Steelers' Montravius Adams Grateful For Cam Heyward's Firsthand Mentorship Upon Arrival In Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers recently announced that they re-signed defensive lineman Montravius Adams to a new two-year contract. Adams, a nose tackle, had been a journeyman since being drafted in the third round by the Green Bay Packers in 2017. He came to Pittsburgh in 2021 after a one-year stint with the New Orleans Saints, and he feels like the opportunity has turned his career around. 

Adams recently spoke about playing for the Steelers on The Gaelic Gridiron Podcast, which is hosted by Ross Bolger, an Irishman and Steelers fan. Bolger asked Adams about coming to Pittsburgh. Adams said that he is grateful for the chance they gave him and hopes to finish out his career in the Black and Gold.  

While Pittsburgh might have given him a chance, Adams certainly didn't squander it. He found a way to make an impact on a defense that couldn't seem to stop the run. He started nine games in 2022, but played in all 17. In 2023, he started eight games for Pittsburgh before losing his spot to then-rookie Keeanu Benton.  

Adams believes the 2024 defense is something special. The additions, including linebacker Patrick Queen, safety DeShon Elliott, and cornerback Donte Jackson, only enhance the solid unit. He is confident that the veteran group will help the new players acclimate; he experienced it firsthand.

"Being with those guys, building out bonds. You want to be a guy that they can count on, and the coaches. Through my time in the league, it's all about trust. When I first got there from New Orleans, if it wasn't for the leadership of those guys, I say Cam [Heyward] especially. When I first got there, it was Week 10, 11, I didn't know their plays or nothing. Mike T. [Tomlin] always say, 'Jump on the moving train.' But that dude looked out for me in so many different ways. I could be out there in the game and not know a play, and whatever Cam say, I'm just gonna do it at 100 miles per hour," shared Adams.

Adams credits Heyward with being that mentor and guide who helped him learn the system in Pittsburgh. He offered the hand that helped pull Adams onto that moving train. That kind of teamwork helped Adams make a positive impact on a team that needed him. 

Now Adams wants to be that person for the newer players and younger guys. He doesn't feel he needs a C on his chest to lead. He said he likes to lead by example. 

The Steelers Need To Plan For The Future Of The Defensive Line

The Steelers got a taste of life without Heyward in 2023 when he suffered a groin injury during their Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers. Heyward was out for several weeks, and a cast of characters had to fill in for him. But his cleats were impossible to fill. 

Fortunately, Tomlin said recently that he believes Heyward will be fully ready to go by training camp. While that made every fan sigh in relief, it also made them think about a Heyward-less future. Whether Heyward retires at the end of the 2024 season, or one down the road, it is coming sooner rather than later.   

While the Steelers have not added anyone of Heyward's caliber to the roster during the offseason so far, they did sign Dean Lowry. Lowry may not be Heyward's succession plan, but he does provide talented depth. At 29, he brings experience to a room that is quite young, except for Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi. He spent most of his career in Green Bay and was productive until a drop in 2022. Lowry then signed with the Minnesota Vikings, but suffered a pectoral injury in November of 2023 and only played in nine games. Being in Pittsburgh will allow him to revitalize his career, much like Adams did. 

Most mock drafts show the Steelers taking a defensive tackle sometime along the way. Unfortunately, the team has many needs, including center, cornerback, and wide receiver, so it is hard to imagine that happening early.  

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