Steelers May Not Be Done Adding To An Absolutely Loaded Defense

The Pittsburgh Steelers gave up 299 rushing yards in their 2024 Wild Card playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens. That weak showing by the defense was enough to spark major changes in the 2025 offseason. With stopping the run becoming a clear priority, the Steelers have made several high-profile moves to reshape their defense, and the results are already turning heads across the league.

Pittsburgh added star cornerback Jalen Ramsey, drafted defensive lineman Derrick Harmon, and brought in other key pieces on both sides of the ball. Harmon is expected to play a major role in fortifying the defensive line alongside Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton. The trio could form a powerful interior front, but questions remain about whether the unit has enough depth and talent to avoid a repeat of last season’s playoff disaster.

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo recently noted during his chat for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that General Manager Omar Khan might not be done making moves. Fittipaldo believes Khan could still look to add more help along the defensive line before the regular season begins. With high expectations surrounding the revamped defense, another addition could be what the Steelers need to turn potential into dominance.

"I don't think they're deep at DL either," Fittipaldo told his readers of his Steelers' chat. "They might look to add there as well after final cut-downs."

So it's become pretty clear that Benton, Heyward, and Harmon are going to be the starters on the defensive line. That’s asking a lot from the rookie, Harmon, but if he’s as talented as Mike Tomlin and the Steelers believe him to be, he could be a major upgrade on the defensive front for the 2025 season. The playoff loss, and giving up nearly 300 rushing yards to the Ravens, has made it clear that Pittsburgh needs to shore up its run defense.

All eyes will be on this highly compensated Steelers defense. The way they ended the 2024 season was brutal. Early on, the defense was firing on all cylinders. TJ Watt was the clear favorite for Defensive Player of the Year, and the Steelers were shutting down opposing offenses. But once the competition level rose, the defense faltered badly. 

The Steelers just gave Watt a massive extension, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the game for now. Watt should be fired up to put the disappointing end to the 2024 season behind him and remind NFL fans why he’s one of the greatest defensive players to ever play the game. 

No one is concerned about what Watt will bring to this Steelers defense. In fact, even though Heyward is now 36 years old, many fans are not going to make the same mistake they made before the 2024 season by doubting him. Heyward turned in an All-Pro season in 2024, which was shocking considering his age. It will be hard to repeat that, but Heyward has proven that age doesn't matter when it comes to his power.

Steelers Defensive Line Depth Could Be A Concern For Omar Khan

The Steelers drafted Yahya Black in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He’s a massive prospect, and Tomlin has made it clear that he likes what he’s seen from Black. He could see some rotational snaps and playing time as a rookie.

Other players on the defensive line who will need to perform well to help fix the Steelers’ run defense include Isaiahh Loudermilk, Logan Lee, and Daniel Ekuale. With Dean Lowry and Jacob Slade dealing with injuries, the Steelers decided to bring back former nose tackle Breiden Fehoko. All eyes will turn to Khan as many wonder if he will make any moves to improve the depth of this defensive line.