Former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk has his next NFL team.
The Minnesota Vikings announced signing Loudermilk to a contract Thursday. In Minneapolis, Loudermilk will reunite with former Steelers defensive assistants Brian Flores and Gerald Alexander.
“Loudermilk overlapped in Pittsburgh with Vikings Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores (2022) and Defensive Pass Game Coordinator & Defensive Backs Coach Gerald Alexander (2022-23),” wrote Vikings.com’s Lindsey Young.
Standing at 6-foot-7 and 293 pounds, Loudermilk only started seven games in five seasons for the Steelers. But he started each of the first two weeks in 2025, establishing himself in the starting lineup to begin last fall.
Loudermilk then suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 2 versus the Seattle Seahawks. The Steelers placed him on injured reserve, and he didn’t play again last season.
In 60 games overall with the Steelers, Loudermilk posted 63 combined tackles, including one tackle for loss. He also had six pass defenses and one sack.
Vikings Announce Signing Ex-Steelers DT Isaiahh Loudermilk
Ironically, Loudermilk will join a Minnesota defense that’s trying to replace another former Steelers defensive lineman — Javon Hargrave. The Vikings released Hargrave to help the team reach cap compliance this offseason.
In Pittsburgh, the Steelers selected Loudermilk in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft — a year after Hargrave left the team in NFL free agency. Loudermilk ultimately wasn’t able to replace Hargrave, though, who was a third-round choice in 2016.
The Steelers grabbed Loudermilk at No. 156 overall.
As a rookie, Loudermilk appeared in 15 games, posting 23 combined tackles with three pass defenses. He started two contests.
During his rookie season, Loudermilk set career highs in tackles and defensive snaps.
Steelers first-round rookie Derrick Harmon was injured at the beginning of the season. So, there’s no guarantee Loudermilk would have remained in the starting lineup last fall.
But Harmon missed some time, so Loudermilk probably would have seen an opportunity to play more. His injury, though, ruined any chance the 28-year-old had of a career-best season.
The Steelers allowed Loudermilk to test free agency this offseason.
The financial details of Loudermilk’s deal in Minnesota were not disclosed. He played in Pittsburgh on a 1-year, $1.63 million deal last season.
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The Steelers have placed a significant emphasis on getting more talented and younger along the defensive front in recent years. With that, Loudermilk became expendable.
Maybe things would have been different if Loudermilk didn’t suffer his injury. But that ultimately led to the end of his Pittsburgh tenure.
This year, the Steelers are moving forward with Harmon, Cameron Heyward and Keeanu Benton as their starting defensive linemen. Second-year lineman Yahya Black could be a key contributor this season too.
The Steelers also added Sebastian Joseph-Day in free agency and Gabriel Rubio during the 2026 NFL Draft.
Overall, Pittsburgh possesses 12 defensive linemen on their offseason roster. At defensive tackle, the team also has Esezi Otomewo, Logan Lee and Kyler Baugh. The Steelers have Jahvaree Ritzie and Anthony Goodlow as options at defensive end as well.
Finally, Kevin Jobity Jr. is on the Steelers roster officially listed as a defensive lineman.
The Steelers concluded their first week of offseason workouts Thursday. They will have their next practice session on May 26.
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