ClutchPoints
The Pittsburgh Steelers head into the 2025 offseason facing some tough decisions. Sure, they remain a disciplined, well-coached team under Mike Tomlin. However, their inability to break through in the playoffs continues to be a lingering frustration. With an aging roster, looming salary cap constraints, and a pressing need to close the gap in a loaded AFC, the front office must make some difficult personnel moves. As they evaluate their roster, several high-priced veterans could be on the chopping block.
The Steelers looked poised for a deep playoff push after jumping out to a 10-3 record. In the process, they secured yet another postseason appearance under Tomlin. However, an 0-5 skid to close the season exposed the team’s lingering weaknesses. Yes, their defense remained formidable. That said, inconsistency at quarterback—primarily with Russell Wilson under center—proved to be their downfall against elite competition.
Despite outside speculation about Tomlin’s future, the Steelers’ primary concern remains the quarterback position. Wilson didn’t provide the spark they needed. Yet, the team has already determined he’s a better option than Justin Fields. With limited options in free agency and a mid-first-round draft pick (No. 21 overall), finding a true difference-maker at quarterback will be an uphill battle. As Pittsburgh navigates that challenge, they’ll also need to make strategic roster cuts to create financial flexibility. These are decisions that could shake up their lineup heading into 2025.
Here we’ll try to identify the three players who are the Pittsburgh Steelers cut candidates entering the 2025 NFL offseason.
Pittsburgh’s acquisition of Preston Smith in 2024 was meant to add veteran stability to their pass rush alongside TJ Watt. However, the move didn’t yield the expected results. The 31-year-old outside linebacker struggled to make an impact. He registered just two sacks despite significant playing time in Pittsburgh’s defensive rotation.
Letting go of Smith could be one of the Steelers’ easier decisions this offseason. Brought in as a midseason reinforcement, his numbers were underwhelming across eight games. Yes, adjusting to a new system midseason isn’t easy. However, Smith simply didn’t provide the spark Pittsburgh had hoped for.
At $13.4 million, his cap hit is far too steep for his level of production. Sure, restructuring his contract could be an option to lower his financial impact. That said, the Steelers don’t necessarily need to keep him. With over $40 million in cap space but uncertainty at quarterback and several other roster needs, Pittsburgh would be better served using that money elsewhere. With Watt and Alex Highsmith locked in as the starting edge rushers, Smith becomes an expendable luxury rather than a necessity.
Larry Ogunjobi has been a dependable presence on Pittsburgh’s defensive front. However, his performance in 2024 has raised concerns about his value relative to his contract. He is set to be one of the 25 highest-paid defensive tackles in the league. That said, his production no longer justifies that price tag.
At 31 years...
