Two Steelers defenders in danger of being cut

The Pittsburgh Steelers offense has been the victim of fierce criticism in recent years — and deservedly so. The unit has underperformed in nearly all aspects, which has forced the defense to try to be perfect. In the games where Teryl Austin's group has played poorly, it has almost always ended in a loss since the defensive coordinator was promoted back in 2022. At the end of the 2024 campaign, this was on full display as the opposition's rushing attack had its way with Pittsburgh. This led to a time-of-possession nightmare, and the result was five consecutive losses, including one in the playoffs.

While the offense still needs a long-term franchise quarterback, the Steelers have been dedicated to building up the trenches in recent years. A lot of that has been with the big men up front on the offensive side of the ball, but the 2025 NFL Draft saw Pittsburgh select two defensive linemen with its first four picks, as well as an edge-rusher, all hearing their names called.

This was a significant statement to the rest of the league hinting at the fact that the organization would no longer accept being dominated at the line of scrimmage on defense. With the additions of Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black, some of the tenured defenders could be forced into minimal roles or find themselves playing elsewhere by the time September rolls around.

Two of the players who could be a little worried as training camp approaches are Isaiahh Loudermilk and DeMarvin Leal. The two haven't exactly performed at a high level during their respective stints in the Steel City, and Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote in a fan chat on Tuesday that the duo could be in danger of not making the initial 53-man roster in August.

"We'll find out in late August when the rosters are pared down to 53," Fittipaldo wrote. "I don't think either is guaranteed a roster spot."

 

This should not come as a surprise. Both Loudermilk and Leal haven't lived up to expectations since arriving to the professional level. Loudermilk hasn't been able to find his form, while Leal has shuffled between a couple of positions, making it hard to excel in one area. With the recent draft selections, it's possible that both are viewed as expendable.

A lot can happen from the time training camp begins and when roster cuts occur. Players in the position that Loudermilk and Leal are can be looked at as lucky since the NFL changed the cut-down rule. There is only one large cut from 90 to 53 players, rather than teams chipping away as the preseason rolls along. This means that an injury can change someone's fate in the blink of an eye. It also gives individuals on the bubble a chance to compete for a spot until the last moment.

The Steelers did not hide the fact that the goal was to improve the defensive line, so once the selections of both Harmon and Black occurred, many on the depth chart were put on notice. Leal is certainly sweating it out. Although he can be looked at as an interior player, he has experimented out on the edge. The Steelers drafting Jack Sawyer added another layer of complication to Leal's situation.

Steelers are looking to have most dominant defensive front in years

Pittsburgh has enough veteran leadership to get by on defense, but adding new pieces was always going to be a crucial part of the 2025 offseason. Harmon should step in almost immediately and work in as a starter, while Black could have to convince the coaching staff a little bit more before he in getting significant snaps. Overall, Fittipaldo is right, and the duo of Loudermilk and Leal could be looking for a new team to play for by September.