Steelers Re-Sign Big Defensive Lineman Montravius Adams To 2-Year Contract

The Pittsburgh Steelers are signing another one of their own. This time it's defensive lineman Montravius Adams on a new two-year contract. Wednesday, the team re-signed special teams captain Miles Killebrew, and long snapper Christian Kuntz, shortly after free agency began. Along with signing Adams, the Steelers also inked new safety DeShon Elliott earlier Thursday afternoon.

NFL insider Adam Schefter broke the news of the signing late on Thursday evening. 

The Steelers brought Adams to Pittsburgh late in the 2021 season signing him off of the New Orleans Saints practice squad. Adams' big body immediately made an impact on a unit that was struggling to stop opposing teams from rushing for 200 yards a game. He started four out of the final five games for the Steelers and then again in the playoffs against the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Adams' impressive work during the final weeks of 2021 earned him a new contract from Pittsburgh the following offseason. Adams had bounced around the league after breaking into the NFL with the Green Bay Packers as a third round pick in 2017. He started eight games for Pittsburgh last season before eventually losing his starting position to rookie Keeanu Benton. 

The addition of Adams back into the fold helps fill a glaring need for depth across the defensive line, but it certainly doesn't end the need for more players across the defensive line. Armon Watts, who had a largely underrated depth role for Pittsburgh, signed with the New England Patriots on Thursday morning. 

Steelers Still Need Youth On Defensive Line

Cam Heyward is entering what could be the final season of his amazing career in Pittsburgh, and without him, the Steelers don't have much star power along the front trenches. Outside of Benton, there isn't any young talent at any of the three positions upfront. Larry Ogunjobi was solid at times, but wasn't a force opposite of Heyward. He's also going to be 30 years old this year. 2021 third round pick DeMarvin Leal looked like a player that regressed a ton last year. He eventually was a healthy scratch for four out of the last five regular season games. 

Isaiahh Loudermilk is another player that hasn't been able to make much of an impact when he's been given opportunities. Outside of everyone mentioned, the only other defensive linemen on the roster are Breiden Fehoko, Jonathan Marshall, and Jacob Slade. None of those three are even guaranteed to make the 53-man roster in 2024.

Adding another mid round draft pick to the mix is a very likely scenario to round out this group before it becomes a major need in 2025.

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