I can carry a cynical streak. As much as I attempt to be fair and optimistic, my glass tends to be closer to half empty than half full. Still, when it comes to the state of the Pittsburgh Steelers and their roster, things look about as good as they could.
I have my quibbles. I would’ve preferred the team to target a younger and more athletic receiver in free agency like Romeo Doubs instead of trading for Michael Pittman Jr. The draft class fell short of perfect or as good as Omar Khan’s first three. Still, it’s undeniable the roster got better at every step of the way this offseason and big holes were filled.
Pittsburgh’s wide receivers are much improved. No longer is it front office lip service of the team being really high on Scotty Miller and an unproven Roman Wilson. Trading for Pittman and drafting Germie Bernard is an upgrade. Two savvy and smart players capable of aligning around the formation. Pair them with an explosive DK Metcalf and the continuity of QB Aaron Rodgers returning all packaged in Mike McCarthy’s system and there’s reason for optimism.
Losing RB Kenneth Gainwell hurt but was dulled by Rico Dowdle, a back-to-back 1,000-yard rusher with proven success in McCarthy’s system. Having a fullback in Riley Nowakowski is a welcome wrinkle. Curiously, Arthur Smith never showed much interest in the position despite having an old-school offense that utilized one in Atlanta.
The offensive line could be the real gem. A group already on the rise last year added top-100 picks Max Iheanachor and Gennings Dunker. Brock Hoffman likely functions as quality depth. Exactly how the front five becomes constructed remains unclear, there will be good summer battles, but there’s talent to feel good about the starters no matter how everything shakes out.
Pittsburgh’s defense received key free agent investments. Jamel Dean doesn’t make the unit younger but he’s a clear No. 2 corner fitting the Steelers’ preferred mold of big and physical. Jaquan Brisker became a shrewd safety signing that made Pittsburgh three deep and increases Jalen Ramsey’s corner/safety versatility. Signing Sebastian Joseph-Day was another smart move up front to bolster the Steelers’ run defense and make them five deep along the d-line.
The Steelers needed to get younger. That came with 10 draft picks, the franchise’s most since 2010. Special teams got plenty of Day 3 love. Kaden Wetjen could ignite the return game. Nowakowski and Robert Spears-Jennings can make an immediate impact in multiple phases. Eli Heidenreich might, too, and was a perfect seventh-round pick of talent, athleticism, and work ethic that screams upside.
Post-draft, McCarthy’s been busy tweaking the bottom of the roster. In June, seven players were added and six were waived or released. Veterans like LB Jamin Davis and TE Robert Tonyan bolstered depth. Even latest addition ILB Jacoby Windmon is an upgrade over UDFA Daylan Carnell.
Looking over the roster, there’s not much else to add. Not until the team gets to training camp and the group can be evaluated. And where injuries can change roster complexion and outlook. Only a second punter feels like a “need” to get through training camp and preseason without overtaxing Cameron Johnston.
Usually around this time of year, I – or someone with the site – will write about worthy free agents to sign. Or who from the UFL pool makes sense. Right now, there’s no need. The roster is well-rounded. Windmon was the only pipeline addition, and the Steelers already knew him well after two previous stints with the team.
That doesn’t mean the roster is perfect or will form an elite group. Sometimes, individual parts aren’t as good as the sum. Questions still persist about Aaron Rodgers, a middle-of-the-pack quarterback on most leaguewide lists, and overall offensive firepower. The defense must prove itself after falling well short of the 2025 hype. The division is tough. McCarthy must show he can win in the AFC North and pull out close games. But in the offseason paper evaluation, which is all we can examine right now, the Steelers are sitting pretty.
Recommended for you