Steelers Swaps Earn ESPN Criticism

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had one of the league’s most confusing offseasons, at least in terms of upgrading for the upcoming season.

The Steelers entered March with no long-term option under center, a single star receiver, and the sense that the true competitors in the AFC were multiple steps ahead of them. They’ll leave the offseason with … no long-term option under center, a single star receiver, and the sense that the true competitors in the AFC are multiple steps ahead of them.

Pittsburgh will once again play in Week 1 with the perceived ceiling of AFC playoff fodder. Sound familiar?

Unsurprisingly, the Steelers were listed among the least improved teams from the 2025 offseason by ESPN.

“The Steelers swapped George Pickens and Van Jefferson for DK Metcalf and Robert Woods, which doesn't feel that much better, if at all,” Ben Solak wrote. “They swapped Najee Harris for Kaleb Johnson, which again doesn't feel great. The departure of Dan Moore Jr. at left tackle looms large on offense, as well. Oh, and there's the little matter of the quarterback position.

“Even if Aaron Rodgers signs with the Steelers, I'm not convinced the offense is better than last season -- and for the (decently big!) chance Rodgers does not join the Steelers, this team is clearly worse than in 2024. Still, as always with a Mike Tomlin-coached team, that decrease in team strength may not lead to an actual decrease in win total.”

If there’s a saving grace, it’s that the Steelers aren’t necessarily playing for 2025. Trading for Metcalf gave Pittsburgh two quality perimeter targets. Just weeks after acquiring a surplus, Pickens was dealt to the Dallas Cowboys for picks in next year’s class. It’s far too early to talk with certainty, but it looks like a much better quarterback class, upping the ante for the Steelers to add ammo ahead of time.

Pittsburgh is once again in the dregs of quarterback purgatory. Salvation isn’t coming in 2025, but it’s possible these moves give the Steelers a path towards it.