PITTSBURGH – The offseason roster-building phase is officially in full swing, and the Pittsburgh Steelers wasted no time keeping their foundation intact. Following a flurry of strategic moves during re-sign week, head coach DK LaFleur and general manager Mike Tomlin have ensured that several key contributors on both sides of the ball will remain in black and gold.
The Steelers have officially re-signed five players: strong safety Lewis Cine, fullback Adam Prentice, defensive tackle Logan Hall, linebacker Jailin Walker, and free safety Glendon Miller. Each deal represents a blend of experience, scheme fit, and continuity as LaFleur continues to shape the roster into a unit capable of contending deep into next season.
Lewis Cine: The Tone-Setter Stays
Perhaps the most notable signing of the group, strong safety Lewis Cine, inked a two-year, 7.4 million dollar extension to stay in Pittsburgh. The former first-round pick has quietly become one of the unsung heroes of the defense, blending range and physicality in the box while serving as a leader in the secondary.
Cine finished last season with 74 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, one interception, and one forced fumble. Though his stat line might not jump off the page, his value is measured in communication, reliability, and versatility, three things LaFleur values deeply in his defenders.
“Lewis plays fast, plays smart, and plays fearless,” LaFleur said. “He’s one of those guys you can trust to line up in multiple roles and get everyone around him in position. He’s a coach’s dream.”
Cine’s presence next to emerging free safety Glendon Miller gives Pittsburgh a steady and athletic safety tandem capable of handling both the deep half and run support responsibilities. At just 26 years old, Cine’s best football may still be ahead of him, making this a savvy, team-friendly extension.
Logan Hall: The Quiet Enforcer in the Trenches
Defensive tackle Logan Hall, who re-signed for two years and 16.2 million dollars, represents another crucial piece of Pittsburgh’s defensive core. Signed last season as a free agent, Hall made his mark as a rotational disruptor and may earn more snaps moving forward. His blend of length, agility, and hand technique allows him to line up both inside and on the edge, fitting perfectly into LaFleur’s hybrid defensive fronts.
“Logan’s motor and effort are outstanding,” said defensive line coach Karl Dunbar. “He’s not flashy, but he’s a worker. He wins reps with technique and toughness, and those are the kinds of guys who make your defense better every single week.”
With veteran Cameron Heyward retiring this offseason, Hall’s return provides much-needed stability and experience on the interior. He’ll likely pair alongside Derrick Harmon to form a versatile and athletic interior duo capable of collapsing pockets and defending the run with equal impact.
Jailin Walker: The Underrated Playmaker
SAM linebacker Jailin Walker might not be the first name fans think of when talking about Pittsburgh’s defense, but make no mistake, as he’s earned his spot. Signing a two-year, 6 million dollar contract, Walker brings speed, length, and special teams value that makes him a perfect fit in LaFleur’s system.
Walker saw rotational snaps last season, contributing as a depth piece behind Payton Wilson, Patrick Queen, and Cole Holcomb. His ability to play in space, cover tight ends, and crash the line of scrimmage makes him a valuable chess piece in defensive sub-packages.
“We love Jailin’s energy,” LaFleur said. “He’s one of those guys who shows up on film even when you’re not watching for him. He makes plays happen, whether it’s on defense or special teams.”
The re-signing of Walker also speaks to the Steelers’ emphasis on developing young defenders who can contribute across multiple phases. With an offseason to further refine his role, Walker could emerge as one of the team’s most improved players next year.
Glendon Miller: The Hidden Gem Returns
Another defensive back staying in Pittsburgh is free safety Glendon Miller, who signed a one-year, 2.4 million dollar contract. Miller, originally signed from the Cardinals’ practice squad, proved to be one of LaFleur’s most underrated pickups of the season.
He recorded 35 tackles and two interceptions while showing impressive instincts and range on the back end. Though not a household name, Miller’s play earned the respect of teammates and coaches alike.
“Glendon stepped in and played fearless football,” said defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin Jr. “He’s instinctive, communicates well, and always seems to be around the football. We wanted to make sure he stayed in our building.”
Miller’s return gives the Steelers the luxury of keeping continuity at both safety spots, with Cine and Miller forming one of the more cohesive duos in the AFC. The one-year deal also provides flexibility for the team as it continues evaluating its young secondary talent.
Adam Prentice: The Glue Guy
While not every player moves the needle statistically, fullback Adam Prentice’s one-year, 1.6 million dollar extension proves that toughness and selflessness still have a place in modern football.
Prentice has been a key contributor on special teams and short-yardage situations since joining the team. His blocking ability and understanding of LaFleur’s run scheme have helped open lanes for Nate Carter and stabilize the offense in heavy formations.
“He’s an old-school football player,” said offensive coordinator Mike Tomlin Jr. “He doesn’t care about touches or stats. He cares about doing his job, and doing it well.”
The Bigger Picture
With these re-signings, the Steelers have checked off several important boxes heading into the offseason. They’ve retained a mix of veteran leadership and ascending talent while preserving financial flexibility to pursue other roster upgrades.
LaFleur made it clear that building continuity is the priority this year. “It’s about keeping the right guys, not just the best athletes, but the best teammates and professionals,” he said. “These guys all bring that to the table.”
From Lewis Cine’s leadership to Logan Hall’s trench play and Miller’s ball-hawking instincts, Pittsburgh’s defense retains its identity of toughness and discipline. Add in Walker’s upside and Prentice’s grit, and it’s clear the Steelers are committed to strengthening their foundation before looking outward.
The roster may continue to evolve as free agency approaches, but one thing is certain. The Steelers are staying true to their core philosophy, which is physical, smart, and loyal to the players who have earned their spot.
– Forged In Steel Times
