The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 coaching camp is filled with headlines. And, to make certain, cameras. Wager on each nationwide media member descending on Latrobe, Pennsylvania sooner or later to get eyes on QB Aaron Rodgers, WR DK Metcalf, CB Jalen Ramsey, and the staff’s new-look roster after a sequence of offseason shakeups. We’ll do our greatest to have our eyes on all of it and, in fact, be right here every night with our each day reviews and podcasts.
My greatest guess of the summer time theme is straightforward: the division of labor among the many new-look place teams. From now via mid-August, not every thing might be answered, however we’ll start gathering clues about what the yr will appear to be.
Aaron Rodgers is the Steelers’ beginning quarterback. That’s apparent sufficient. However for the summer time, what number of reps will Mike Tomlin give him? He’s a 41-year-old quarterback, but additionally a new 41-year-old quarterback to Pittsburgh. He hasn’t even absolutely practiced with the staff, restricted to particular person reps in the course of the Steelers’ three-day minicamp in June. Will he get the Ben Roethlisberger remedy: full-day, half-day, off-day? In that case, rookie Will Howard will presumably profit, though the quantity of reps he receives might not change considerably. Simply greater within the pecking order. Will Rodgers play within the preseason? He usually sits out, however in his first yr with the New York Jets, he logged 15 snaps. Will Pittsburgh wish to get his ft moist earlier than Week One?
Operating again has a brand new look with rookie Kaleb Johnson and veteran signing Kenneth Gainwell. The cut up between Jaylen Warren and Johnson might be watched carefully underneath an OC like Arthur Smith, recognized for heavy backfield rotations. The group has loads to show: Warren in his new position as depth chart starter, Johnson’s first time within the NFL, and Gainwell on a brand new staff.
Calvin Austin enters camp with the higher hand because the staff’s beginning receiver reverse DK Metcalf. However Roman Wilson enters with a clear slate and is aware of he has to show it on this summer time after a misplaced rookie yr. Each might be given possibilities to make performs, and each should earn Rodgers’ belief. Each sign, examine, and sight adjustment must be recognized and executed.
Pittsburgh’s deep at tight finish with Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Darnell Washington. All three will make the roster. However how will they be used? Does Freiermuth’s usually regular manufacturing take a giant hit? Can Smith come near replicating his numbers from a yr in the past? With Rodgers speaking him up, will Washington be any extra concerned within the offense after fading from it a yr in the past?
The line of defense will function camp battles for each backup spot and position. Daniel Ekuale, Yahya Black, Logan Lee, DeMarvin Leal, Dean Lowry, Isaiahh Loudermilk, and the ignored Ezezi Otomewo are all battling for a handful of spots. Pittsburgh’s calculation is that competitors will carry out the most effective in everybody and permit cream to rise to the highest.
Cornerback will get talked about loads. The utilization of Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr., and Darius Slay. Who, if anybody, loses snaps? How usually are all three on the sector? What wrinkles does Pittsburgh have deliberate to lean on a high-end trio?
To not point out all of the particular groups battles, that are too quite a few to rattle off, and contain just about each talent participant on the bubble or combating to stay to the roster.
That’s what makes camp enjoyable—the intra-competition that doesn’t exist at different factors of the season. The spring is for studying, the autumn is for recreation planning, and the summer time is for competitors. That begins tomorrow for what ought to be one of many Steelers’ most fascinating coaching camps in years.