With the spring portion of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offseason program now in the books and minicamp having concluded last week, the franchise has shifted its full attention to the looming start of training camp and, more crucially, the finalization of its 53-man roster. As always, the buildup to the regular season includes tough decisions for coaches and front office personnel — and one potential surprise cut has already begun generating buzz.
Steelers Now beat writer Alan Saunders recently shared his post-minicamp projections for Pittsburgh’s final roster, and one name notably absent from his Week 1 lineup was veteran defensive lineman Dean Lowry. The 29-year-old, a seasoned pro with nine NFL seasons under his belt, may find himself on the outside looking in despite his experience and the moderate investment the Steelers made in him last offseason.
Lowry, who signed a two-year contract worth $5 million in 2023, was once viewed as a stabilizing force along the defensive front. His reputation as a solid, versatile lineman developed during his time with the Green Bay Packers — where he played the majority of his career and developed chemistry with then-Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who also joined the Steelers during this offseason. Lowry’s presence was expected to add leadership and dependability to Pittsburgh’s defensive line rotation. However, as Saunders points out, his spot on the roster may now be in serious jeopardy.
According to Saunders’ roster breakdown, the emergence of younger, high-upside talent has altered the team’s defensive plans. One of the key developments driving this potential shift is the arrival of Derrick Harmon, Pittsburgh’s first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Harmon, a dynamic and powerful defensive lineman with the potential to become a cornerstone of the franchise, has made a strong impression during OTAs and minicamp. His performance has not only reinforced the Steelers’ long-term belief in him but also caused ripple effects across the defensive depth chart.
Saunders explained the logic behind omitting Lowry from his 53-man roster projection: “It’s really hard to leave a quality vet like Dean Lowry on the cutting room floor, but Isaiahh Loudermilk has been ahead in the pecking order since the end of last season, and I just can’t find a seventh roster spot for a defensive lineman.” This statement highlights the harsh reality of NFL roster management — even dependable veterans can become expendable if younger players outperform them or provide more upside at a lower cost.
With Keeanu Benton and veteran Cameron Heyward penciled in as starters and Harmon expected to take on a significant role as early as this season — with a likely full-time starting position in 2025 — the depth chart at defensive line is becoming increasingly crowded. Loudermilk’s continued development and his edge in internal evaluations make it even more difficult for Lowry to secure a roster spot. The Steelers typically carry six defensive linemen into the regular season, and with Harmon already gaining momentum, Lowry’s path to making the roster becomes increasingly narrow.
The potential release of Lowry wouldn’t be without merit. While he brings over 80 career starts to the table and has served as a reliable interior lineman against both the run and pass, his ceiling appears capped. In contrast, Harmon represents the kind of high-upside, scheme-versatile player the Steelers hope to develop into a long-term defensive anchor. Combined with the financial realities of managing the cap and the increased emphasis on getting younger, faster, and more explosive on defense, it’s easy to see how Lowry’s experience might not outweigh the long-term vision Pittsburgh is building.
Despite all this, the Steelers still value Lowry’s leadership and professionalism. His ability to mentor younger players, execute multiple techniques across the line, and stay healthy have all been cited as reasons why his signing made sense at the time. But the NFL is a business, and decisions are often made based on future potential rather than past reliability.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on the competition along the defensive line. Lowry will need to deliver standout performances if he hopes to beat the odds and earn one of the final roster spots. At the same time, Harmon’s trajectory will be monitored closely, as the Steelers aim to fast-track the rookie into a meaningful role within Mike Tomlin’s defense.
In conclusion, while Dean Lowry’s experience and veteran presence have been assets to the Steelers’ defensive unit, the emergence of Derrick Harmon, combined with the rise of Isaiahh Loudermilk and the team’s broader emphasis on youth, could lead to Lowry being one of the surprise cuts during final roster decisions. As the Steelers continue to shape their identity ahead of the 2024 season, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining who stays, who goes, and who will help define the team’s defensive future.
Leave a Reply