The Pittsburgh Steelers have been trying to fix their offense and defense at the start of 2024 free agemcy, but there is still more to work with. The organization upgraded at punter, signing Cameron Johnston to a three-year contract, but now they need someone to accurately snap the ball to him. The Steelers have reportedly decided to go with ol' reliable; the same man that helped Pressley Harvin III and Chris Boswell out with snaps during field goals.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz has been a rare consistency for the 2023 Steelers during a challenging season
Steelers Retain One Of Their Own Early In The 2024 League Year
On the first day of the new league year, as reported by Chris Halicke of DK Pittsburgh Sports, the Steelers are bringing Christian Kuntz back, signing him to a three-year deal. He had previously signed many one-year deals, but now, the Steelers get their long snapper for the long-term future. Boswell can't be as great as he is if the snaps are all over the place, and the Steelers can't upgrade from Harvin if the newcomer, likely Johnston, can't field a clean snap.
The #Steelers are re-signing LS Christian Kuntz to a three-year deal, per sources.
— Chris Halicke (@ChrisHalicke) March 13, 2024
More in our Steelers feed on @DKPghSports: https://t.co/JLZlbwvhHb #DKPS #Steelers #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/KgT5OSWduS
Kuntz originally came into the NFL as a linebacker, but after a failed stint with the New England Patriots, he switched to long snapper. After losing the competition to Kameron Canaday, he went to the XFL, then beat Canaday for the role the very next year. The Steelers seemingly made a great choice, as Kuntz has been the steady piece on the special teams unit that all teams need.
Kuntz was officially given a spot on the 53-man roster in 2021 after bouncing around from team to team, including some stints on the Steelers' practice squad. For three seasons, he has been a part of a great special teams unit. Long snapping is a thankless job, but the Steelers clearly understand the value of Kuntz.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz (#46) prepares to snap the football during warmups prior to a 2021 regular season game in Pittsburgh, PA.
Steelers Understand Life Without A Long Snapper
In 2008, Greg Warren, the Steelers' long snapper at the time, tore a ligament in his knee and was forced to miss the rest of the season. Before the Steelers could sign a long snapper, they had to finish the game out. James Harrison was forced into the emergency long snapper role, and he ended up snapping the ball over punter Mitch Berger's head for a safety against the New York Giants.
What do you think about the Steelers re-signing Christian Kuntz? How much value do you think he has? Let us know in the comments.
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