PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Steelers couldn't ignore Dustin Colquitt's resume.
The longtime Kansas City punter has seen a little of everything during his 15 years kicking for the Super Bowl champion Chiefs. And it's that experience that led to the Steelers cutting Jordan Berry to make room for Colquitt on the eve of the 2020 regular season.
Pittsburgh signed Colquitt on Monday and he will be in uniform when the Steelers open Sunday at the New York Giants. It was the highest-profile of a series of roster moves Pittsburgh made in hopes of chasing down defending AFC North champion Baltimore.
The Steelers also brought back Josh Dobbs and safety Sean Davis - both players originally drafted by Pittsburgh who struggled elsewhere - but they will likely serve in support roles. Not the 38-year-old Colquitt, who developed a reputation as one of the steadiest punters in the NFL while twice making the Pro Bowl for the Chiefs.
Pittsburgh will rely on that resolve as it begins a season unlike any other, one that will begin without fans in the stands, a variable that made Colquitt particularly attractive.
"He's got a consistent resume over 15 years under a variety of circumstances," coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday. "That's an asset to us."
Tomlin repeatedly mentioned Colquitt's floor, hinting Colquitt's consistency gave him an edge against Berry. Berry spent five years punting and serving as a holder for the Steelers and his 45.5 yards per kick average in 2019 was the second-best of his career. Berry beat out Corliss Waitman during training camp, but Colquitt impressed during a tryout and Berry found himself out of a job.
"We have a great deal of comfort in (Colquitt's) ability to deliver," Tomlin said.