The Pittsburgh Steelers have made several exciting moves this offseason, one of the most important being the signing of punter Cam Johnston. This decision came after the team released their previous punter, Pressley Harvin III, who had been with the team for three seasons. Johnston was signed to a three-year, $9 million deal.
USA TodayPittsburgh Steelers punter Pressley Harvin III practices his holds before a game.
The Steelers had high expectations when they drafted Harvin in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft. It’s uncommon for a team to use a draft pick on a punter, but Harvin’s strong leg made him an enticing choice. While he demonstrated impressive power, his inconsistency ultimately led to his release.
Steelers fans are eagerly anticipating what their new punter will bring to the team. Winning the field position battle is crucial for success in football, and Johnston is expected to excel in this area. Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin expressed his confidence in Johnston during the Friday Night Lights training camp practice, where he praised the new punter in front of the fans.
“Hey, you guys see our new stud punter we got over here. How about five right there?”
The addition of Johnston has brought a renewed sense of excitement and optimism to the Steelers’ fan base. With his consistent performance and ability to control field position, Johnston is poised to become a key asset for the team in the upcoming season.
Early into camp, he has impressed fans with his strong leg, and Steelers supporters are hopeful that this performance will continue throughout the season.
Vincent Carchietta / USA Today Sports
Steelers’ Cameron Johnston during a rainy game with the Houston Texans.
Punting for the Steelers is particularly challenging due to Pittsburgh’s frequently inclement weather. Some analysts, such as former star punter Pat McAfee, believe that this was a contributing factor to Harvin’s inconsistency. McAfee also believes punters are facing an uphill climb punting in Pittsburgh. Johnston’s ability to navigate these conditions will be crucial, and his performance in good weather during camp has been promising. Steelers fans will wait until the winter months to truly judge their new punter.
During his three seasons with the Steelers, Harvin averaged 43.7 yards per punt and managed 75 punts inside the 20-yard line. In contrast, Johnston, who played for the Houston Texans over the past three seasons, recorded 104 punts inside the 20 and averaged 47.4 yards per punt. Additionally, his net yards per punt were significantly better than Harvin’s. Steelers fans are particularly excited about Johnston’s potential to bring greater consistency and effectiveness in pinning opponents deep within their territory.
Steelers’ Mike Tomlin Thankful To Have Cam Johnston In Pittsburgh
It’s notable when an NFL head coach like Tomlin highlights a punter to the fans, indicating just how enthusiastic he is about this new addition to the special teams. While the Steelers’ offense is expected to improve from its struggles in the 2023 season, a reliable punter remains essential for winning games in the highly competitive AFC North.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Steelers’ Cam Johnston looks on during camp.
Harvin was given multiple opportunities by the team that drafted him, but unfortunately, he couldn’t solidify his position in Pittsburgh. The Steelers, however, are feeling much more confident heading into the 2024 season with Johnston on the roster. Tomlin’s excitement about Johnston reflects the overall sentiment within the organization, suggesting that they are genuinely thrilled to have him on board.
Johnston’s arrival has energized the Steelers and their fans. His track record, combined with his impressive early performance, bodes well for the team’s special teams unit. As the Steelers look to improve and compete in the upcoming season, Johnston’s role as a consistent and effective punter should be a significant factor in their success.
