Pittsburgh Steelers – A 53 Man Summary

For the Pittsburgh Steelers, the final roster cuts have been made for the 2025 season, and we now have the makeup of the 53 man roster. Make no mistake there is talent in this group of players that will be vying for a playoff spot and advance as far as they can with the ultimate goal of reaching and winning the Super Bowl. 

What follows is a player-by-player quick analysis of what they mean to this team going in positional order and alphabetical.

Quarterbacks

• Will Howard: The rookie makes the team and hopefully he doesn’t become another Kenny Pickett. Pickett had been a starter and was traded after Russell Wilson and Justin Fields joined the team. For Howard, the question is whether he is our next franchise quarterback or not. His NFL career is not off to a good start as he has been placed on the Reserve/Injured list with a hand injury and with Skylar Thompson and Mason Rudolph backing up starter Aaron Rodgers, Howard will most likely not see the field in 2025. 
• Aaron Rodgers: Steelers fans around the world are waiting with bated breath for that first offensive snap on September 7 when the Steelers open the season against former Steelers quarterback Justin Fields and his new team the New York Jets. I don’t think there is anyone anywhere that knows what to expect but if Rodgers is in form of his capabilities the words for Steelers opponents would be … watch out. 
• Mason Rudolph: I’ve been saying all along that Mason got screwed on the Rodgers signing because when he resigned with Pittsburgh, he probably thought the starting job was his. He will be QB2, and I think Steelers Nation should be comfortable with him as a backup because he has proven he can manage the starting duties. 
• Skylar Thompson: I wasn’t sure the Steelers would be keeping four quarterbacks but given how well Thompson played in the preseason and perhaps outplaying Mason Rudolph, this comes as no surprise. If Aaron Rodgers stays healthy neither backup will see the field but if something sidelines the starter, I think we are in good hands.

Running Backs

• Kenneth Gainwell: Gainwell represents one of the many new faces and by coming to the Steelers he brings with him a fresh new Super Bowl championship ring with him. The former Eagle is more of a journeyman back but for the course of his career he has averaged 4.2 yards per carry so he can run with the ball. Gainwell has also caught 102 passes in his four year career so he can be dangerous out of the backfield. 
• Kaleb Johnson: Keep your eyes on this kid. He could be RB1 before the season is over. A muscular back with speed and power, his is going to be a fantastic complement to Jaylen Warren.
• Jaylen Warren: With his former sidekick Najee Harris in Los Angeles the reins are being handed over to Warren as he assumes the starting role. He will have to produce to keep Kaleb Johnson passing him by. 

Offensive Line 

• Calvin Anderson: Anderson provides some good depth on the offensive line and can hold his own.
• Spencer Anderson: Another Anderson up front and he brings to the table the same analysis as the other Anderson above.
• Troy Fautanu: 2024’s top rookie missed the entire season last year due to injury and so now we find out how good this young man can really be. High expectations have been thrust upon Fautanu and if all the hype is correct about him, the Steelers’ offensive line is going to be in incredibly good shape.
• Zach Frazier: Here we have a young man falling in line with becoming the next great center in Steelers history. From Ray Mansfield to Mike Webster to Dermontti Dawson to Maurkice Pouncey we now have Zach Frazier. All signs point towards greatness.
• Broderick Jones: This is absolutely a make or break season for Jones. Shifted back to his natural position if Jones does not produce this year, he will probably be an ex-Steeler in 2026. 
• Ryan McCollum: McCollum is a quality backup who will get some relief work again in 2025. 
• Mason McCormick: Perhaps the biggest surprise on the offensive line last season, McCormick played so well that you would think he can only be better in his second NFL season. If that’s the case it will make Mike Tomlin incredibly happy. 
• Andrus Peat: Little known Peat has been in the league for 10 years all but last year with the New Orleans Saints. In 2024 Peat was with the Raiders where he appeared in 15 games with one start. In 126 career games he started in 103 so he comes with experience. 
• Isaac Seumalo: Probably the best player on the line is Seumalo and his leadership will be key to the offensive line in 2025.
• Max Scharping: Scharping joined the Steelers last year and played in just two games. He has size (6’6”, 327) and is still relatively young joining the NFL as a second round 2019 draft pick by the Houston Texans. From there he was released and signed by the Cincinnati Bengals three years ago. While he has started in only 33 games while playing in 81, he provides the Steelers with depth on the line. 

