After completing a blockbuster deal with the Miami Dolphins just before the start of training camp, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves with multiple new faces on the roster. The Steelers acquired tight end Jonnu Smith and cornerback Jalen Ramsey from Miami in exchange for free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, as Pittsburgh now has one of the better tight end rooms in all of football. The Steelers' offensive line is expected to make a massive leap in 2025 as well, as center Zach Frazier will look to continue improving throughout his sophomore season.
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Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier (54) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA.
Frazier is a promising young center who flashed major signs of potential throughout his rookie year. Frazier was an elite contributor throughout his time an the college level as well, as he was a focal point on West Virginia's offensive line throughout his time as a Mountaineer. As the Steelers' center continues to prepare towards the start of training camp, many believe the rising star will soon emerge among the league's best interior offensive lineman.
Some believe Frazier may already be at that level, as many were left asking why the Steelers' big man was not included in ESPN's top 10 interior offensive lineman list. Frazier failed to be named as an honorable mention as well, leaving fans confused and frustrated.
Despite playing a major role on Pittsburgh's offensive line last season, Frazier will look to further showcase his promise and potential throughout 2025, and very well may find himself on next season's top 10 interior offensive lineman list should the former Mountaineer continue to play at a high level.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Zach Frazier spikes the football after his offense scores a touchdown against the Commanders.
Frazier will play a crucial role on Pittsburgh's offensive line in 2025, as the second year center will look to protect 41 year old Aaron Rodgers to the best of his ability. Rodgers, who signed a one year deal with the Steelers worth up to just under $20 million, is far past his prime but should still face no problem producing at a high level in Pittsburgh. Rodgers is fresh off a failed two year tenure with the New York Jets, as the 20 year veteran will more than likely retire following the 2025 season.
With Frazier and Rodgers set to play a key role in the Steelers' success next season, Pittsburgh is expecting major contributions from DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin lll as well.
Metcalf, who was acquired by the Steelers in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks earlier in the offseason, is an elite wide receiver who has solidified himself as Rodgers' top playmaker entering training camp. Austin, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal, is a promising young star who continues to show improvement every year and is widely expected to emerge as the Steelers top receiving option behind Metcalf.
Steelers May Add Some Wide Receiver Depth Following Fitzpatrick Trade
With both Smith and Ramsey officially in Pittsburgh, the Steelers are expected to turn their attention towards adding depth in the wide receiver room. Consisting of Metcalf, Austin, Roman Wilson and Robert Woods, Pittsburgh will turn to free agency in hopes of adding a true wide receiver three (WR3) behind Metcalf and Austin.
The Steelers may opt to use Smith as a wide receiver as well, as the star tight end's athletic ability will allow for him to play multiple positions on Arthur Smith's offense. With multiple veterans remaining available in free agency, Pittsburgh has most recently been linked to Amari Cooper and Gabe Davis. Cooper, a five time Pro Bowler, is a solid veteran option who may prove to be a real weapon for Rodgers should the Steelers choose to sign him.
Davis, who finds himself on the free agency market following an underwhelming year with the Jacksonville Jaguars, is a solid receiver who would provide the Steelers with a steady level of production throughout the season.
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Steelers potential free agent target Amari Cooper.
With Frazier set to continue improving throughout his sophomore year, the Steelers are expecting a big leap out of the center. Pittsburgh is expecting a major year out of Rodgers as well, as the four-time MVP and future Hall of Fame quarterback should have no problem shining with Metcalf as his top option.
With the start of training camp just around the corner, fans should continue to monitor Pittsburgh's activity on the free agency market as the team may make a move sooner rather than later.
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