Steelers add a placekicker to offseason roster before training camp

The Pittsburgh Steelers usually carry two placekickers on their offseason roster to take pressure off the starting placekicker during training camp. In 2020 that kicker was Matthew Wright, but in 2021 the only placekicker the Steelers have on their roster is starter Chris Boswell.

It seems the Steelers are changing that as they are expected to sign kicker Sam Sloman, pending a physical. This per Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network:

Sloman played his college football at Miami University of Ohio, and was a 7th Round draft pick by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2020 NFL Draft. After playing in the Ram’s first seven games, Sloman was waived on October 27. He had converted 8-of-11 field goal attempts, with a long of 42, and was 18-for-21 on extra point attempts.

His next stop was with the Tennessee Titans when he was added to their practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster on January 2, 2021, for the Titans’ Week 17 game against the Houston Texans. He hit all five extra point attempts and both field goals, including the game-winner that deflected off the right upright from 37 yards away as time expired, with which the Titans won the division. He was moved back to the practice squad after the game and released in the offseason.

Steelers fans should know the addition of Sloman isn’t a threat to Chris Boswell, but fans should also remember Matthew Wright was called in to kick multiple times in 2020 for the injured Boswell. Having a reliable backup is important, and hopefully the Steelers have found that in Sloman.

With the addition of Sloman the Steelers will have to make a corresponding roster move. Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the late news and notes surrounding that roster move, and more, as the Steelers prepare for the 2021 regular season.

UPDATE

To make room on the 90 man offseason roster, the Steelers have placed Demarcus Christmas on the Reserve/Injured list.