10 Most Important Steelers Players Heading Into The 2025 NFL Season

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made it clear they are all in for 2025. After an offseason full of bold moves, including a major push to land star wide receiver DK Metcalf and their pursuit of future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, expectations in Pittsburgh have increased a little bit. While Rodgers has not officially joined the team or announced his plans for the season, the Steelers are reportedly preparing as if he could be their Week 1 starter come September.

The Steelers are not just trying to make the playoffs. They are trying to win a championship now. With a presumptive dominant defense led by TJ Watt and a potentially reshaped offense centered around Rodgers, the team has built one of the most balanced rosters in the AFC. However, to turn potential into wins, certain players must rise above the rest and carry the weight when it matters most.

Pittsburgh has no shortage of stars, but not all players carry equal importance. Whether it is a franchise cornerstone, a breakout candidate, or a veteran trying to make one last run, some names will define the outcome of the 2025 season. 

Here are the 10 most important Steelers players as the team enters one of its most anticipated campaigns in years.

10. Kaleb Johnson

Kaleb Johnson is ranked 10th because the Steelers need their rookie running back to be productive with Najee Harris now with the Los Angeles Chargers. The pressure is on Johnson to provide consistent production and help fill the offensive gaps. 

His ability to gain yards after contact and catch passes out of the backfield will determine how balanced the offense can become. If he fails to progress, opposing defenses can focus even more on Metcalf and the passing game.

9. Cam Heyward

Cam Heyward’s leadership and experience remain vital to the Steelers’ defense, even as he nears the end of his career. He commands respect in the locker room and sets a tone for younger defensive linemen like Keeanu Benton. 

His run-stopping ability is still elite, but his pass rush impact has waned slightly. He made up for that a bit in 2024 with how effective he was batting down balls at the line of scrimmage. Heyward’s overall presence however, ensures continuity and mentoring that will help the defense stay competitive. 

In 2024, Heyward delivered one of the best seasons of his career. He ranks ninth because fans don't need to be concerned. He will show up and be a major part of any defensive success Pittsburgh has in 2025, even at the age of 36 years old.

8. Minkah Fitzpatrick

Fitzpatrick is a game-changing safety who makes Pittsburgh’s secondary elite with his instincts and playmaking ability. He’s vital in preventing big plays and generating turnovers, which can shift momentum in crucial moments. The Steelers’ defensive success will hinge heavily on Fitzpatrick’s health and consistency. Last season, he fell short of many fans’ expectations.

In 2024, Fitzpatrick didn’t perform at the elite level Steelers fans had come to expect, with many feeling he took a noticeable step back. Whether that decline was due to injury, scheme fit, or other factors remains unclear. For Pittsburgh to contend in 2025 though, they’ll need Fitzpatrick to return to his dominant form and be a steady, impactful presence in the secondary.

7. Troy Fautanu 

Troy Fautanu was poised to start in the 2024 season, but was held back by a series of injuries. Had he stayed healthy, he likely would have played a significant role as a rookie. Now, entering his second season, Fautanu is expected to step into that role and make a strong impact. For the offensive line to progress, he will need to develop into a special player, like Zach Frazier was in his rookie year.

As a young lineman, Fautanu’s continued growth is vital for protecting the quarterback and creating running lanes. The offense’s success depends heavily on the performance of the offensive line and Fautanu is a key piece of that unit’s stability. If he can emerge as a dominant force, the Steelers’ offense will take a major step forward.

6. Zach Frazier

Frazier is the anchor of the offensive line, responsible for calling protections and ensuring smooth communication. His performance directly impacts the offensive rhythm and quarterback safety, especially with a new or uncertain QB situation. As a young center, his growth will determine how well the offense executes both the running and passing games.

A strong second-year from Frazier could elevate the entire offense. He was great as a rookie. Now, Steelers fans are curious to see if Frazier got better in the offseason.

5. Jaylen Warren

Jaylen Warren is the Steelers’ lead running back and offensive engine, especially under the new offensive scheme. His ability to run effectively and catch out of the backfield makes him a dual-threat weapon. Warren’s success creates balance and keeps defenses honest, opening opportunities for the passing game. The offense will struggle to sustain drives if Warren does not continue to improve. His pass blocking ability is one of the best in the league at the running back position as well.

4. Joey Porter Jr.

Joey Porter Jr. is the Steelers’ best cornerback and a rising star who can lock down elite receivers. His coverage skills and physicality allow the defense to take more risks elsewhere. He represents the future of Pittsburgh’s secondary and is already a foundational player. 

Without Porter Jr., opposing offenses would find it much easier to exploit the Steelers’ pass defense. However, he needs to take a big step forward in 2025. It's time for Porter to truly have a breakout season, and not get caught up drawing too many penalty flags.

3. DK Metcalf

Metcalf is the explosive playmaker the Steelers desperately need to stretch defenses vertically. His size, speed, and catching ability instantly upgrade the wide receiver room. The recent loss of George Pickens via trade did the exact opposite for the group.

Metcalf’s presence demands double coverage and opens up opportunities for other receivers, however. It also helps the running game. He is a major reason the Steelers’ offense has higher expectations heading into 2025.

2. TJ Watt

Watt remains the heartbeat of the Steelers’ defense and one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL. His ability to pressure quarterbacks changes games and creates turnovers. Watt’s leadership and production inspire the entire defense and elevate those around him. The team’s defensive success is closely tied to Watt’s health and performance.

Down the stretch in the 2024 season, Watt wasn’t quite the dominant force Steelers fans are used to seeing. He struggled to make the kind of game-changing impact that has defined his career. Battling through injury, Watt clearly wasn’t at full strength and it showed on the field. Still in his prime, Watt is expected to bounce back in 2025 and remind everyone why he’s one of the league’s elite defenders.

1. Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers is ranked first because, if he joins the Steelers and plays as expected, he will be the catalyst for the offense. His elite decision-making, accuracy, and leadership could immediately turn Pittsburgh into a serious contender. Even with some uncertainty about his arrival, Rodgers represents the highest ceiling on the team. The Steelers’ entire offensive plan revolves around his presence and ability to command the field.

Steelers’ 2025 NFL Season Set To Captivate Fans

Rodgers being ranked number one is somewhat ironic, given the frustration he has already stirred up among Steelers fans even before officially joining the team. However, let’s be serious about the Steelers’ challenges. On paper, the roster looks like a contender. The running game is expected to improve, the offensive line should be stronger, and the defensive line has a ton of promise. The pass rush has gotten better, and if Fitzpatrick bounces back, while Heyward continues to anchor the front seven as he did in 2024, the Steelers could be very competitive.

The real concern is the quarterback situation. With Mason Rudolph and Will Howard as the current top options, the Steelers don’t inspire much confidence in a league dominated by elite QBs. The possibility of Rodgers joining gives Pittsburgh a much better chance to make a serious run in 2025.

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