The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot to fix before the 2025 NFL season starts. While the 2024 campaign was initially met with low expectations, fans quickly began to get excited as the team found themselves sitting at 10-3. The Steelers were being touted as legitimate Super Bowl contenders, and for a brief moment, the optimism in Pittsburgh was through the roof. That hope quickly evaporated however, as the team lost five straight games to close out the season, including a postseason defeat that left fans disheartened and frustrated.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin looks on during a snowy game in Cleveland.
Once again, the Steelers' playoff hopes ended in disappointment, and the mood in Pittsburgh is one of discontent. Fans have become vocal about the direction of the franchise, calling for major changes, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Wide receiver remains a glaring issue, and many believe the Steelers need to make a significant splash in free agency to bolster their offensive weapons. But while the offense has its share of concerns, Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo sees a different priority for the team moving forward.
According to Fittipaldo Monday on the North Shore Drive podcast, the Steelers' greatest need in free agency will not be on offense, but on the defensive line. He believes that Larry Ogunjobi, a key contributor in the trenches, is likely to be cut, which would leave a significant void for the team to fill. As the Steelers head into the 2025 season, Fittipaldo suggests that strengthening their defensive front should be at the top of their list, as they look to regain their defensive dominance and address the loss of a starting player.
"If they're going to cut Ogunjobi, they're not going to count on a rookie to come in and start right away," Fittipaldo said. "So, to me, that's probably your biggest free agent need. To me, when I look at this roster, and l'm assuming Ogunjobi's going to be gone because he underperformed on that contract, to me, d-tackle is the biggest need right now."
Ogunjobi is currently making nearly $10 million per year, but he hasn’t quite met the expectations tied to that hefty contract. In 2024, Pro Football Focus graded him with a 49.4, ranking him 150th out of 219 defensive linemen. That’s far from impressive, especially for a player earning such a significant salary on the defense.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers' Larry Ogunjobi stands with his hands on his hips while he waits for drills to start during a team practice in 2022.
While Steelers fans often express skepticism about PFF grades, it's important to recognize that extreme ratings like this can be quite revealing. In Ogunjobi’s case, his poor grade aligns with what has been subpar performance on the field this season.
Steelers Have Exciting Options To Replace Larry Ogunjobi If Needed
Fittipaldo believes the Steelers won’t be eager to start a rookie at this position, which is why he anticipates they’ll aggressively pursue a replacement for Ogunjobi in free agency. The 2025 free agent market for defensive tackles is stacked with talent, giving the Steelers a prime opportunity to bring in a starting-caliber player to improve the defensive line. It’s a move Fittipaldo considers necessary for the team's future success.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan picks up the phone in the team's war room during the 2023 NFL Draft weekend.
With the need for a more reliable presence on the defensive line growing clearer, the Steelers may have to make a decisive move in the 2025 offseason. Replacing Ogunjobi with a proven veteran could solidify the defensive front and provide the team with a crucial boost in the coming seasons. As the Steelers continue to refine their roster, addressing this position will likely be one of the top priorities for Omar Khan and the front office.
Khan and the Steelers front office will have a significant task ahead in addressing the roster's glaring needs before the 2025 NFL season. It will be fascinating to see how they navigate both the free agency market and the 2025 NFL Draft as they work to quickly strengthen the roster and position the team for success.
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