Steelers To Release DL Dean Lowry

Lowry, 32, spent the last two years in black and yellow, appearing in 12 games in 2024 (one start) but missing all of last season after tearing his ACL in training camp. The Steelers re-signed the nine-year veteran this offseason to a one-year deal that contained no guaranteed money, portending his eventual expendability.

The Steelers will move forward with a defensive line room that is largely similar to last year’s. Cameron Heyward, Derrick Harmon, and Keeanu Benton will likely be the starting trio with Yahya Black and Sebastian Joseph-Day providing depth. That group could be left rather than with just one or two injuries, so Lowry could be a candidate for a practice squad spot if he doesn’t sign with another team.

Originally a Packers fourth-round pick in 2016, Lowry showed promise early in his career with 7.0 sacks and 13 tackles for loss across his first three seasons. He carved out a substantial role in his second year and eventually started 80 games across his seven years in Green Bay with his production maxing out at five sacks and five TFLs in 2021.

Lowry’s deal with the Packers expired in 2022. He stayed in the NFC North via a two-year deal with the Vikings, but appeared in just nine games in 2023 due to injury and was released the following offseason. His experience should help him find another home for this season, but he is certainly in the back half of his career and could be a retirement candidate in the near future.