Steel City Blitz
In accordance with the rules of the National Football League, the Pittsburgh Steelers set their 53-man roster today for the 2025 season. As most of you are aware, this roster is about as concrete as water. There will be moves coming. Whether in the form of signing recently cut players or potentially trading for guys, things are absolutely in flux. Here’s a look at the current roster with some thoughts at each position. (Courtesy steelers.com)
Quarterbacks (4): Will Howard, Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson
I have to believe that teams were calling about Skylar Thompson but rather than cut him and get nothing for him, the Steelers rostered him in hopes that a team might be willing to give up a late round selection for his services. Howard meanwhile is in a bit of doubt because we just don’t know how long the pinky will keep him out. If it sends him to the ‘Designated for Return’ list, then keeping Thompson makes perfect sense.
Running Backs (3): Kenneth Gainwell, Kaleb Johnson, Jaylen Warren
Zero surprises here.
Offensive Line (9): Calvin Anderson, Spencer Anderson, Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, Broderick Jones, Ryan McCollum, Mason McCormick, Andrus Peat, Isaac Seumalo
I do not believe they are done with this unit. Calvin Anderson as the swing tackle isn’t that inspiring. Yes, Peat can do it in a pinch but he’s more of a guard.
Tight Ends (3): Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington
Zero surprises here.
Tight End/Fullback (1): Connor Heyward
This is a Danny Smith selection. His Special Teams knowledge and ability keeps him around.
Wide Receivers (5): Calvin Austin III, DK Metcalf, Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek, Roman Wilson
The topic that won’t go away… And it won’t either until they finally bring in a true number two wideout. There were a lot of receivers cut today across the league so stay tuned on this.
Defensive Line (8): Keeanu Benton, Yahya Black, Daniel Ekuale, Derrick Harmon, Cameron Heyward, Logan Lee, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Esezi Otomewo
They went with one more than I expected and I believe that has to do with Heyward’s age and Harmon’s injury. Their depth will be tested early on and they knew it.
Linebackers (9): Carson Bruener, Malik Harrison, Nick Herbig, Alex Highsmith, Cole Holecomb, Patrick Queen, T.J. Watt, Jack Sawyer, Payton Wilson
The big story here is seeing Carson Bruener make it over Mark Robinson who was released. Bruener plays his ass off and can certainly cover better than Robinson but I didn’t see that being enough to warrant keeping Bruener on the roster.
Defensive Backs (8): Brandin Echols, DeShon Elliott, Donte Kent, Miles Killebrew, Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, Juan Thornhill
No Beanie Bishop? No James Pierre? No Chuck Clark? And Donte Kent makes the roster? Along with WR and OL, I have to think this area is going to be upgraded. There are just three true safeties here and Killabrew is much more valued for his Special Teams...
