The Pittsburgh Steelers, like every NFL team, will face difficult decisions at the end of August when they need to trim their roster from 90 players down to 53. Many players that are cut never see the NFL again, while others get picked up immediately by other organizations.
Pittsburgh could also keep some of the players that they cut on their practice squad, and they will have the chance to be called up to the active roster throughout the season.
Steelers’ Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan after the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Rosters in the NFL see a lot of turnover from year to year. Free agency, trades, and the NFL Draft are the main reasons for this. Teams need to make room for new players, which often causes an organization to cut ties with a player that has been there for a while. The Steelers are no exception to this, and they have a handful of players who were on the roster in 2023 that likely won’t make it past cut down day in 2024.
Isaiahh Loudermilk, DL
Isaiahh Loudermilk was originally drafted by the Steelers in 2021 in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. He has struggled to remain consistent throughout his time with the Steelers, and has shown little to no improvement in the limited opportunities he has been given. He has started just five games across three years, and has recorded just a single sack in his career.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) participates in the Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Tuesday May 25, 2021 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
Pittsburgh added Dean Lowry to the defensive line in free agency, and invested a sixth round pick in Logan Lee. These two new additions likely put Loudermilk on his way out of Pittsburgh as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Larry Ogunjobi, Montravius Adams, DeMarvin Leal, Lowry, and Lee likely all have a leg up on Loudermilk when it comes to making the final roster.
Rodney Williams, TE
Rodney Williams is a good example of a player who will almost certainly be cut, but stick around on the practice squad. He is behind Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, and Connor Heyward – who all have clear roles on the offense for the most part. Freiermuth is the unquestioned number one tight end, Washington is an extension of the offensive line due to his blocking, and Heyward can do a little bit of everything.
Steelers Rodney Williams
Williams was a good player for the Steelers on special teams in 2023, which could certainly motivate the team to keep four tight ends. History shows they typically keep three, which would land Williams back on the practice squad. If any injuries occur to Freiermuth, Washington, or Heyward, it should be expected to see Williams called up to the active roster in 2024. We also can’t forget about MyCole Pruitt as well, who will also by vying for a roster spot, making it tougher for Williams.
Steelers Likely Cut Lineman That Made The 2023 Roster
Pittsburgh has injected a lot of young blood into their offensive line during the 2024 offseason, as they added three linemen through the NFL Draft. This makes making the final roster difficult for Dylan Cook, who is a tackle that made the roster a season ago, but didn’t play at all. The Steelers will likely have Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu starting at the tackle positions, with Dan Moore Jr. as the primary backup and swing tackle. Spencer Anderson also has experience playing both tackle positions and on the interior.
The Steelers value versatility. That gives Anderson a good chance to make the final roster over Cook. Pittsburgh added Fautanu, Zach Frazier, and Mason McCormick in the draft – which crowds the offensive line room. Cook could end up on the practice squad however, and would be valuable to have in the building in case of an injury to players ahead of him.
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