The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to look like a very different team in 2025. There has been some serious changes to the roster from the 2024 season, and a lot of them seem to be for the better. Aaron Rodgers will be lining up under center, while DK Metcalf will take on the duties of being the top receiver on the team. Pittsburgh also recently acquired Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith, which are fantastic additions on both sides of the football. The team lost Minkah Fitzpatrick in that deal with the Miami Dolphins, but it was probably worth it as his play had been declining over the last couple of seasons.
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Steelers' new cornerback Jalen Ramsey warms up prior to a game with the Miami Dolphins.
A lot of analysts and members of the NFL world have been doubting the Steelers going into the 2025 season. Some don't like the quarterback situation, while others have their doubts about the offense due to the lack of talent at receiver behind Metcalf. However, there is a chance that all the new additions work out, and Pittsburgh has one of its best teams in years.
Former NFL defender Will Blackmon spoke about the Steelers on The Facility, and he believes teams aren't treating Pittsburgh like they should.
"They upgraded at most positions," Blackmon said. "They upgraded at quarterback, clear as day. You see that, they went and got DK Metcalf, they went and got a true bona fide number one receiver. You lose Minkah, you get Jalen Ramsey. You have probably one of the strongest tight end rooms now with Jonnu Smith and Pat [Freiermuth]. You have a loaded running back in terms of running back by committee with [Jaylen] Warren, you drafted Kaleb Johnson, who I think is going to be a stud in the NFL. So I think overall, they just upgraded at every position."
Blackmon broke it down and felt like Pittsburgh did nothing but bring in weapons, and every move was an upgrade. He has a lot of hope for rookie running back Kaleb Johnson, as well as Jaylen Warren, who is entering his first season as the lead back. There is a ton of talent at tight end with Smith and Pat Freiermuth, which should do nothing but help Rodgers out in the passing game too.
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Steelers' Pat Freiermuth runs during mandatory minicamp in 2025.
All of these roster upgrades will hinge on whether or not Rodgers can perform at a high level, but he showed at the end of the 2024 season that he still has the ability to do that. He is now further removed from his Achilles injury as well, and his play should be better.
Blackmon spoke more about Pittsburgh.
"I think a lot of teams are sleeping on the Steelers," Blackmon said.
Pittsburgh isn't a threat in the current landscape of the AFC. They are a team that might get into the postseason, but no one in the league probably thinks they can go on a run. The organization hasn't won a playoff game since the 2016 season, and many analysts don't believe that will change in 2025. However, Blackmon believes it could. If the Steelers can gel together throughout training camp and Rodgers can come out and perform, they could be a serious threat.
Steelers Have A True X-Factor On Offense
Aside from Rodgers, another player who can make a major impact for Pittsburgh is second-year wide receiver Roman Wilson. He essentially red-shirted his rookie season in 2024, and now he is expected to take a big leap and be a contributor.
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Steelers' Roman Wilson smiles while he walks on the field during an away game.
If that can happen and he can be an effective wide receiver on the outside and in the slot, the Steelers' offense will outperform expectations. However, there is a world where Wilson struggles and Pittsburgh needs to think about getting active in bringing in some outside help at the position.
What do you think about the Steelers' outlook heading into 2025? Are too many people sleeping on them? Let us know in the comments below!
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