Steelers Bring Back 2021 Draft Pick to Loaded DL Room

Pittsburgh Steelers DE Isaiahh Loudermilk
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Isaiahh Loudermilk during a game against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 6, 2024. -- Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

The Pittsburgh Steelers have re-signed defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk, according to a report by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.

Loudermilk, the team’s fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has spent all four years of his NFL career with the Steelers. Hitting free agency for the first time, he elected to return to the Black and Gold on a one-year contract.

It appears that he’ll be returning to a deep defensive line room. Though the Steelers released 2024 starter Larry Ogunjobi, they replaced him with free agent Daniel Ekuale from the New England Patriots.

Pittsburgh Steelers DE Isaiahh Loudermilk
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk before a game against the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 12, 2023. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

The Steelers will likely pursue a defensive tackle early in the 2025 NFL Draft. If that player ends up in the starting lineup with Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton, Loudermilk, Ekuale, Montravius Adams, Dean Lowry, DeMarvin Leal and Logan Lee could all be in competition for three or four spots on the second unit.

Loudermilk played in 16 games for the Steelers for the second straight season in 2024. He appeared in a career-high 378 snaps, 222 on defense and 156 on special teams, as he was a key part of Danny Smith’s kickoff coverage units.

Loudermilk finished the season with 17 tackles and one pass breakup.

The Steelers drafted Isaiahh Loudermilk with the 156th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. The team traded up to select Loudermilk and gave away a 2022 fourth-round selection to do so.

Loudermilk is the second player from the team’s 2021 draft class to sign a second contract with the team, joining tight end Pat Freiermuth.

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