Steelers 2-a-days: Former Pitt players Quadree Henderson, Dewayne Hendrix seek opportunity

Editor’s note: Leading up to a unique Pittsburgh Steelers training camp staged at Heinz Field this year, the Tribune-Review will be running through the team’s 90-man roster, assessing each player’s outlook for the 2020 season. The breakdown will go through the roster, in mostly alphabetical order, two per day, between June 9 and July 23, a day that was originally planned to be reporting day for players to camp. (Contract data courtesy of spotrac.com)

WR QUADREE HENDERSON

Experience: Second season

Contract status: $675,000 cap hit for 2020, will be an exclusive rights free agent in 2021

2020 outlook: Henderson’s best value is as a punt and kickoff returner, a role he perfected while at Pitt. In 2018 with the New York Giants, he was used as a dual returner in his five games on the active roster. With Diontae Johnson returning as the Steelers primary punt returner, Henderson will have to show value as a receiver in order to earn a roster spot.

Bottom line: Henderson brings familiarity to the Steelers. He spent the 2018 training camp with them and was brought back on the practice squad for the final six weeks of last season. The Steelers thought enough of Henderson to sign him to a futures contract. The Steelers likely have one opening for a slot receiver, and Henderson’s 5-foot-8, 192-pound frame makes him a candidate at that spot.

DE DEWAYNE HENDRIX

Experience: First season

Contract status: $610,000 salary cap hit for 2020, will be an exclusive rights free agent in 2021

2020 outlook: Hendrix was one of nine players from XFL the Steelers brought in after the league allowed its players to become free agents. A two-year starter at Pitt, Hendrix was signed by the Steelers to provide competition on the defensive line, but with several more experienced players on the roster, he could be ticketed for the practice squad.

Bottom line: Hendrix signed with the Miami Dolphins after going undrafted in 2019. He was cut at the end of training camp, then spent time with the Dolphins, Bears and Jaguars on their practice squads before signing with the St. Louis BattleHawks. He had four tackles and one sack in five games. The numbers are against Hendrix, and the lack of offseason practice and a potentially shortened preseason will hurt his chance to earn a roster spot.

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