Steelers Defender On Roster Bubble Receives Strong Sense Of Approval From Mike Tomlin

The Pittsburgh Steelers often ask their young players to wear many hats, especially those fighting for roster spots Saturday night, in the Steelers' second preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, this was no different. Among those was second-year player Logan Lee, a defensive tackle who found himself in a precarious position when long snapper Christian Kuntz got injured making a play on a punt.

Lee, a sixth-round pick for Pittsburgh in 2024, had gotten work at long snapper in training camp and got a chance to showcase his abilities on Saturday night. With no other long snapper on the roster, Lee was forced to go in when Kuntz couldn't return.

For Lee, this was more than a fill-in moment. In the NFL, sticking around on a roster often means contributing on special teams — especially in a specialized position like long snapper. 

There's nobody more versed in the "next man up" mentality than Steelers' Head Coach Mike Tomlin, and being versatile is an important skillset to have for his players. While Lee had his ups and downs at the position, he was able to hold his own, the extra point he was in for was made, and there were no dropped punts that he snapped. 

Lee's long-snapping at a moment's notice was impressive to anyone watching, but nobody was more impressed than Tomlin, who had some strong words to say about the young player.

"I certainly was pleased with the work that Logan gave us tonight," Tomlin said. "He's worked that since he's been here... Versatility helps him and it helps us."

The Steelers are huge proponents of versatility, and it's shown in their free agent signings and draft picks. Troy Fautanu, a 2024 first-round pick has had experience playing both tackle spots, and some even projected him as a guard professionally. Additionally, 2025 first-round pick and defensive lineman Derrick Harmon has experience lining up both on the nose and at defensive end. If you can prove yourself valuable at multiple positions, your chances of making the roster will increase.

Steelers' Logan Lee Faces Tough Challenge To Make 53-Man Roster

While Lee's versatility certainly gives him an edge, he's still far from a lock to make the final roster. The Steelers' defensive line room is surprisingly deep, and the team may not keep more than seven or eight players at the position. 

Among those fighting for the final few spots are five-year veteran Isaiahh Loudermilk, who's experience gives him an advantage, and new additions Breiden Fehoko and Daniel Ekuale, who both signed in Pittsburgh in the summer. Fehoko had been on the Steelers' practice squad in 2023 and parts of 2024, making him familiar with the team as well.

On September 7th, 2024, Lee was placed on Injured Reserve, ending his rookie season after suffering a calf injury in the preseason. In 2025, he is fighting for a chance to make his mark, and if he wants to do so, he's got just two weeks to cement his spot on the Steelers' 53-man roster.

At the end of the day, Lee doesn't project as a starting defensive lineman for the Steelers. But players who carve out careers in Pittsburgh often manage to do so by filling roles that nobody else can. While Lee might be on the outside looking in, being dependable when he was called upon certainly won't go unnoticed. 

What do you think about Logan Lee and his versatility at long-snapper? Do you think he will make the final roster? Let us know in the comments below!

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