Mike Tomlin Calls Steelers New Punter The "Cream Of The Crop"

The Pittsburgh Steelers had plenty of issues to address entering the 2024 new league year following a Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills. Those became even more prominent after an initial wave of cuts that occurred at the end of January. It was fairly certain that both Mitchell Trubisky and Chukwuma Okorafor would be released, but the team announcing the release of another player had fans ecstatic. Pressley Harvin III was drafted in the seventh round back in 2021 and never lived up to his full potential. The inconsistencies of the team's former punter were glaring, which ultimately led to his release.

On the first day of the legal tampering period, Pittsburgh already made waves the day prior when it was reported that Russell Wilson would be coming to play in the Steel City. That news was followed up with one small report on Monday afternoon. The Steelers would be signing former Houston Texans punter Cameron Johnston to a three-year deal for $9 million.

It was a big move for the organization that is trying hard to find a legitimate and consistent guy at the position. At the NFL League Meetings in Orlando, Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke to reporters at a breakfast on Monday. He was stern in his reasoning for the team deciding to bring in Johnston, rather than any other player at the position. Mark Kaboly of The Athletic broke it down in simple terms.

That's all fans can ask for at this time. Harvin was brutally inconsistent in his three years with the Steelers. Johnston, on the other hand, has a track record of being the exact opposite. He has never had a season of averaging less than 46 yards per punt, and was phenomenal in 2023. He had an inside 20 percentage of 45.5 and averaged 47.7 yards per boot.

There were several options in free agency to choose from. Tommy Townsend, Thomas Morstead, Corey Bojorquez, Rigoberto Sanchez and Braden Mann were all available. It was Johnston who cashed in the most, however. His total contract value of $9 million is $3 million more than the second in Townsend. Pittsburgh wasn't afraid to make the investment, so it's safe to assume the organization is extremely confident in Johnston's abilities.

Pittsburgh is not an easy place to punt, but Johnston spent his first three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles prior to moving to Houston to play in a dome. He has the experience of playing in poor weather, and has not wavered regarding his consistency. The signing tells fans that the franchise recognized the glaring need for an upgrade, and they felt as if Johnston was the best option on the open market.

The biggest adjustment for the Steelers will be Johnston holding the football for Chris Boswell on field goals and extra points. Harvin excelled in that area, which is possibly a reason why the team held onto him for as long as they did. Johnston will step in and it will be crucial to find that chemistry with the field goal unit to avoid any disastrous mistakes in key moments.

Steelers' Experiment With Harvin Results In Epic Failure

Drafting a punter clearly isn't in the team's plans now, or the next three seasons at a minimum. Selecting Harvin brought excitement to the Steel City, but his inability to overcome his inconsistency will have forever ruined his chances of being in Pittsburgh for his entire career. The good part, however, is that the Steelers recognized it (finally) and made the move to bring in an experienced guy in Johnston, known for consistency.

Are you happy that Johnston is the team's new punter? Let us know in the comments below!

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