The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't wait long to start making roster moves following the 2025 NFL Draft. As soon as the draft concluded, the front office quickly inked seven undrafted free agents to contracts. The following morning, Pittsburgh made its first notable roster cut.
On Monday, the Steelers released veteran defensive tackle Montravius Adams, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported. Adams, who entered the NFL as a third-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, has been with the Steelers since 2021. Over the past four years, Adams earned 21 starts in 46 games, but recorded just one sack and six tackles for a loss during his time in Pittsburgh.
Because of his contract situation, there has been speculation that Adams might not stick around for the 2025 season. The veteran defensive tackle was set to have a cap number of $3.125 million for the final year of his deal. By releasing him, the Steelers will save $2.25 million toward the salary cap this year.
But there's a bigger reason than finances why Montravius Adams became expendable.
The Pittsburgh Steelers express faith in unproven rookie DT Yahya Black
We can look at this decision and quickly chalk up Montravius Adams' departure to the Pittsburgh Steelers signing Derrick Harmon in the first round of the NFL Draft. However, Harmon is expected to play a different position along the defensive line as a base 3-4 end who can kick inside to 3-technique in Pittsburgh's sub-package defense.
Adams, on the other hand, served as a nose tackle for the Steelers. For this reason, the Steelers seem to have already expressed a vote of confidence in fifth-round rookie, Yahya Black.
Black was a run-stuffing specialist for the Iowa Hawkeyes. After a quiet first three college seasons, Black came on strong over his final two years, earning 85 combined tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, and 4.5 sacks since 2023.
At 6'5 3/4'' and 336 pounds with 35'' arms, Black has an unmatched frame along the defensive line and the mass to hold up at the point of attack, despite his height. However, Black isn't an overly athletic and he lacks the elite quickness to be a 3-4 end in Pittsburgh's scheme. Because of this, he has an easy projection to nose tackle in the NFL.
Keeanu Benton is still expected to start at nose tackle (though that may not be his best position), but Black could quickly carve out a role as a 0-tech and 1-tech defensive tackle in early-down work, goal-line packages, and obvious running situations.
The more you think about the decision to cut ties with Montravius Adams, the more it makes sense. It feels like the Pittsburgh Steelers have confidence that Yahya Black could fill the void at nose tackle and should give them a stouter run defender from day one.