No change for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ punting situation in 2023. Pressley Harvin III has officially won the competition. After originally carrying two punters on the team’s initial 53-man roster that was announced on Tuesday, the team has released Braden Mann now. When two punters were listed, it was assumed that General Manager Omar Khan was exploring the market and possibly trying to get a late-round draft pick.
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Steelers punter Pressley Harvin III has won the competition over Braden Mann, as he will now enter his third season with the team.
That didn’t end up happening, as they had to make room for cornerback Desmond King II on Wednesday. The Philadelphia Eagles make sense as an immediate suitor for Mann, as they were interested in the 2020 sixth-rounder when he became available earlier in the offseason. Additionally, the Eagles actually cut their punter Arryn Siposs on Tuesday. That means the NFC East squad is left without a punter at the moment, as they likely waited for a guy like Mann.
Just a few months ago, when the Steelers signed Mann, it possibly signified a lack of trust in Harvin. The team brought in legitimate competition to push the team's 2021 seventh-rounder, as Mann had 43 career starts under his belt. As a result, many thought Mann was the favorite to win the competition.
As training camp and preseason commenced, it was a tight race, but it was becoming clear that Harvin would win the job. In six attempts during the preseason, he landed all of his punts within the 20-yard line. Mann had a phenomenal preseason himself. Across nine attempts, he averaged 46.8 yards per punt. Still, it just wasn't quite enough. That places pressure on Harvin to perform in 2023 now.
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A bit under the radar, Steelers punter Pressley Harvin III has been a stable holder for the special teams in his first two NFL seasons.
Talent has never been an issue for the Georgia Tech product, as evidenced by the team using a draft pick on him. He's always been known for having a massive leg, but in two seasons with the Steelers, inconsistencies have hurt him. Too often, he has had punts that have costed the team significant field position. So, what else does releasing Mann mean?
Will Steelers Punter Take A Step Forward In 2023?
Well, at least for now, the Steelers have seven cornerbacks on the roster. Elijah Riley can play some safety, but that feels like one too many guys there. James Pierre was a small surprise to make the initial 53-man roster after a slightly poor preseason, as he will now enter his fourth season in Pittsburgh. In the preseason, the special teams standout struggled on defense, as he gave up a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
At some point, it feels like the team will cut down on that number of seven. When it was announced that the team was signing King, it seemed like cutting a cornerback would make some sense. Regardless, the team finally has their punting situation figured out. It'll be an important year for Harvin, as the team will expect him to make improvements in Year 3. His first test will come in Week 1, as he may be called upon frequently as the offense faces the ferocious San Francisco 49ers defense.
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The Steelers signed cornerback Desmond King II just a day after 53-man rosters came out, as he brings plenty of talent and experience to the room.
What are your thoughts on Harvin winning the punting competition? Do you expect him to take a step forward in his third NFL season with the team? If he doesn't show improvements early, should the Steelers search for a new punter in 2023? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below, as well as on our social media sites, yinz!
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