Steelers Final 53: Who’s In, Who’s Out for 2025

The countdown to the regular season kickoff is nearly over, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are staring down one of the most competitive roster cutdowns in recent memory. With a mix of seasoned veterans, breakout preseason performers, and promising rookies all vying for a spot, the final 53-man roster is anything but predictable. F

rom depth chart battles to surprise cuts, this projection dives into who’s locked in, who’s on the bubble, and which names could shake up the lineup before Week 1.

Whether you’re tracking camp standouts or speculating on positional depth, this forecast offers a detailed look at how the Steelers might shape their squad for the 2025 season—and what it means for their playoff ambitions.

Quarterbacks (3)

Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard

On the bubble: Skylar Thompson

While most fans are aboard the Skylar Thompson hype train, there’s little reason to believe the Steelers will expose rookie QB Will Howard to waivers. Howard must make the initial 53-man roster to be placed on injured reserve (IR) also, making the game of “catch and release” more difficult for GM Omar Khan.

One likely scenario, should Howard not be ready to participate for Week 1 and they’d like to keep Thompson, is to have all four make the roster and then move Howard to IR after, giving him an opportunity to return to practices, and games, in 2025.

To do so, they’d have to cut a player who’s “safe” to return to the roster – of which there are several in other positional categories.

Running Backs (3)

Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, Kenneth Gainwell

On the bubble: Trey Sermon

I don’t believe there’s room for four running backs on the Steelers current roster, and despite solid preseason performances from both Gainwell and Sermon, it’s unlikely both make the team.

Gainwell offers more versatility in the passing game, plus special teams, giving him a veteran edge over Sermon.

Wide Receivers (6)

DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Robert Woods, Ben Skowronek, Scotty Miller

On the bubble: Brandon Johnson

There’s a logjam of talent here that can be further impacted if the Steelers sign of Gabriel Davis.

I believe that Pittsburgh will roster six receivers, mainly due to special teams versatility. That means Skowronek and Miller make the cut, with my bubble player actually being the elder Robert Woods, who appears to provide the bare minimum the position requires at this stage of his career.

Tight Ends (4)

Jonnu Smith, Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward

On the bubble: J.J. Galbreath

I was initially concerned with Connor Heyward’s spot as camp began, but as time has gone by, his spot – namely due to special teams play – should be safe.

Due to Arthur Smith’s offensive system, the Steelers will roster four tight ends, with Heyward as a hybrid who can also play in the backfield.

Offensive Linemen (8)

Zach Frazier, Isaac Seumalo, Mason McCormick, Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Calvin Anderson, Spencer Anderson, Andrus Peat

On the bubble: Dylan Cook, Ryan McCollum, Gareth Warren, Max Scharping

I always tend to get this position wrong but eight is the benchmark for the Steelers, should they want to elevate players from the practice squad on game days.

Cook and McCollum are the next players in based on previous seasons and depth at tackle and center. Andrus Peat, a veteran who was signed for depth, will stick to the roster but could be a chess piece the team releases and re-signs as part of the other necessary transactions mentioned throughout this article.

Defensive Linemen (7)

Cameron Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, Yahya Black, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Logan Lee, DeMarvin Leal

On the bubble: Dean Lowry (IR), Daniel Ekuale

This is yet another position where I could see the Steelers holding onto an additional player for special teams considerations. However, the other consideration here is whether Cam Heyward sits out, which may require an additional body – or two – on the future 53.

Linebackers (10)

Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, Malik Harrison, Mark Robinson, Carson Bruener, T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer

On the bubble: Eku Leota

The linebackers group has a lot of talent and may be a position where the Steelers once again max out on how many they roster. In recent years they’ve kept between eight and ten linebackers between the outside and inside groups. Usually, four-to-five of those players are the edge rushers, then everyone else.

I can see Mark Robinson and Carson Bruener as being equally redundant in a room that has exceptional depth on the inside. Yet, either or both of those linebackers makes the team because the coaching staff doesn’t want to expose Queen, Holcomb, or Wilson to special teams plays.

Equally, either Robinson or Bruener are “catch and release” candidates to help sneak someone else onto the 53, as I believe both would pass unclaimed through waivers too.

Cornerbacks (5)

Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, Joey Porter Jr., Brandin Echols, Cory Trice Jr.

On the bubble: James Pierre, Beanie Bishop, Donte Kent, Daryl Porter

Speaking of riches, the Steelers secondary had an extreme makeover during the offseason and has a star-studded cast of starters. Outside of Ramsey, Slay, and Porter Jr., Brandin Echols has etched a potential roster spot with his play during camp. He’s lined up in the slot, and most recently outside the numbers in preseason game number two, showing his versatility as a key to making the roster.

While having done nothing wrong, Beanie Bishop is odd man out, as he is nearly a nickel-only corner, of which Ramsey will see the most snaps. Since Echols can also backup Slay and Porter, it makes him the more valuable of the two to keep.

Pierre was already on the way out last season, but due to injuries, he was brought back and continues to stick around deep on the roster. His special teams play also gives him a consideration. However, he too loses a spot to Cory Trice, who is the more physically gifted of the remaining corners. If Trice can’t remain healthy, however, he could be out of a spot.

Porter is an undrafted player who came to camp late and has impressed with consistent play. I believe the Steelers will keep him around on the practice squad this season for further, future evaluation.

Safeties (4)

DeShon Elliott, Juan Thornhill, Chuck Clark, Miles Killebrew

On the bubble: Sebastian Castro

Due to Castro’s late blooming this offseason, the Steelers went out and signed Chuck Clark. Clark gets the last spot among the defensive backs as a versatile veteran who can still make big plays. He’s also a sneaky steal for the defense, coming off of an injury where most teams avoided him.

His demeanor will fit right in with Elliott and Thornhill, while Castro maybe takes a flyer on the practice squad.

Specialists (3)

Chris Boswell, Cameron Johnston, Christian Kuntz

On the bubble: Corliss Waitman

The punting job competition will end with Johnston likely taking the starting job and Waitman either being held for trade bait, or released. Like Bishop above, Waitman has done nothing wrong, but the veteran Johnston should slightly edge him out for the job.

Christian Kuntz’ injury status may reflect another odd move on the transaction wire, but it’s believed that his status isn’t serious and he should be ready for the start of the season.