Former Steelers DL Montravius Adams Visits AFC North Rival Bengals
Former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Montravius Adams is exploring a potential move within the AFC North. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Adams is visiting with the Cincinnati Bengals following his release by the Steelers in late April. The timing aligns with Pittsburgh’s recent draft moves, notably the selection of first-round defensive lineman Derrick Harmon, which signaled a shift in their defensive line plans.
Adams had a decent run in Pittsburgh after joining the team midway through the 2021 season. Over his tenure, he appeared in 49 games, including playoffs, and started 21 of them. However, none of those starts came in 2024. Known primarily as a run-stopping defensive tackle, Adams’ effectiveness in that area declined significantly, culminating in a career-low Pro Football Focus run defense grade of 29.8 last season.
During his time with the Steelers, Adams provided limited impact as a pass rusher. He recorded just one regular-season sack and one in the postseason, along with 7 tackles for loss and 34 pressures. With his run-stopping abilities in question and minimal pass-rush contributions, his release appeared inevitable.
The Steelers’ poor performance against the run in 2024, particularly late in the season against the Titans and Ravens, emphasized their need for an overhaul. General manager Omar Khan responded by drafting Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black, and signing veteran Daniel Ekuale in free agency. These moves aim to solidify the team’s defensive front.
Ekuale brings steady run defense, having earned a 62.7 PFF grade and missing only two tackles last season. Harmon, meanwhile, excelled as both a run defender and pass rusher in college, boasting PFF grades over 81 and logging 55 pressures in 2024. Black adds further depth as a dependable early-down defender, with 58 key stops across the last two college seasons.
Whether the Steelers have done enough to fix their run defense remains to be seen, particularly with the reliance on two rookies. As for Adams, now approaching 30 and coming off a down year, his future in the NFL is uncertain. The Bengals may offer him a chance to compete for a spot, but it will likely be a short window to prove his value.
