2025 AFC North Preview: Pittsburgh Steelers Football

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania – The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into a season that feels more like a long shot than a leap. But in typical Pittsburgh fashion, head coach Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan flipped the script with aggressive moves designed to deliver instant results.

Roster Overhaul: Rodgers, Ramsey, Metcalf, and Teammates

Aaron Rodgers landed in Pittsburgh on a one-year deal—worth up to $19.5 million—that offers the club a last-ditch veteran arm to push for a title. His arrival brings experience and a high-level floor, though sportsbooks clearly aren’t buying it yet. The team’s win total remains at 8.5, with no significant shift in betting markets despite his signing.

The Steelers weren’t done there. They traded for All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith from the Dolphins in exchange the Steelers sent safety MInkah Fitzpatrick and a late-round pick swap back to the dolphins. Ramsey provides a physical, high-IQ presence in the secondary, and Smith offers versatility as a hybrid tight-end/slot weapon under coordinator Arthur Smith.

In an even bolder move, the front office dispatched George Pickens to Dallas and brought in D.K. Metcalf from Seattle to shore up the passing game.

Safety DeShon Elliott also locked in a contract extension—$12.5 million over two years—solidifying that backfield as well.

From GM Omar Khan, this wasn’t just a splash—it was a tidal wave. He’s created a roster with potentially 11 new starters and amassed 12 draft picks for 2026 with several already positioned as trade bait.

Defense: Still the Foundation

The Steelers have remained committed to a defense-first model. Star pass rusher T.J. Watt signed a three-year, $123 million extension, becoming the highest-paid non-QB defender in the league.

Additions like Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, Juan Thornhill will look to solidify the secondary, and first-round draftee Derrick Harmon (Oregon) join stalwarts T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward and Alex Highsmith on the defensive line will look to solidify the trenches on defense.

Offense: New Eyes, Same Stamp?

Aaron Rodgers arrives to rejuvenate an offense that ranked near the bottom last season. Skepticism remains in Pittsburgh as the Steelers offense hasn’t reached the Top 20 in yards or Top 10 in scoring since 2018 under head coach Mike Tomlin. Rodgers and Metcalf will look to change that trend in 2025 in there first season as Steelers.

Rodgers will be surrounded by veteran pass catchers like Metcalf and Smith, plus incoming rookie Kaleb Johnson (RB) who will look to add power to the backfield behind starting running back Jaylen Warren, and second year offensive lineman Troy Fautanu who missed all of rookie season due to injury, though OC Arthur Smith’s conservative tendencies remain a concern.

Rookies and Depth

The Steelers leaned defense early in the draft, selecting DT Derrick Harmon in Round 1, followed by RB Kaleb Johnson, DE Jack Sawyer, QB Will Howard, among others. Undrafted free agents like Ke’Shawn Williams and Sebastian Castro have also drawn praise from camp.

Looking Ahead: Schedule and Storylines

Key matchups to watch:

• Season opener at the Jets—fresh for Rodgers.
• Week 4: International tilt vs. the Vikings in Dublin.
• Divisional clashes with the Ravens, Bengals, and Browns.
• Home showdowns against Metcalf’s old team, the Seahawks, and a prime-time game vs. Miami.

The schedule is balanced with early soft spots offset by midseason lumps

Realistic Expectations

Pittsburgh has retooled itself into something resembling a contender—but the market isn’t convinced. The 8.5 win over/under stands frozen, playoff odds haven’t budged, and Super Bowl optimism remains scarce.

Still, in Pittsburgh, grit and culture often trump expectations. Tomlin’s door remains open, but the margin for error is slim. A 9–8 or 10–7 season would likely be seen as meaningful progress, even if postseason success remains a question.

Final Take

Pittsburgh enters 2025 riding a wave of bold, do-or-die moves. Rodgers brings leadership; Ramsey upgrades the secondary; Watt anchors the pass rush; Tomlin coaches steady; and Khan is building now and for the future.

Win or lose, this is a season with no regrets.