Nobody wants to think about the end of an era in Pittsburgh, but there's no question the Steelers' Super Bowl window will soon slam shut. The best and most important players on the roster are nearing the end of their careers and won't be the same players a few years from now.
Despite revitalizing his career in 2024, Russell Wilson is 36 years old with maybe a two-year window of quality play remaining. Meanwhile, Cam Heyward is 35 years old and a 30-year-old T.J. Watt is going to slow down eventually.
Thankfully, there is hope. A promising, young collection of sneaky-talented players will pave the way for a bright future in Pittsburgh. These five underrated players could prove to be key building blocks for the future of the Steelers.
Mason McCormick, OG
Everyone talks about Zach Frazier's dominance as a rookie, and rightfully so. But don't forget about the young man next to him. Mason McCormick was absolutely brilliant during his first NFL season in 2024, and his future is bright.
McCormick, a fourth-round pick in 2024, possesses prototype size and traits for an NFL offensive guard. He can pass protect, get to the second level as a run-blocker, and drive defenders into the tuft with ease. McCormick's nasty streak makes him a perfect fit in Pittsburgh. He's the future at offensive guard for the Steelers.
Nick Herbig, EDGE
Nick Herbig's emergence isn't going unnoticed, but there aren't many backup edge rushers around the NFL who look like future All-Pros. Herbig is one of them. When T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith are healthy, Herbig rotates off the bench. But that won't last long.
As Watt gets older, the Steelers will come to realize that Herbig is the future of the defense for Pittsburgh. Despite his undersized frame (6'2'', 240 pounds), Herbig possesses an innate ability to get rapid pressure on the quarterback and has already proven to be one of the best pass rushers in the NFL on a per-snap basis. His importance to the future of the defense can't be understated.
Payton Wilson, LB
Rarely do compensatory third-round picks with chronic injury histories end up being cornerstone building blocks for NFL franchises, but this is the case with Payton Wilson. The former NC State linebacker was an All-American and one of the best defenders in college football before entering the 2024 NFL Draft, but injuries caused him to slip.
Wilson is exactly the player we thought he could be for the Steelers — a 6'4'' linebacker who can tackle, blitz, and cover while routinely making splash plays. If he can stay healthy, Wilson will be a pivotal building block for Pittsburgh.
Broderick Jones, OT
Early in his second NFL season, Broderick Jones was looking like a bust. The 14th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft struggled with sloppy play and poor technique. While Jones still has a lot of work to do in these areas, the young offensive tackle turned things around in the second half of the season.
It took Dan Moore Jr. until his fourth NFL season to become a respectable starting-caliber offensive tackle. This is a position that takes time to develop, but Jones is starting to become the player we all thought he could be. He could be an essential building block for the Steelers after all.
Cory Trice Jr., DB
The sneakiest name on this list is unquestionably Cory Trice Jr. — a seventh-round pick in 2023 with an extensive injury history. Trice can't be trusted when it comes to playing a seventeen-game season, but his performance can be trusted when he sees the field.
At 6'3'' and 206 pounds with great athletic traits and a terrific feel for the game, Trice has a bright future as either a boundary cornerback or versatile defensive back for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Trice's rookie season and much of his second year were lost due to injuries, but he's an excellent football player when healthy.