Behind the Steel Curtain
Steelers GM Omar Khan filled Pittsburgh’s roster with special teams capable players entering training camp.
Lost in the Steelers’ defense-heavy draft and a whirlwind of offense-centered storylines has been the third phase of the game: special teams.
Ahead of 2025, a clear priority of Steelers general manager Omar Khan’s team-building strategy has been making sure that aspect of the roster is in good shape ahead of the new season.
For one, it helps that there’s a strong base to build from.
Pittsburgh’s special teams were largely good last year, led by a historic performance from kicker Chris Boswell, who made the second-most field goals in NFL single season history. If there’s one position group on the Steelers to be overwhelmingly confident about entering 2025, it’s Boswell’s.
Despite losing punter Cameron Johnston to a season-ending injury after Week 1, replacement Corliss Waitman filled in admirably and the team finished the year 14th in the NFL in both net yards per punt and in-20 percentage.
With both Johnston and Waitman currently on the roster, Pittsburgh should have two strong options in the punter battle this offseason.
But on kickoffs, the team’s coverage unit had its share of hiccups in 2024, finishing tied for seventh-worst in terms of average kickoff return yards allowed (29.8).
Similarly, on kick returns, the Steelers finished dead last, averaging just 23 yards a return.
On punt returns, Pittsburgh was in better shape, landing at 10th in the league in average yards per return. Primary returner Calvin Austin III’s mark was 10.3.
The team also recorded some splash plays: one punt return touchdown, one blocked punt, and two blocked field goals.
Outside of kickoffs, the Steelers special teams unit under coordinator Danny Smith was a strength in 2024. And entering the new season, the Steelers are returning 14 of their top 15 special-teamers (in terms of snap counts). The lone departure was veteran linebacker Tyler Matakevich.
Special teams were an understated priority of the Steelers’ free agency, with the team re-signing top contributors such as linebacker Jeremiah Moon and starting gunners Ben Skowronek and James Pierre.
Defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk, who blocked a field goal in 2024, was also brought back on a one-year deal.
Then there were the offseason additions. New defensive tackle Esezi Otomewo played 32% of the Jaguars’ special teams snaps in 2024. Cornerback Brandin Echols played over 40% of the Jets’, with 707 career special teams snaps.
“I take pride in special teams, obviously, because that’s what got me here today,” he said in his introductory press conference with the Steelers.
Often a forgotten member of the Steelers’ 2025 free agent class, former Ravens’ linebacker Malik Harrison played a whopping 71% of Baltimore’s special teams snaps last season — the second most on the team.
While he’s expected to contribute on defense, Harrison’s special teams reps should remain high in Pittsburgh as well — that’s likely the...
