The Pittsburgh Steelers have made multiple changes to Arthur Smith's offense entering the 2025 NFL season. They signed free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a one-year deal worth up to almost $20 million, while also acquiring star wide receiver DK Metcalf, and Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith in various trades. Many feel as if the key to the Steelers' success this season could come down to the offensive line however, as the unit will be tasked with one of the biggest challenges in all of football in protecting their 41 year old quarterback.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Tuesday June 10, 2025.
Pittsburgh's offensive line is expected to take a major step forward in 2025, as both Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones will look to have breakout years this season. Jones, a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is a promising young tackle who is expected to play at a much higher level now that he is back on his natural left side of the line. He's spent most of his young career thus far at right tackle due to demotions and injuries to other players. Jones was shaky in his pass protection and penalties in 2024, but will look to make a serious jump in his career this upcoming season.
Many people feel as if Arthur Smith's play-calling style could benefit Jones and the offensive line as a whole, as fans on X took a moment to share their thoughts on certain plays Smith called that may have been designed to allow the offensive line to come off with more controlled aggression. One of those "fans" was former Steelers offensive lineman, Trai Essex.
Something subtle that Arthur Smith did with his playcalling that some might’ve missed. There are certain plays and protections that are more advantageous for an OL than others. Boot and counter playaction are 2 of those protections. It allows for the OL to come off with…
— Trai Essex (@TraiDay79) August 10, 2025
Both Jones and Fautanu are expected to excel with Arthur Smith as their offensive coordinator in 2025, as the young linemen will be tasked with one of the hardest jobs in all of football. Fautanu, who appeared in just one game last season, is a talented young lineman that will look to bounce back following an injury ridden rookie year.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers offensive lineman Troy Fautanu (left) and Broderick Jones (right) sit in their lockers before a 2024 Week 1 contest against the Falcons in Atlanta, GA.
The rest of the Steelers' starting offensive line consists of veteran left guard Isaac Seumalo, standout second-year center Zach Frazier, and a very promising young right guard in Mason McCormick. Various injuries stymied their time together last year as well, but if this line can stay healthy overall in 2025, coaches and fans should feel hopeful about where this unit is headed -- especially if Arthur Smith can continue to call effective plays that put the big men upfront in great position to succeed.
Arthur Smith's New Weapons In Pittsburgh Should Complement Play-Calling Well For Steelers
Arthur Smith will find himself with a familiar weapon at his disposal, as the former Miami Dolphins veteran, Jonnu Smith, has worked with the Steelers' offensive coordinator before in both Atlanta and Tennessee. They'll look to replicate their past success here in the Steel City for 2025. Add in Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, a second-year Roman Wilson returning from an injury-riddled rookie season, Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, and the Steelers' offense could be in business.
Mark Humphrey / AP Photo
Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith (right), then with the Tennessee Titans, walks off the practice field with tight end Jonnu Smith (left).
With this young Steelers offensive line, and its new playmakers, many feel as if the offense is headed in the right direction. Arthur Smith will have a number of familiar faces to work with throughout the year as well, as Smith may find himself with one of the most underrated offensive units in all of football. Fans are encouraged to keep a close eye on the offensive line throughout the preseason, as the unit will look to rank among the league's best this year.
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