After a lackluster 2024 campaign, the Steelers are ready to make some moves towards a Super Bowl run, and the fanbase is looking for moves to be made this offseason. NFL Free agency started on March 12th, and the Steelers have been active so far.
The Steelers first move was a big one, trading for Seattle Seahawks star wide receiver DK Metcalf. The Steelers sent the 52nd pick to Seattle in exchange for the receiver. The Steelers then signed him to a 5 year 150 million dollar contract extension. This move fills the hole of wide receiver that the team has been struggling with for many seasons.
The Steelers re-signed some significant players from the 2024 season. Headlining these signings are Jaylen Warren, who will seemingly be the starting running back for the 2025 season. Isaiahh Loudermilk, a defensive tackle who was re-signed to a one-year contract, will certainly add depth to the defensive line. Finally, receivers Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek signed to one- and two-year deals, respectively.
More importantly though, are the new players the Steelers are bringing in. Former Ravens linebacker Malik Harrison was signed to a two-year contract and may replace aging linebacker Elandon Roberts, who signed with the Raiders.
The Steelers also signed Darius Slay, the Eagles star cornerback to a one-year contract. Slay will pair nicely with Joey Porter Jr. and mentor the young star. Also adding secondary depth, Juan Thornhill, a seasoned veteran who won a Super Bowl with the Chiefs, was signed to a one-year deal. Another Eagle-turned-Steeler, running back Kenneth Gainwell was signed to add depth to the running back room alongside Warren.
Finally, the Steelers are bringing back a recognizable quarterback who was with the Titans for a year, Mason Rudolph, to fill the current hole at the position. This is a great signing to either mentor a young quarterback from the draft or become a solid backup option like years prior.
The Steelers have taken a hit, as some players departed from Pittsburgh and found a home elsewhere. Most importantly, running back Najee Harris signed a two-year deal with the Chargers. Justin Fields, the promising young quarterback who played in multiple games for the Steelers last season, got a lucrative deal from the New York Jets to become their new quarterback. Receiver Mike Williams, whom the Steelers acquired at last season’s trade deadline, returned to the Chargers on a one-year deal.
The offensive line is also taking a hit heading into next season, with James Daniels, the starting right guard having signed with the Dolphins, and starting left tackle Dan Moore signing a massive four-year deal with the Titans. The Steelers will look to fill these offensive line gaps in this year’s NFL draft.
One big question remains, though. Who will be the starting quarterback for the Steelers in 2025? With Fields leaving, the Steelers’ options are looking slim. Both Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson are still on the free agency market, but does Pittsburgh really want an aging quarterback? This year’s NFL draft class is loaded with talent at the quarterback position, and many fans are pushing for the Steelers to pick Jaxon Dart out of Ole Miss or Jalen Milroe out of Alabama.
The Steelers have a massive decision looming closer and closer as the decision needs to be made soon.
