It doesn’t take long for players who were once starters to fizzle out of the NFL. That may be exactly what’s happening to former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Montravius Adams. The athletic defensive lineman joined the Steelers late in the 2021 season and would play an integral role on the team through 2024. However, after selecting two defensive tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh released Adams late in April.

Multiple sources have suggested that Adams’s removal from the starting lineup could have a major impact on his career in the near future. Injuries and fitness issues often plague players in professional football, especially those who are in the middle of their careers. If Adams cannot find a new team or maintain his form, he could very well retire early.

In addition, the fierce competition in the NFL, along with teams always looking for young prospects, makes it even more difficult to retain players past their prime. For Adams, this could mean a difficult decision about whether to continue playing or move on in his 30s.

Before joining the Steelers, Adams had a brief stint with the New Orleans Saints. The Auburn product was originally a third-round draft pick by the Green Bay Packers in the 2017 NFL Draft, where he spent his first four seasons as a rotational defensive tackle.

Sadly, 2025 could mark the end of Adams’ eight-year NFL career.