The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves with multiple upgrades on the defensive side of the ball entering the 2025 season. After a successful draft night that was highlighted by first-round pick Derrick Harmon, the Steelers added some serious firepower to their defensive line. Harmon, who was considered to be one of the better defensive prospects still available, is expected to shine on Pittsburgh's defense throughout his rookie season. The Steelers were also able to select former Ohio State linebacker Jack Sawyer, as Sawyer was considered to be one of the many steals of the 2025 NFL Draft.
AP photo
Steelers' Jack Sawyer looks on after winning the National Championship.
With multiple rookies from the 2025 class expected to make an impact this season, the Steelers are expecting linebacker Patrick Queen to play a major role on defense as well. Queen, who signed a three-year $41 million deal with Pittsburgh last season, is an elite inside linebacker who should have no problem thriving in his second year with the Steelers. Queen was credited with a team high 129 tackles during his first season in Pittsburgh, and will play a crucial role again in 2025.
Starting in all 17 games last season, Queen earned the right to play in his second straight Pro Bowl. As Queen and the rest of the Steelers' defense continue to prepare towards the start of training camp, the Steelers' star linebacker took a moment to speak to the media about what fans may expect out of him next season.
"Last season is last season, I think I'm over all that stuff," Queen stated. "You know, I've been talking about the green dot and getting used to that, and getting used to the defense and new calls and new teammates and stuff."
Queen then went on to speak about his personal expectations, highlighting the need for him to step up in 2025.
"I think all that stuff is out the window and I think this is a season where I got to show up, I got to be who they paid me to be," Queen explained. I feel like that's who I am anyways, so why not this year, second year just do that."
With Queen set to play a crucial role on the Steelers' defense in 2025, the former Baltimore Ravens linebacker is expected to shine during his second year in Pittsburgh.
X: @BrianBatko
Steelers' Patrick Queen (6) during practice.
With multiple key players presumed to produce at a high level this season, fans should also continue to keep an eye on Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. as well. Porter Jr., who is entering his third NFL season, is an elite and speedy cornerback that is expected to become a cornerstone piece of the Steelers' defense.
A star on the college level at Penn State, Porter Jr. was drafted by the Steelers in 2023 in what was widely regarded as one of the top steals of the night. Despite struggling with penalties in 2024, Porter Jr. has flashed major signs of potential throughout his first two seasons and may legitimately emerge as a top cornerback in the league sooner rather than later. Fans should continue to keep a close eye on both Queen and Porter Jr. throughout the course of minicamp and training camp, as both players are anticipated to make a major leap in 2025.
Steelers' Offensive Issues Outweigh A Talented Defensive Unit
Despite the Steelers having one of the more promising defensive units in the entire NFL, the team finds themselves with major issues at key positions on offense. With Mason Rudolph currently slated to be the team's starting quarterback in Week 1 as of right now, Pittsburgh continues to wait for an answer from free agent and future Hall of Fame quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers, who is more than likely entering his final NFL season, is a player that is far past his prime, but can still add some major firepower to an underwhelming Pittsburgh quarterback room.
Adam Hunger / ap photo
Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers celebrates a touchdown during a home game in the 2024 NFL season.
With the rest of the room currently consisting of Skylar Thompson and rookie Will Howard, the team is expected to make a move in the near future for another veteran quarterback. Regardless, it will be up to players like Queen to keep this team as a whole together, and hopefully be in a position to make a deep postseason run.
Do you expect Queen to have a big year this season? Comment below!
#SteelerNation
