The Pittsburgh Steelers had high hopes for Logan Lee when they picked him up in the sixth round, but his first season didn’t quite go as planned. An early training camp injury sidelined him, landing him on injured reserve (IR) for most of his rookie year. Although the team did open his 21-day practice window towards the end of the season, it seemed more like a preparation for the future rather than an immediate activation. This move provided Lee with a valuable chance to gain some field experience and a head start for the upcoming off-season.
At 24, by the start of the 2024 season, Lee is considered an older rookie. His style and approach are consistent with what you’d expect from an Iowa product, fitting the Steelers’ mold for defensive linemen. However, being a sixth-round selection, he’s not exactly known for exceptional athleticism.
Lee’s prospects are buoyed by the Steelers’ current discontent with their defensive line. Beyond Cameron Heyward and Keeanu Benton, the retention of players like DeMarvin Leal, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Larry Ogunjobi, Dean Lowry, and Montravius Adams is uncertain, with some potential cuts looming. This situation could open the door for Lee to secure a spot if the team revamps its defensive front.
During his brief practice stint at the season’s end, he provided the team with something to assess. Even though he missed much of the year, it’s unlikely the Steelers will hold that against him if he made a positive impression in his limited appearances.
Interestingly, Lee later confessed that the team effectively ‘redshirted’ him last season. His injury wasn’t severe, yet he remained on IR—a common practice in the NFL when a minor injury can justify a player’s stay on the list. This strategic move can be a way to “stash” players who have potential without immediately needing to use a roster spot.
As for Lee’s future impact, particularly looking forward to 2025, that’s a challenging call to make. His limited exposure last season leaves us in the dark about his progress. While he wasn’t exactly projected as a top-tier talent coming out of Iowa, mastering the Steelers’ defensive scheme and maintaining discipline could make him a reliable depth option. Even if he’s only called upon in the event of injuries, having a solid backup is always valuable.
The Steelers are once again facing off-season reflections following another early playoff departure, a recurring theme for the franchise. While the team holds its internal meetings, we’re taking a deep dive into the roster too. Our focus is exploring who should remain or depart, which players should be offered new contracts, and who could step into larger roles next season. This article is part of our annual analysis series where we tackle these pressing questions and more.
