The 2025 offseason was one of the most captivating in Pittsburgh Steelers history.
After a disappointing end to the 2024 season, when the team started 10-3 before losing five straight to end the year and another first-round exit at the hands of the archrival Baltimore Ravens. General manager Omar Khan and head coach Mike Tomlin felt that the team was a couple of big moves away from reaching its championship potential. They went out and made some big splashes.
On both sides of the ball, the Steelers signed big names that management and coaching believed would make a difference. This was a welcome sign, since the Steelers traditionally haven’t made huge additions, but the decisions made could plague the team down the line. This is an old, expensive team, and as a fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins, I will tell you that combination doesn’t always make for a fun or competitive team.
Offensively, the biggest question would be at quarterback. The Steelers let both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson walk in free agency after one season, leaving their options very limited. While the team did bring back Mason Rudolph from Tennessee, it was apparent that he would not be the main option for the season.
In the draft, the Steelers did not draft any early-round quarterbacks. Instead, they selected Will Howard in the 6th round from Ohio State. While Howard did help the Buckeyes win a national championship last season and has some potential to develop into a good NFL player, it seemed like he was a depth signing, and not someone to be groomed as the Steelers’ QB of the future.
In the end, the Steelers had their biggest — and possibly most controversial — signing yet by bringing in 21-year veteran QB Aaron Rodgers. While the former Packer and Jet will certainly end up in Canton once he calls it quits, fans and the national media question what kind of Rodgers the Steelers will get.
While Rodgers hasn’t replicated his MVP numbers in recent seasons, there is still some of his HOF left in him. Last season, Rodgers completed 63% of his passes for 3,897 yards with 28 touchdowns to 11 picks. However, he posted his lowest QB rating during a full season at 90.5. Much of the concern from fans and the media comes from his 41-year age and a recent Achilles tear in 2023. On top of the physical concerns, the media storm surrounding his offseason moves, friendship with Pat McAfee and his political and health views have drawn controversy.
Besides Rodgers’ mercurial nature, the Steelers do have interesting weapons on offense. The biggest addition was DK Metcalf in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks. Metcalf posted 6,324 yards and 48 touchdowns in his time out west and is regarded as one of the best deep-ball receivers in the league. However, 2024 marked a decline in production for Metcalf with career lows in touchdowns and yards, and he has drawn criticism for his outbursts and spats with opponents.
Rodgers is also equipped with wide receivers Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson, the latter of whom is seeing his first NFL action this Sunday after missing his rookie season with an injury. Austin had his best season in 2024, notching 548 yards and four touchdowns on 36 receptions. The team also added tight end Jonnu Smith in a trade with Miami, adding to a pretty solid group of Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington.
Of course, an offense led by offensive coordinator Arthur Smith will heavily rely on the run game — a spot where the Steelers have also made changes. After four years in the Steel City, running back Najee Harris will not return to the team, as he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency.
The Steelers decided to roll with Harris’ backup, running back Jaylen Warren. A former undrafted free agent, Warren has proven his effectiveness as a change-of-pace back who can also catch passes out of the backfield. He’s tallied a total of 2,568 rushing yards and six total touchdowns in his three seasons behind Harris. The Steelers also added running back Kaleb Johnson in the draft out of Iowa to assist Warren.
Pittsburgh may also need a lot out of its offensive line this season, especially the two tackles Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu. Jones has had a shaky two seasons in Pittsburgh, mostly playing the right guard position. But this season, Jones will play on the left side, which is where he played at Georgia. Fautanu missed his rookie season with an injury and is seeing his first bit of action this season. With a quality interior offensive line, Rodgers’ health and the offense’s production hinge on the production of their tackles. If they struggle, it could be a long season for the Black and Gold Brigade.
Defensively, the Steelers doubled down on their approach by adding young talent and veterans alike. In a trade with Miami, the Steelers sent safety Minkah Fitzpatrick for cornerback Jalen Ramsey. While not quite in his prime anymore, the 30-year-old defensive back was one of the better corners in the league last season. Ramsey enters a solid returning backline of Joey Porter Jr and DeShon Elliot, and arrives with new additions Juan Thornhill and Darius Slay from Cleveland and Philadelphia, respectively.
In my opinion, the Steelers’ front seven will be the best in the league. The Steelers signed All-Pro edge rusher TJ Watt to a massive extension, making him the highest-paid non-QB in league history. All of his friends are still here too, with linebackers Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig poised to continue their productive beginnings in their careers. Hopefully, the contract dispute with defensive tackle Cameron Heyward is resolved, and he will join Keanu Benton and rookies Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black for what should be the best interior defensive line in football.
Once again, the Steelers have the most expensive defense in football. While they definitely can — and in my opinion will — keep this team in the game, I need to see more consistency from this group. Despite their payroll, there were times when the defense was not even top five — or sometimes even top 10 — caliber to me last season. And with the offense a bigger question mark than ever, the unit is gonna have to live up to their potential to keep the team winning.
The Steelers are better than many people give them credit for. Despite the memes and general derision from the rest of the NFL, there is plenty of young, intriguing talent in addition to solid veterans that should keep this team interesting going into the season. There are definitely concerns on both sides of the ball, especially on the offense, with lots of new and untested pieces. If they can bring it all together, this team could remain competitive in the AFC. If not … I’d suggest keeping your favorite beverage ready on game days.
Record Prediction
Floor: 7-10
Ceiling: 11-6
Prediction: 10-7, 2nd in the AFC North.
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