PITTSBURGH – The second stage of free agency is usually quiet. Most of the big-name signings have already been made, and the spotlight tends to dim. But for the Pittsburgh Steelers, this round wasn’t about flash, but it was about foundation.
Head coach DK LaFleur and general manager Mike Tomlin made two under-the-radar but essential signings that will impact every drive, field goal, and punt next season. The Steelers officially added punter Jake Camarda and long snapper Rick Lovato, locking in two critical pieces for their special teams unit.
They may not be household names, but make no mistake: these moves matter.
Filling the Voids
After the first stage of free agency, Pittsburgh found itself in an unusual position. While they had added several key defensive contributors, they were still missing something every football team needs, which is a punter and a long snapper.
Rather than waiting until the late stages of free agency or the draft, LaFleur acted quickly and decisively. With only three offers available during stage two, the Steelers dedicated two of them to fixing their special teams unit.
Camarda, a Georgia alum, signed a one-year, 1.2 million dollar contract to take over punting duties. For LaFleur, the signing carried a personal touch. Both men share a Georgia connection, as DK LaFleur himself graduated from the university. That familiarity and confidence made the decision an easy one.
“Jake’s a Bulldog through and through,” LaFleur said with a grin. “He’s got that same work ethic and attention to detail I value. He flips the field, stays calm under pressure, and he’s got the leg to change momentum in a heartbeat. We’re excited to have him.”
Camarda, who spent his early career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is known for both power and placement. He consistently ranks among the top punters in hang time and inside-20 accuracy. For a Steelers team that values field position and defensive dominance, his arrival couldn’t be more timely.
“I’m just here to do my job,” Camarda said in his introductory media availability. “This is a blue-collar city with a blue-collar team, and that fits me perfectly. I take pride in doing the little things right by flipping the field, pinning opponents deep, helping our defense do what it does best.”
The Lovato Show
The second signing was perhaps even more intriguing. The Steelers inked veteran long snapper Rick Lovato to a two-year, 4.4 million dollar deal. Lovato, who previously spent several seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, is considered one of the best in the business.
Long snappers rarely make headlines, but Lovato wasted no time changing that narrative. Shortly after signing, he delivered a soundbite that quickly went viral across the Premier Madden League.
“I’m the best long snapper in the league,” Lovato said confidently. “It’s pretty much GGs at this point. Y’all are cooked.”
It was the kind of swagger you don’t often hear from a long snapper, and Steelers fans loved every second of it.
LaFleur laughed when asked about the comment during a follow-up presser. “That’s Rick for you,” he said. “He’s got confidence, and honestly, I love it. He’s earned the right to feel that way. The man’s been doing this at a high level for years, and when you add that kind of stability to your operation, you can’t put a price on it.”
With Lovato now in place, the Steelers have a reliable anchor for both field goal and punt units, which is an element that can often go unnoticed until it’s gone wrong. Pittsburgh’s kicking and punting efficiency should immediately benefit from his presence, bringing a level of consistency to special teams execution that is often undervalued.
A Focus on the Details
For a team looking to return to the playoffs after narrowly missing out last season, these moves represent more than just filling roster spots. They represent a philosophical approach under DK LaFleur, and that’s attention to detail, accountability, and a refusal to leave any aspect of the game to chance.
“You win games in the margins,” LaFleur said. “Everyone focuses on offense and defense, and that’s fair. But special teams flips games. It changes momentum. One kick, one snap, one return. I mean those things matter. And we’re going to make sure every detail is handled with professionalism.”
That mindset is part of what has quickly endeared LaFleur to the Pittsburgh fanbase. His ability to balance bold roster moves with fundamental improvements has kept the Steelers trending upward since his arrival.
Looking Ahead
With Camarda and Lovato secured, Pittsburgh’s special teams unit now looks stable heading into training camp. The Steelers can rest easy knowing two key roles are filled by proven professionals who embody the team’s standard.
“These aren’t the kinds of moves that get headlines,” LaFleur said, “but they’re the kind that win football games in December.”
From a punter with a cannon leg to a long snapper calling his shot, the Steelers’ latest acquisitions might just be the quiet difference-makers that keep Pittsburgh’s foundation as solid as ever.
– Forged In Steel Times
