After dropping 5 straight video games to shut the season and failing to attain greater than 17 factors in a recreation, the Pittsburgh Steelers overhauled their offense, letting quarterback Russell Wilson stroll in free company after dropping Justin Fields to the New York Jets.
They let operating again Najee Harris stroll in free company as effectively, to not point out the likes of offensive sort out Dan Moore Jr. and guard James Daniels.
It wasn’t all losses although. The Steelers traded for star receiver DK Metcalf, and signed veteran operating again Kenneth Gainwell, shoring up areas of want, earlier than drafting operating again Kaleb Johnson within the third spherical.
Issues have been wanting up, after which the Steelers traded extensive receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys Wednesday, that means the Steelers misplaced their main passer, rusher and receiver all in the identical offseason.
For that, the Steelers’ offense is Professional Soccer Focus’ “least improved unit” getting into the 2025 season. In fact, that might change a bit if Aaron Rodgers indicators with the Steelers, however proper now Mason Rudolph is the projected starter with sixth-round choose Will Howard and Skylar Thompson the backups.
Not nice.
“Pittsburgh’s offensive line might be even higher than final yr if it stays wholesome and sees improvement from second-year gamers Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick and Troy Fautanu. However the left sort out place is perhaps a priority after Dan Moore Jr.‘s departure, as former first-round choose Broderick Jones is slated to begin there after rating simply 93rd amongst 142 qualifying tackles in PFF general grade (58.5) throughout his first two NFL seasons,” PFF writes relating to the Steelers’ offense as one of many least improved items within the NFL. “The encouraging components of the offense cease with the offensive line, although. The one quarterbacks on the Steelers roster are Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson and rookie Will Howard, which makes it the weakest quarterback room within the league.
“The anticipated addition of four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers might instantly elevate the place to a mean and even above-average stage, however the offense additionally lacks playmakers on the talent positions.”
The offensive line ought to actually be higher than it was final season, particularly after issues fell aside down the stretch because the younger gamers may need hit rookie partitions. However getting into 2025, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick ought to be higher with extra expertise below their belts, and Broderick Jones ought to be higher after his transfer again to left sort out.
Second-year professional Troy Fautanu could have a variety of consideration on him as he’s going to be relied closely on to fortify the precise sort out place after he performed in only one recreation final yr earlier than lacking the remainder of the season with a knee harm.
At receiver, the Steelers lastly have a real No. 1 receiver in Metcalf, however the receiver room went from being a significant power to an space of concern after the commerce of Pickens. Veteran Robert Woods, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek and Scotty Miller must step up behind Metcalf, assuming the Steelers don’t add one other receiver.
Operating again seems set with Johnson, Jaylen Warren and Gainwell forming a stable trio, however the query for the offense facilities on quarterback.
Proper now, issues are very regarding there. Whereas the Steelers believe in Rudolph ought to he want to begin, it’s not an important place to be, leaning on a backup quarterback because the starter, although Rudolph might take a soar in Arthur Smith’s offense attributable to his deep-ball talents.
If Rodgers indicators, the place will look higher on paper, although there’s the query about simply how a lot Rodgers has left in his recreation at 41 years outdated. However that’s the place the Steelers have put themselves on this offseason on the quarterback place as they seemingly have their sights set on the 2026 NFL Draft.
