Behind the Steel Curtain
The Steelers still have multiple holes on their roster that need filled ahead of training camp
The Pittsburgh Steelers are on a brief one-month hiatus before reporting to Latrobe for training camp. And while they’ve added several new faces to their roster, holes still remain ahead of the 2025 NFL season. What do the Steelers still need? I’d like to see them address these positions:
Yeah, this isn’t exactly breaking news - the Steelers need a WR2. And before anyone says “iF oNlY tHeY hAd GeOrGe PiCkEnS” (insert Spongebob meme here) - Pickens would still be there if he weren’t such a constant pain behind the scenes. The only legitimate guy on the free agent market that could make sense is Amari Cooper. Keenan Allen publicly said he is not interested in signing with the Steelers, and Gabe Davis left the facility without signing a deal.
A trade would be welcomed if they can find a willing partner, but that feels like something that wouldn’t come to be until the trade deadline when teams have a grasp on what their ceilings could be. If the Denver Broncos struggle, Courtland Sutton could become a name to watch, as could Brandon Aiyuk in San Francisco.
There are a lot of “ifs” with this group. If Patrick Queen has his severe ups and downs again in 2025, that could be a problem. If Payton Wilson doesn’t take a step forward with a bigger role, that could have a negative impact on the defense. Plus, Cole Holcomb’s health is something to continue to monitor, and going from Elandon Roberts to Malik Harrison is a severe downgrade. If anything, a depth signing to put behind Queen and Wilson, as well as Holcomb, would be a net positive. A veteran like C.J. Mosely would be a name I’d like to see come in on a cheap deal. Eric Kendricks would be another to monitor if the Steelers feel they need another body.
Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay are a great starting tandem, but the depth has question marks. Cory Trice is often injured, which Omar Khan himself said is a concern while speaking at the NFL Combine.
“The reality is that durability has been an issue,” Khan said. “And until durability is not an issue, that’s a position we have to keep our eye on.”
On top of that, the nickel spot is up in the air, with Beanie Bishop leading the way heading into camp. Rumors of Pittsburgh being interested in signing Jaire Alexander or trading for Jalen Ramsey have been floated, and both would be welcomed additions to make the Steelers’ secondary one of the best in the NFL.
