It’s been a busy Pittsburgh Steelers offseason of additives and subtractions. Greater than 8,100 snaps to get replaced with a number of free brokers signed, one huge commerce, and 7 draft picks made. Even with Aaron Rodgers’ scenario nonetheless excellent (and hopefully concluding quickly), the staff has added a number of new faces anticipated to make speedy and affect roles.
Under is a rating of the 5 additions Pittsburgh made this 12 months to affect the staff within the 2025 season.
1. WR DK Metcalf
With out query, Metcalf is the primary title on the checklist. One of many NFL’s freakiest athletes, he’s all the pieces the Pittsburgh Steelers need in a No. 1 receiver. Massive, robust, dynamic, bodily, and a fierce blocker. A real needle mover and sport changer, it’s truthful to query what Pittsburgh can supply reverse him to away warmth and a focus. However in a vacuum, it was a massively constructive transfer.
Pricey as he was, a 2025 second-round choose and $150 million contract, Metcalf is a splash transfer who will assist in the quick and long run.
2. DL Derrick Harmon
The Steelers’ first-round choose in 2025, Harmon profiles like a basic Pittsburgh defensive finish. Massive and lengthy, his upside is that of an elite run defender and an excellent go rusher. Comparisons to Cam Heyward are legitimate, even when Harmon has to scrub up components of his sport and arguably isn’t the completed product Heyward was popping out of Ohio State. Nonetheless, Harmon is just 21 and loved a breakout 2024 season. The ceiling is excessive, and he’ll have a direct affect on a defensive position in want of a marquee addition.
If and when Aaron Rodgers indicators, he would take this slot with Harmon and the remainder bumped down a rung.
3. CB Darius Slay
Slay isn’t in Pittsburgh for a very long time, however he’ll hopefully have a robust single season with the Steelers. Most cornerbacks are lengthy gone by the point they’re 34 however Slay has confirmed he can nonetheless play at a starter-quality degree. His athletic abilities might have waned however his veteran savvy and pure ball abilities are nonetheless spectacular, making affect performs in the course of the Eagles’ 2024 Tremendous Bowl run.
Slay will step in because the staff’s No. 2 nook and may outperform what Donte Jackson, Levi Wallace, and Patrick Peterson provided in recent times. He’ll additionally function a mentor to Joey Porter Jr., one thing invaluable for a man like Porter coming into a key third season.
4. RB Kaleb Johnson
Entering into Najee Harris’ footwear, Johnson will see speedy work. He’ll doubtless play on early downs that asks much less from him as a receiver and blocker. But when he can produce huge performs within the operating sport, the Steelers can be proud of their ROI. Snagging Johnson within the third spherical is great worth and he has an opportunity to be one of many NFL’s most efficient rookie backs, particularly figuring out his robust system match underneath offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
Dashing for 1,000 yards is a stretch however a 700-yard marketing campaign is attainable.
5. QB Mason Rudolph
There stays an excellent probability Rudolph doesn’t begin and hardly sees the sector this season, which means his 2025 affect might be minimal. However even when Aaron Rodgers is available in to take the No. 1 job, including Rudolph stays a wise and shrewd addition. Each staff wants a reliable No. 2 quarterback who can come off the bench in a pinch, be it mid-game or spot beginning as a result of a short-term harm. In a 12 months that noticed your complete quarterback room turned out, it’s good to herald an organizationally acquainted face like his, even when he’s new to Arthur Smith.
Rudolph will run an NFL offense precisely the way in which a coach needs it and he’s been comfy being known as on in a second’s discover. Coaches sleep higher at evening when a man like Rudolph is the backup.