Tight Ends 

• Pat Freiermuth: This is where the offense gets really interesting with the use of the tight ends. Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith and Head Coach Mike Tomlin have big plans for this group, and it begins with Freiermuth. It is my belief that “Muth” did not get as many targets in his career to this point. But that should change quickly. Freiermuth has great hands and now he has a quarterback that can whip the ball around. This should be Freiermuth’s best season ever. 
• Jonnu Smith: I believe this was one of two steals in the free agency and/or trade market for the Steelers. The other was Jalen Ramsey. But Smith is an exceptionally talented tight end coming in from Miami and a solid receiving tight end. That makes two tight ends who can catch the ball making for an extremely dangerous duo and you can bet Aaron Rodgers can’t wait to make use of the two.
• Darnell Washington: If the aforementioned tight ends were not enough, now we have a mountain of a man who could probably play offensive tackle. Rodgers knows getting Washington the ball in the open field will mean plenty of YAC. Yards after catch. This is a hard man to bring down and very simply none of the past four starting quarterbacks got him the ball enough. That won’t be the case this season.
• Tight End/Fullback Connor Heyward: Word was that Heyward was on the cutting block but he’s coming back ensuring he will be on the roster with his brother for at least another season. What may have saved Heyward’s job is his performance on special teams where he does excel.

Wide Receivers

• Calvin Austin III: Another player who might be facing a make or break season is Austin. He has shown tremendous potential but now with a hall of fame quarterback he can’t have any excuses for not producing. His speed is Austin’s forte and with a great passer like Aaron Rodgers throwing him the ball the sky is the limit.
• DK Metcalf: Metcalf replaces George Pickens as the #1 receiver, and he is a huge upgrade. Metcalf is far more talented than his predecessor and he has already established a working relationship with the new quarterback. Expect a monster season from Metcalf.
• Scotty Miller: Interesting is the fact that Aaron Rodgers was praising the play of Miller in the preseason. Does that mean he’ll be a favorite target of the new QB? Already having covered sever other wide receivers and the tight end set, Rodgers has plenty of weapons and toys at his disposal in 2025. Miller will assuredly make an impact in some games this season.
• Ben Skowronek: Skowronek was on the bubble for making the team and he burst that bubble and is among the final 53. It’s probably his scrappy play and ability to get open the earned him this spot. Like Heyward, he’s a strong contributor on special teams. 
• Roman Wilson: Big things were expected from Roman Wilson in 2024, but his rookie season went down the drain with an injury. He returned late in the season, but the impact expected of him never came. Now it’s time to show his talents as he was a big part of the University of Michigan’s national title in 2023. Rodgers also praised Wilson’s play in the three preseason games and during training camp. I had high hopes for Wilson last year and now I look forward to how he does in 2025. 

Now for the other side of the ball, it’s the defense that once again should be special. My opinion is that with the changes made in personnel this defense will be much improved over a year ago. In the playoffs last year, the Baltimore Ravens literally ran over the Steelers ‘D so Mike Tomlin focused on improving the run defense for this season. That began with drafting Derrick Harmon with the first pick in the draft. Here is your 2025 Pittsburgh Steelers defense:

Defensive Line

• Keeanu Benton: Benton put on some good performances last season and will be an improved player this year. He has the potential to be a Pro Bowl player.
• Yahya Black: My personal choice for a dark horse on defense. I think Black is going to open eyes this season and be a major impact player.
• Daniel Ekuale: It’s easy to lose track of all the new faces for the Steelers but with those new players this is an entirely different team from a year ago. With that said in comes Ekuale fresh off his best season ever in his six season career. With the Patriots last year Ekuale made 52 tackles with one sack and 24 solo tackles. He started 16 of the 17 games played. 
• Derrick Harmon: Unfortunately, this year’s top draft pick suffered a knee injury in the final preseason game and will probably miss at least the first four games. That’s a shame because he looked great in training camp and during the preseason. His return will be welcomed back with great anticipation. 
• Cameron Heyward: Leading up to the end of training camp and the preseason the future hall of famer was holding out for more money and an extension. Finally, he got what he wanted and now he’s ready to play but there is concern among some that he damaged his reputation. 
• Logan Lee: Like Roman Wilson, Lee missed his rookie season with an injury. His role will be backup to the line so when he gets on the field, he will want to show he can be a full time player. 
• Isaiahh Loudermilk: Loudermilk has been with the team since 2021 and has served well as a journeyman relief player. A solid depth player with the other men sharing the line Loudermilk’s opportunities will be limited.
• Esezi Otomewo: The fact that Oteomewo made the team is a bit surprising given he has played in just nine career games over two seasons. Oteomewo did not play for anyone in 2023 after playing with the team that drafted him in 2022 the Minnesota Vikings. Last year he was with Jacksonville, and he must have impressed the coaching staff in training camp and the preseason to make this squad.

Next is the area on defense I like the most. Our linebackers. These guys will carry the defense and believe you me…they are going to be one of the league’s best linebacking corps.

