was waived, but the Steelers’ coaching staff made no secret that the move was more about numbers than performance. As practice squad rules allow unlimited elevations during the postseason, there was always a chance Flowers would find his way back.
That chance materialized quickly. Flowers cleared waivers on Tuesday, January 6, and by Wednesday, January 7, the Steelers had re-signed him to the practice squad. To make room, they released offensive tackle David Sharpe, who had joined the squad just weeks earlier when injuries threatened the tackle position. With the offensive line now bolstered by the return of Andrus Peat and the addition of Jack Driscoll, Sharpe became expendable, and the door opened for Flowers to return.
Flowers’ return isn’t just a feel-good reunion; it’s a strategic move for Pittsburgh. The Steelers’ secondary has been a revolving door all season, with injuries forcing constant adjustments. Flowers brings a wealth of experience—98 games played, 44 starts, 287 combined tackles, 22 pass defenses, and four interceptions over eight seasons. While he’s started only three games in the past four years, his ability to step in on special teams or as a backup corner adds valuable depth, especially in the high-stakes environment of the NFL playoffs.
It’s also a testament to the unpredictable nature of NFL rosters in January. As one source put it, "There are unlimited practice squad elevations for each player during the NFL postseason, allowing Flowers to potentially dress in all playoff games if he remains on the practice squad." That flexibility could prove crucial if injuries strike again or if the Steelers need a steady veteran presence in a pinch.
Flowers’ NFL journey since leaving Seattle has been a whirlwind. After being waived by the Seahawks in October 2021, he was quickly claimed by the Bengals, where he primarily covered tight ends and contributed on special teams. He then spent a season with the Falcons in 2023, followed by short stints with the Jaguars and Colts in 2024, appearing in a total of five games that year. This season, Flowers was on and off the Lions’ practice squad, playing in two games for Detroit before being released and picked up by the Steelers.
Despite all the movement, Flowers has managed to stay ready. He may not have recorded a statistic in his brief appearances this season—two games for Detroit and one for Pittsburgh—but his experience and versatility keep him on the radar for teams looking for reliable depth. In Pittsburgh, he joins Daequan Hardy and D’Shawn Jamison as practice squad cornerbacks, giving the Steelers options as they prepare for the Texans.
The Steelers’ secondary, once depleted, is now in a much healthier place. James Pierre and Brandin Echols, both of whom missed time with injuries, made their return in the Week 18 victory over Baltimore. That depth allowed the Steelers to prioritize other needs on the active roster, but Flowers’ presence on the practice squad means he’s just a call-up away from action.
Special teams could also factor into Flowers’ postseason role. While D’Shawn Jamison has emerged as the primary punt gunner off the practice squad, Flowers has contributed in that capacity throughout his career. As one report noted, "Flowers has 22 career pass deflections and four interceptions and can contribute on special teams as a punt gunner." Whether he’s called upon for coverage units or as a backup corner, Flowers gives the Steelers a trusted option as the postseason grind begins.
For Flowers, the next few weeks could be pivotal. With the Steelers’ playoff fate hanging in the balance, he’ll be working to earn a Reserve/Futures contract for the 2026 season. As one local report put it, "Flowers will look to finish his year out in Pittsburgh and snag a Reserve/Futures contract with the team in the offseason."
As for Pittsburgh, the focus is squarely on Monday night’s wild-card clash with Houston. The Steelers enter the postseason with a full 53-man roster, and their practice squad—now featuring Flowers—sits at its 17-player maximum, including an international exemption. The game kicks off at 8:15 pm ET, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Will Flowers see the field in the postseason? That remains to be seen. But if the past week is any indication, don’t count out another twist in the veteran’s story just yet. For now, he’s back in black and gold, ready if called upon as Pittsburgh’s playoff journey begins in earnest.
