It was announced on August 9 that the Steelers would be signing Corliss Waitman as their replacement at the punter position. It was sad to see Cameron Johnston suffer such a significant injury in Week 1 of the regular season. Pittsburgh signed Johnston to a big contract and he was showing a ton of promise throughout the preseason and into the first game of the season.
Now that he is gone, it is reasonable to expect a drop-off in play at the punter position with Waitman joining the team. If he can be a steady force, then that will be exactly what the Steelers need.
Even though he was the first call they made, other punters in free agency could still make sense for the black and gold if Waitman struggles.
Punter options for Steelers if Corliss Waitman struggles
Brad Wing
Many thought Brad Wing would be the first call Mike Tomlin made when considering a replacement for Johnston. It would have made a ton of sense as Wing was with the team last season and had a respectable outing during his two games of starting for the Steelers. If Waitman keeps on struggling, expect Wing to get the next opportunity.
He has been playing in spring leagues for the past several years. He most recently played for the San Antonio Brahmas where he remained one of the league's best punters. Wing should be in good shape and ready to get back in the NFL if a call were to come his way. Tomlin likes him a lot so it would make the most sense out of any other punter if an opening happened again.
Marquette King
An outside option foreign to Pittsburgh with Marquette King showing up on this list. He is a veteran guy who has been out of the NFL since 2018. He was a big personality at the position and someone many around the NFL enjoyed watching. It has been a long time since King suited up for an NFL squad, but he could still be on the brink of a return at any moment.
King has been in spring football leagues since they were brought back a couple of years ago, just like Wing. King has been one of the best punters in those leagues and has remained consistent for the most part. His numbers in terms of average yards per punt have never been outstanding, but he can still get the ball down the field. If Waitman struggles, someone with the same amount of experience as King might be a safe choice.
Pressley Harvin III
Fans will hate the idea of potentially bringing back Pressley Harvin III if Waitman struggles at punter, but it makes sense. Waitman is a guy the Steelers knew well since he spent a couple of seasons with the team. Wing spent time with Pittsburgh, but both Waitman and Harvin are more tenured than Wing was in terms of years spent with the organization.
Harvin was very streaky in Pittsburgh, and he didn't show much improvement during his time with the Steelers. He shouldn't be the first option for the team if Waitman fails, but it is hard to discount the chance of a reunion if the punter spot were to have a vacancy again. Both Chris Boswell and Christian Kuntz are familiar with Harvin, so the Steelers could turn to him out of desperation.