Grading every external free agent signing for the Steelers so far

Cameron Johnston free agency grade: B

With the Steelers' decision to cut Pressley Harvin III early in the offseason, we knew that landing a punter in free agency was going to be one of Pittsburgh's top priorities. Several quality names were hitting the market. Ultimately, Omar Khan landed on Cameron Johnston.

Johnston was a big-legged punter with quite the highlight reel from the 2023 season with the Houston Texans. The Aussie-born punter averaged 47.7 yards per punt last season while pinning an impressive 45.5 percent of his punts inside the 20-yard line, according to Pro Football Reference. Both of these numbers were massive upgrades over what the team received from Harvin in any of his first three NFL seasons.

There's zero question that Johnston will be an upgrade over this team. What keeps this grade from being an 'A' is the fact that Tommy Townsend was still on the market at the time, and he ultimately earned the same yearly value ($3 million per season) as Johnston -- who earned a three-year, $9 million deal with Pittsburgh.

Still, this is a quality signing by the Steelers and a great fit. For a team that plans on running the football well, playing great defense, and relying on good field position to keep them in the game, Johnston's ability to beam the football down the field and routinely pin it inside the 20 should do the trick.