Will 2021 be Justin Layne’s last shot to make an impact?

Welcome to the Steelers Trifecta! Over the 30 days leading up to the Pittsburgh Steelers 2021 training camp, we will be highlighting three players every day in order cover the entire 90-man offseason roster. So without further ado, here are today’s three players:

Miles Killebrew

Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Position: Linebacker
Age: 28
Year: 6
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 222
Drafted: Round 4, Pick 111, 2016 (Lions)
College: Southern Utah State
Roster Outlook: Likely
Analysis:

Miles Killebrew was brought in to reprise his role as a special teams ace. One of the best special teamer in the game for the Detroit Lions, Killebrew should feel right at home in the Steel City. Once thought the Steelers would transition him back to safety due to his relationship with Teryl Austin, but the Steelers listed him as a linebacker suggesting he will compete with Marcus Allen for the hybrid linebacker/safety spot.

Christian Kuntz

Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

Position: Linebacker/Long Snapper
Age: 27
Year: 1
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 227
Drafted: UDFA, 2017 (Patriots)
College: Duequsne
Roster Outlook: Very unlikely
Analysis:

Kuntz has been given a number of opportunities to supplant Kam Canaday as the Steelers long snapper. Given his history I don’t have much faith the third time will be the charm, Kuntz is more of a camp body so Canaday doesn't have to take all the snaps, and push him to be his best. The one interesting thing to watch will be whether the Steelers use Kuntz as a linebacker in some preseason games.

Justin Layne

Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Position: Corner
Age: 23
Year: 3
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 192
Drafted: Round 3, Pick 83 2019
College: Michigan State
Roster Outlook: Probable
Analysis:

Justin Layne has not come close to living up to his third round selection back in 2019. He has struggled mightily in limited playing time and has been passed up by undrafted free agents. Only two years into his career, and Layne is on the verge of falling out of the league entirely. Layne sits firmly behind Joe Haden, Cam Sutton, and James Pierre on the depth chart and he cannot afford to have another player pass him by.

Be sure to check back everyday for anther ‘trifecta’ of Steelers, and as we go along click back on previous articles listed below so you don’t miss a thing.