The Pittsburgh Steelers will have some interesting decisions to make during the 2025 offseason when it comes to player contracts. The main issue to resolve involves the two quarterbacks, Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. Both of their deals expire following the 2024 season, and it will be interesting to see which one the organization chooses or if they want both quarterbacks back in Pittsburgh. Another expiring contract belongs to running back Najee Harris after the organization declined his fifth-year option.
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Steelers' Najee Harris scores a touchdown at the end of a game against the New York Jets in 2024.
The Steelers also have some contracts that will be expire at the end of the 2024 season that belong to some lower-profile players. This includes defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk who is currently playing in the final year of his rookie contract. Loudermilk is a product of Wisconsin, which is a school Pittsburgh goes to nearly every draft to find some defensive help. Pittsburgh's Defensive Line Coach Karl Dunbar spoke about Loudermilk and what he has seen from him so far this season while speaking with the media.
"I look at Loudermilk and I see a guy who's really, really consistent," Dunbar said. "He's not a splash guy. He does everything. He could play nose tackle. He could play left. He could play right. He runs hard. He does everything you want a young guy to do. I think Loudermilk is only 25 or 26 years old. He's a staple in what we do and just the hard work paying off of him. That's what I see with him."
Loudermilk has never been a superstar for the Steelers, and his play certainly flies under the radar. He is a guy that the Steelers value because of his ability to play multiple positions on the defensive line. Pittsburgh has always valued versatility, which is what Loudermilk provides.
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Steelers' Isaiahh Loudermilk warms up prior to a game against the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024.
Loudermilk is a depth piece for the Steelers on the defensive line. He typically fills in for Cam Heyward or Larry Ogunjobi when they need plays off. The numbers that Loudermilk produces are not staggering, but he is a valuable asset coming off of the bench when it comes to stopping the run. The fourth-year player typically plays anywhere up to 25 percent of the defensive snaps in a contest, and he has totaled six tackles in the 2024 season.
Many fans probably would have said that 2024 would be Loudermilk's last season with the Steelers. His status on the team hasn't really changed throughout his time with the organization. He has always been relied upon on as a backup, but he hasn't been able to make the jump to the starting lineup. Dunbar made sure to point out that Loudermilk is a staple in what Pittsburgh does defensively, which may be a sign that he is a guy the organization could look to keep around past the 2024 season.
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Steelers' Isaiahh Loudermilk goes through a drill during a practice in the 2024 season.
Steelers' Isaiahh Loudermilk Could Land A New Deal After 2024
Pittsburgh could look to keep Loudermilk around for a while. The organization likes versatility and familiarity, which is something they have with Loudermilk. In addition to that, the team drafted Logan Lee in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Lee was placed on Injured Reserve before playing a snap. If he can't prove to be reliable, the organization may decide to re-sign Loudermilk while releasing Lee. As a sixth-round pick, Lee's future in the NFL isn't guaranteed.
It wouldn't be expensive to re-sign Loudermilk, and it would likely only be to a one or two-year deal. This is a good sign for the fourth-year player who was looking like there was a chance he might not even make the team at the end of training camp ahead of the 2024 season.
What do you think of Dunbar's comments? Would you want to see Loudermilk in Pittsburgh again in 2025? Let us know in the comments below!
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