• Carson Bruener: The Steelers already had one legacy player in Joey Porter Jr. as his father was once a great linebacker playing in Black and Gold. Now comes tight end Mark Bruener’s son Carson. His special teams play placed him among the final 53.
• Malik Harrison: Behind the starting four linebackers are some excellent players. Harrison joins former teammate Patrick Queen having played together in Baltimore. 
• Nick Herbig: Herbig is a bit banged up at the moment but when he is healthy, he’s a great pass rusher and a solid tackler and reminds me of T.J. Watt’s style of play. Herbig has the potential to become a star.
• Alex Highsmith: Like Herbig, Highsmith is nursing an injury as well but once he returns, the combination of Highsmith, Watt, Patrick Queen, and Cole Holcomb is lethal. Add in the backups and as said, this may be the best linebacking corps in the NFL.
• Cole Holecomb: Holecomb had to battle injuries in the past but now he is healthy and is a tackling machine. His return is a big lift to the defense. 
• Patrick Queen: With a season under his belt playing for Pittsburgh, Queen is one of the best linebackers in the league for all around abilities so now that he understands the Steelers defense, he should be even better than he was a year ago.
• T.J. Watt: Awarded with a big contract, Watt is out to show he was worth every penny. 
• Jack Sawyer: I find it interesting that Mike Tomlin has sought out linebackers who resemble his superstar T.J. Watt. There is Highsmith, then Herbig, next was Payton Wilson, and now Sawyer. All will see significant playing time and Sawyer just seem so “Steelers like.” I look forward to seeing what he can do.
• Payton Wilson: As a rookie last year Wilson made several huge plays, and he tackles with the best of them. Pittsburgh is in great shape with the linebackers.

Defensive Backs

Brandin Echols: Echols joins the 10 other free agents who played elsewhere in 2024 and made this Steelers roster. Echols comes in from the New York Jets so like Aaron Rodgers he gets a shote at his old team come opening day. However, he won’t be a starter in that game. Echols will be a relief pitcher all season so it remains to be seen what impact he will have. 

DeShon Elliott: DeShon Elliott is in year two with the Steelers and it is hoped he will be better than he was a year ago. He will be pressed for playing time with the remaining players on the secondary having more talent than he. 

Donte Kent: Placed on the Reserve/Injured list. Replaced with Chuck Clark. Because of the injury to Kent and Clark replacing him this former Jet joins Echols as a new face to Pittsburgh. Also, a depth player, if the starters play well the backups will see limited time on the field.

Miles Killebrew: One of Pittsburgh’s best special teams players is Killebrew, but he has shown he can make a big play on defense as well. 

Joey Porter Jr.: Here we go again with a key player facing a make or break season. Joey Porter Jr. had a great rookie season, but he has tailed off since then and it appears he knows it. Hopefully with his confidence shaken by his performance last year he will have learned from that and come back as a much better player in 2025. 

Jalen Ramsey: Here is Pittsburgh’s second steal of the free agency period. Ramsey was considered at the top of the secondary players several years back and perhaps he has slipped a little but if regains his form, the Steelers secondary will be formidable. 

Darius Slay: Slay is a cagey veteran with a ton of experience and if he still has game, combined with the rest of his teammates in the secondary might just give the Pittsburgh Steelers one of the best defenses if not the best in the league. 

Juan Thornhill: I don’t think Pittsburgh has ever had as many new faces as they do this season. Thornhill is another as he comes in from Cleveland. A former 16 game starter with the Kansas City Chiefs, Thornhill played and started 11 games last year for the Browns. He does have eight career interceptions, so this is probably a good acquisition by the Steelers. 

Specialists

Chris Boswell: Not much has to be said about “Bos.” He is simply one of if not the best kickers in the NFL. Mike Tomlin did have another kicker in training camp but that was just a formality. Boswell’s job was never in jeopardy and as long as he is healthy it never will be. 

Punter Corliss Waitman: Last year the Steelers acquired punter Cameron Johnston in free agency and when he was injured early in the season and put on IR, Waitman came in and was outstanding. This summer the battle for starting punter took place and Waitman won the job. Smart choice. This dude can blast the football. With a net punt average of 41.7 yards per, this was the right man for the job.

Long Snapper

Christian Kuntz: Once upon a time the Steelers had a long snapper named Greg Warren. He spent 12 years in the NFL all with the Steelers. He was one of the league’s best. Now there is Christian Kuntz who is about as good. Kuntz is heading into his fifth NFL season and is a local product having played his college ball at Duquesne University. He was also born in Pittsburgh graduating from Chartiers Valley High School. You have to love when a local kid makes it to the pros.

So, folks, there are your current 53 players who will attempt to win as many games as possible, get to the postseason, win a playoff game, and ideally bring home that seventh Lombardi Trophy. What a way that would be for Aaron Rodgers to end his career as he has let it be known this is most likely the final season of his storied and illustrious career.



For the record, before the season began, the Steelers signed 13 free agents. Of these final 53 men, nine remain on the team. That’s a lot of new faces. From last season’s roster, 14 have moved on to a new team: Justin Fields to the Jets; Russell Wilson to the Giants; Dan Moore and Van Jefferson  to the Titans; Donte Jackson; Mike Williams;  and Najee Harris to the Chargers; Elandon Robers to the Raiders; Damontae Kazee to the Browns; Nate Herbig to the Commanders; Kyle Allen to the Lions; C.J. Henderson to the Falcons; James Daniels to the Dolphins; and Larry Ogunjobi to the Bills.