The Pittsburgh Steelers have made significant and exhilarating moves this offseason. Amidst these changes, one smaller transaction stands out: the acquisition of Dean Lowry on a two-year, $5 million deal. Standing tall at 6'6" and weighing 296 pounds, Lowry is a seasoned defensive lineman on the cusp of his 30th birthday, boasting eight years of NFL experience.
Lowry embarked on his professional journey with the Green Bay Packers, where he spent seven fruitful seasons before a brief stint with the Minnesota Vikings in 2023. His arrival in Pittsburgh in early April marked a new chapter in his career. Notably, Lowry was a mainstay in the Packers' lineup from 2019 to 2021, earning a reputation as a dependable starter. With 120 NFL games under his belt, he has started in 84 of them.
In an interview with Matt Trowbridge of the Rockford Register Star, Lowry shed light on his decision to join the Steelers. He cited Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin as a reason he joined the team as well.
"I am excited to join a franchise that is known for its defense. The level of consistency that Coach Tomlin has had over a decade now is really impressive. I am looking forward to being a part of it. Also, you see some similarities between Green Bay and Pittsburgh, with respect to being an iconic franchise and being in a community that really values football."
With the bulk of his career spent with the Packers, Lowry is well-versed in playing for storied franchises. He couldn't help but notice numerous similarities between Green Bay and the Steel City.
The day before Thanksgiving, Lowry underwent season-ending surgery for a torn pectoral muscle sustained during the 2023 season, which happened to be his sole season with the Vikings. It was a challenging injury for him to grapple with, but he doesn't expect it to slow him down in 2024.
"It was a challenging year. My first-ever serious injury," Lowry said. "I am finally healthy and building back strength. It shouldn't be an issue going into training camp."
Lowry elaborated on his current state several months after the injury, providing insight into how he's feeling. He then delved into his anticipated role on the defensive line in Pittsburgh during the interview.
"I am more of a depth piece at this point, but that's a good place to be. It's a team that always has a good defense. It's a well-run organization. I am looking forward to the challenge."
The Steelers defensive line has some talent. Lowry will join Cam Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi as a depth peice hoping to come in and help contribute when needed. Lowry understands his role and is excited for the challenges of joining a stacked defense and helping the Steelers win football games. He also understands that their is a serious sense of urgency to win now in Pittsburgh. That urgency attracted him to the Steelers.
"Meeting with Coach Tomlin, he made it clear that there is a strong sense of urgency right now in the building and he wants guys who have been there and done that.”
Since the 2016 season, the Steelers have been unable to secure a playoff victory. Tomlin acknowledges the frustration among fans, who crave postseason success, and he understands the mounting pressure on him as head coach. Consequently, he wanted to ensure that Lowry fully grasped the situation he was stepping into.
Steelers' Dean Lowry Is Ready To Thrive In Pittsburgh
When Lowry met with Tomlin, it became evident that the Steelers prioritize players with a winning track record and substantial league experience. Tomlin saw Lowry as fitting that bill. Lowry, in turn, expressed confidence in his ability to contribute to the Steelers' success in the upcoming 2024 season.
With the pressure mounting for the Steelers to break their playoff drought and mount a serious postseason run, the addition of a seasoned veteran like Lowry, who understands his role and is eager to contribute in any way possible, is truly exciting. Steelers fans are eagerly anticipating Lowry's debut in Pittsburgh for the 2024 season.
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