Five standout players from the Steelers season thus far

The Steelers are sitting in a better spot than many expected heading into October, and it’s not just because of splash plays or lucky breaks. A handful of players have stepped up in a big way—some expected, some surprising—and helped shape the identity of this 2025 squad. Here are the names making noise through the first month of the season.

Nick Herbig

While T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward are still thought to be the heartbeat of the Steelers defense, Herbig has quietly been an anchor. Slotted as a backup and playing in a rotation with Watt and Alex Highsmith, the latter’s injury status has allowed Herbig more time on the field: and he’s made the most of it.

Though Herbig was hurt to start the season himself, in three games he’s made an impact that may have fans, and the front office, wondering if he’s inline for a contract extension.

Through those three games Herbig has 2.5 sacks – only a half sack behind Watt for the team lead – as well as a team-leading eight quarterback hits, a forced fumble, two passes defensed and four tackles-for-loss.

The Steelers pass rush could’ve easily gone into the toilet without a suitable backup, but Herbig has played above that expectation by far.

D.K. Metcalf

With George Pickens scuttled to Dallas in an offseason trade, Metcalf assumed the WR1 mantle all his own. While the comparisons are constant, especially following a big game by Pickens this weekend, Metcalf isn’t far behind statistically.

Metcalf burst off of the page in Sunday’s game in Dublin, hauling in his first 100+ yard game this season. He leads all players on the team in targets (22), receptions (15), yards (261), and receiving touchdowns (3).

His physical play style, contested catches, and yards-after-contact have been highlight reel material. More importantly, he’s given the Steelers a reliable vertical threat and a go-to option in crunch time.

Jalen Ramsey

The acquisition of Ramsey this offseason was met with criticism as Pittsburgh traded away Minkah Fitzpatrick. However, Ramsey has proven to be a Jack of All Trades in the Steelers defense, lining up all over the secondary and making plays.

He’s been sticky in coverage, physical at the line, and disruptive at the catch point.

Whether matched up against top receivers or rotating in nickel packages, Ramsey’s presence has stabilized a secondary that needed an alpha player.

Keeanu Benton

Benton was grabbing headlines as the Steelers defense gave up gobs of running yards, but he’s quietly improving and winning reps in the trenches. His ability to anchor against the run and push the pocket on passing downs has helped free up Watt, Highsmith, and Herbig on the edges.

His versatility has been key in his development with defensive line coach Karl Dunbar. With rookie Derrick Harmon in the lineup, Benton has also lined up as a nose tackle in the Steelers traditional 3-4 defensive scheme, as well as played alongside Heyward and Harmon both as a 3-4 defensive, albeit in nickel packages.

The result was productive against the Vikings, where Benton tallied 1.5 sacks and had three quarterback hits. He’s playing with leverage, discipline, and a motor that doesn’t quit.

Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers’ number lit up fantasy scoreboards in Week 1, where he threw for four touchdowns, but he’s since cooled off to where we believed the 41-year-old quarterback would be this season. Following that four touchdown performance, Rodgers has had four touchdowns combined in the last three games. Yet, that’s still more than either Justin Fields or Russell Wilson had through their first four starts each during the 2024 season.

Rodgers has also taken fewer sacks than Fields or Wilson did over their four-game spans. His completion percentage has improved over his last few seasons, nearly matching his precision going back to 2021: his last NFL MVP campaign.

Rodgers’ decision-making and ball security have been a breath of fresh air. He’s kept the offense on schedule, avoided back-breaking turnovers, and made clutch throws when needed. His chemistry with Metcalf is growing, and his leadership has helped settle a young offense still finding its rhythm.