By Josh 
The Pittsburgh Steelers are bracing for significant roster changes in the 2025 NFL offseason. Known for their stability, the franchise now faces a pivotal moment as several key players enter free agency, leaving both the front office and fans calling for impactful upgrades.
For the eighth consecutive year, the Steelers failed to secure a playoff victory. They clinched a postseason spot for the fourth time in five years via a Wild Card berth, only to suffer a decisive 28-14 defeat to their divisional rivals, the Baltimore Ravens. While Pittsburgh posted back-to-back 10-win seasons, they have struggled to break through as a legitimate championship contender.
As the 2025 offseason unfolds, Steelers fans are experiencing a frustrating sense of déjà vu. However, significant changes are inevitable. Russell Wilson, Najee Harris, Justin Fields, Cameron Sutton, and James Daniels headline a list of 21 players set to hit free agency.
While the front office has expressed interest in retaining several of these players, roster turnover is all but guaranteed. The Steelers enter free agency with approximately $52 million in cap space, plus the 21st overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Additional cap room could be freed up through strategic moves, positioning Pittsburgh to make a major splash in free agency. Now is the time for decisive action, even if it means parting ways with veteran contributors.
Preston Smith: A Likely Cap Casualty
Once considered a cornerstone player, Preston Smith’s future in Pittsburgh appears uncertain. The 11-year veteran remains a capable pass-rusher, but he’s no longer performing at the level that justifies the $52 million extension he signed in 2022. Despite being the fourth-highest-paid player on the roster, Smith found himself behind T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig on the depth chart.
Smith played just 14% of Pittsburgh’s defensive snaps in 2024, a figure partly skewed by his midseason acquisition from the Green Bay Packers. However, even in games where Highsmith was sidelined, the Steelers opted to give Herbig more opportunities. Across his eight games in Pittsburgh, Smith recorded 13 tackles and two sacks, bringing his season total to 32 tackles and 4.5 sacks between both teams—a noticeable drop from his previous three-year total of 25.5 sacks.
Given Pittsburgh’s deep pass-rushing unit, Smith has become expendable. Herbig, who tallied 5.5 sacks in 2024 despite playing just 38.8% of defensive snaps, has proven to be a valuable rotational piece. With Watt and Highsmith forming one of the NFL’s top edge-rushing tandems, Smith is a luxury the Steelers can no longer afford. Releasing him would save $26 million over the next two seasons, allowing him to land with a team in need of his experience while giving Pittsburgh financial flexibility.
Potential Steelers Moves in the 2025 Offseason
If the Steelers part ways with Smith, they won’t necessarily need to seek a replacement. Instead, they could focus on addressing their biggest weakness—offensive playmakers. While Pittsburgh has consistently fielded one of the league’s most formidable defenses, their offense has lagged behind, preventing them from making a deep playoff run.
Contrary to popular belief, 36-year-old Russell Wilson was not the primary issue in 2024. The veteran quarterback had his best statistical season since 2021, despite working with a lackluster receiving corps outside of George Pickens. The bigger problem was the combination of run-heavy offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and the inefficiency of Najee Harris. While Harris surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the fourth straight season, his 4.0 yards per carry ranked among the lowest for starting running backs. Teams that invested in star running backs in 2024 reaped significant benefits, and Pittsburgh may need to follow suit.
The Steelers have multiple avenues to upgrade their offense this offseason. Exploring a trade for Deebo Samuel would provide them with a dynamic weapon they currently lack. Additionally, targeting a premier free-agent running back should be a top priority. Options such as Nick Chubb, Aaron Jones, JK Dobbins, and Javonte Williams could offer the explosive ground presence Pittsburgh desperately needs.
With cap space available and a talented draft class incoming, the Steelers have a rare opportunity to reshape their roster and finally break out of their recent playoff struggles. Whether through bold trades, key signings, or strategic draft picks, this offseason could define the next chapter of Pittsburgh football.