Why The Steelers' Rebuilt Defense Could Define Their 2025 Season

The Pittsburgh Steelers made one of the boldest moves of the 2025 offseason when they signed future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers. While the offense grabbed the headlines, it’s the defense—aggressive, revamped, and star-studded—that might ultimately define how far this team can go. 

After finishing the 2024 season with a defense that showed flashes of dominance but faded late, the Steelers made key upgrades to address their most glaring issues. The pieces are now in place, and Pittsburgh's defense has the potential to be a game-changing force.

Stopping the Run With Power and Precision

Pittsburgh’s run defense was one of the few consistent bright spots last season. The Steelers allowed just 4.1 yards per carry to opposing running backs, ranking eighth league-wide. They also forced negative runs on nearly 20% of opponent carries, another top-eight mark. This wasn’t a defense that bent easily up front.

Even more telling was their ability to stop runners after contact. The Steelers surrendered only 2.7 yards after contact per carry to backs, the third-lowest rate in the NFL. That kind of physicality was anchored by a veteran like Cameron Heyward, who continues to defy his age. At 36, Heyward earned his fourth All-Pro selection in 2024 and remains a cornerstone of the front.

With Larry Ogunjobi departing, the Steelers have leaned into youth. Keeanu Benton, a second-round pick in 2023, played a significant role last season. Now, with first-rounder Derrick Harmon joining the defensive line, Pittsburgh has its long-term interior tandem in development. 

It’s no surprise the Steelers’ defensive front is earning respect in the NFL odds on FanDuel, with their emerging core poised to carry the torch. Harmon, in particular, is viewed as a future anchor, possibly even the heir to Heyward’s leadership role.

The Pass Rush: Depth, Talent, and Star Power

Pass rush remains the most critical tool for disrupting elite quarterbacks, and Pittsburgh’s unit is both deep and potent. The Steelers recorded a 35.1% pressure rate in 2024 (14th overall) and finished with 40 sacks; solid, but not dominant. They aim to take the next step this year.

T.J. Watt remains the beating heart of the defense. He posted 11.5 sacks in 2024, his sixth season hitting double digits. Though contract negotiations loomed large, the Steelers ultimately signed Watt to a well-earned extension in July, locking in their top pass rusher through his early 30s.

Watt isn’t alone. Alex Highsmith missed six games last season due to injuries, but he still notched six sacks and delivered a 17.5% pressure rate. That’s elite by any standard. Behind him, Nick Herbig impressed with 5.5 sacks and a 12.8% pressure rate of his own. Rookie Jack Sawyer, taken in the fourth round, adds even more juice to an already loaded edge group.

When healthy, the front five in Pittsburgh can smother even the most polished offensive lines. With Watt locked in and Highsmith returning to full strength, the Steelers’ pass rush has top-five potential.

Linebacker Core Growing Into Its Own

The addition of Patrick Queen in 2024 gave the Steelers a reliable, every-down presence at linebacker. Queen led the defense in total snaps with 1,090, bringing leadership and stability to a position that had been in flux.

Alongside him, the team has a rising star in Payton Wilson. The 2024 third-round pick split time with Elandon Roberts, who has since departed, but stood out in coverage. In his second year, Wilson is expected to take on a much larger role. His athleticism and instincts make him an intriguing breakout candidate, especially given his growing spotlight in FanDuel NFL player trends.

This new duo gives Pittsburgh a versatile second level. Queen handles the middle while Wilson roams and reacts. Together, they offer a strong mix of experience and upside.

Secondary Overhaul Signals New Direction

The back end of Pittsburgh’s defense underwent a dramatic facelift this offseason. Donte Jackson and Cam Sutton are gone, but the Steelers wasted no time filling the void. In a stunning series of moves, they signed Darius Slay in free agency and traded for Jalen Ramsey in June.

Both corners are veterans nearing the end of their careers, but if they perform anywhere near their ceiling, Pittsburgh may have the best starting trio in the league. Add in Joey Porter Jr., who allowed just one touchdown in his coverage across two seasons, and the secondary suddenly looks elite.

Porter did struggle some in 2024, surrendering 8 yards per target. That said, his 77.4 passer rating allowed and red-zone discipline offer hope for a third-year leap. With Slay’s ball skills and Ramsey’s physical presence, the Steelers can throw different looks at opposing quarterbacks.

Even the safety position saw changes. Minkah Fitzpatrick was shipped out in the Ramsey deal, clearing the way for Juan Thornhill to join the defense. DeShon Elliott, known for his downhill tackling, holds down the other spot. Elliott was second among all defensive backs in tackle rate on run plays and finished ninth in run stuffs.

Pittsburgh is clearly aiming to be more physical and aggressive on the back end. The roster construction suggests they want to force mistakes and generate takeaways. This is something they did well in 2024. They ranked third in interceptions with 17 and ninth in touchdown rate allowed.

Chemistry and Depth Could Be the Tipping Point

One of the criticisms of last year’s defense was how it unraveled late in the season. Talent wasn’t the issue; cohesion was. Communication breakdowns, depth concerns, and injury fatigue derailed what could have been a dominant unit.

This year, the Steelers believe they’ve addressed those weaknesses. The return of healthy key contributors, the injection of seasoned veterans, and an emphasis on coverage consistency should bring more reliability down the stretch.

Analyst Steve Palazzolo put it best: Pittsburgh may now have the best cornerback trio in the NFL. If the front five plays to its potential, and the coverage unit can capitalize on forced errors, the defense could lead the league not just in stats, but in impact.

What This Means for Steelers’ 2025 Season

Aaron Rodgers may be the headline, but defense is the storyline that will decide Pittsburgh’s fate. With a loaded front, renewed back end, and versatile linebackers, the Steelers are positioned to make a deep playoff push.

It won’t just be about keeping points off the board. This unit is designed to take the ball away, flip the field, and change momentum. If they stay healthy and find rhythm early, this could be the defense that defines the 2025 NFL season and returns Pittsburgh to the top of the AFC.