The Pittsburgh Steelers signed D.C. Defenders wide receiver Cornell Powell on Monday.
Cornell Powell is six foot and weighs 204 pounds. The 28-year-old from Greenville, North Carolina, was protected by the D.C. Defenders in the 2026 UFL Reserve Player List. In 2026, he made 34 catches for 491 yards and one touchdown in nine games. In the UFL playoffs, he made five catches for 68 yards, helping the Defenders appear in the United Bowl against the Louisville Kings.
The Kansas City Chiefs drafted Powell in the fifth round (181st pick) of the 2021 NFL Draft. He played four seasons in Kansas City with 24 catches for 252 yards, three touchdowns, and four tackles (3 solos, 1 assist) in 12 preseason games. During his time in Kansas City, he spent time on and off the practice squad. He is a two-time Super Bowl champion.
The Chiefs released him on November 19, 2024. The Seattle Seahawks signed Powell on November 26, 2024. Powell re-signed with the Seattle Seahawks on January 7, 2025, and was released on February 21, 2025.
The D.C. Defenders signed Powell on March 3, 2025. In 2025, he made 29 catches for 418 yards and seven touchdowns in nine games. In the playoffs, he made six catches for 83 yards and one touchdown in two games, helping the Defenders win the UFL Championship over the Michigan Panthers. The Defenders released him on August 19, 2025.
The Houston Texans signed Powell on the same day. In 2025, Powell made six catches for 63 yards and two tackles (2 solos) in one preseason game. The Texans released him on August 26, 2025, and he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 25, 2025. The Steelers released him on December 2, 2025.
Collegiately, Powell played four seasons at Clemson (2016-20) with 93 catches for 1,211 yards, 10 touchdowns, and eight kick returns for 171 yards in 54 games for the Tigers. He is a two-time CFP National Champion and was named Third Team All-ACC in 2020.
