With some aging stars on the roster, the Pittsburgh Steelers are in win-now mode. But is the revamped roster an improvement over last season’s team?
One thing is already clear about the 2025 Pittsburgh Steelers: They will look nothing like the 2024 team.
Quarterback Justin Fields’ agreement to leave the Steelers and join the New York Jets was one of the tipping points in what looks to be a tidal wave of departures for the Steelers this offseason.
It will be impossible for the franchise to sign each of QB Russell Wilson, running back Najee Harris, edge rusher Isaiahh Loudermilk, guards James Daniels and Nate Herbig, as well as other starters on both sides of the ball, due to cap constraints.
The Steelers made it clear they are ready to move on, making the first big splash of this free agency cycle by trading for three-time 1,000-yard receiver DK Metcalf and then signing him to a lucrative four-year, $132 million extension on Sunday.
The move will pair Metcalf with Steelers receiver George Pickens, creating one of the most talented, physical receiving duos in recent memory.
Second-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s wide receiver group in Pittsburgh last season had 77.0 open percentage that was just a notch above the league average (76.9) and a 54.3 burn percentage that fell under the NFL average (55.8).
But just how much will the former Seattle Seahawks star help in those areas?
In 2024, Metcalf ranked in the bottom third in burn percentage (52.8) and had the sixth-worst open percentage (61.1) among receivers with at least 50 targets. However, he was able to stretch the field with the 12th-highest average depth of target at 14.0 yards.
Pittsburgh also made a big move in the defensive backfield by acquiring cornerback Darius Slay. Fresh off a Super Bowl victory with the Philadelphia Eagles, Slay is moving across the state to play alongside Joey Porter Jr., a rising star with All-Pro potential.
Most CBs hang up the cleats and call it a career by the age of 34, but not Slay, who has proven he still has the ability to contribute at a high level.
This move makes sense for the Pittsburgh in many ways. Coach Mike Tomlin’s team will hope to maximize Slay’s immense experience and knowledge in a mentorship role, aiding in the development of Porter Jr. and other young defensive backs.
Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin’s scheme includes a high rate of single-high safety formations, often used in Cover 3 zone defenses, which suits the aging Slay well. It’ll be easier for him to find success in a zone as he won’t have to chase receivers around the way he would in a man-to-man defense.
Slay was solid in 2024 overall, posting a burn-allowed percentage (45.6), open-allowed percentage (64.7) and big play-allowed percentage (22.7) better than the league averages (49.1, 66.5 and 25.1, respectively) among those with at least 200 pass-coverage snaps. The move also helps provide a replacement for corner Donte Jackson, another key free agent who left Pittsburgh this offseason.
The Steelers, however, are still missing the most important piece of the puzzle: a new quarterback. Metcalf, Pickens, and ever-reliable tight end Pat Freiermuth should make Pittsburgh a desirable destination for free agent signal-callers. Initial reports have linked the team to Aaron Rodgers, but it remains to be seen whether he, Daniel Jones, Jameis Winston or another free agent QB will be the guy in Pittsburgh this season.
While many holes still need to be filled, the new-look Steelers just might be well on their way to building a playoff-caliber roster.
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