The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and expecting different results. Unfortunately, 'running it back' is essentially the motto of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who fail to make significant changes to their roster or coaching staff year after year.
While Pittsburgh finally turned the page on Matt Canada, Arthur Smith's offense—led by quarterback Russell Wilson—proved to be nearly as ineffective in 2024. Roster turnover is inevitable and there are dozens of Steelers with expiring contracts this offseason.
However, not every player who is under contract has earned the right to stick around. This is a billion-dollar business and the Steelers can't afford to head into the 2025 season with the same problems they had in 2024. Here are six players still under contract who shouldn't be back in Pittsburgh.
Preston Smith, Edge rusher
I was all in favor of the Steelers' decision to land Preston Smith at the NFL trade deadline. The long-time edge rusher had an excellent NFL career with Washington and Green Bay, so acquiring a capable pass rusher and run defender via trade seemed like a no-brainer.
Unfortunately, Smith's impact on the team was smaller than we ever could have imagined. Late in the season and in the playoffs Smith wasn't even earning a helmet for the Steelers. Now he has a $12 million base salary coming his way. It's impossible to justify keeping him around (not that it was ever a realistic option on a rental-type trade) and Smith will be one of the first to go.
Larry Ogunjobi, Defensive lineman
If you want to talk about overpaid players on the Steelers in recent years, look no further than Larry Ogunjobi. Pittsburgh paid a premium to land the former Browns and Bengals defensive lineman in free agency in 2022, then turned around and gave him a three-year contract during the 2023 offseason.
While Ogunjobi is at least a respectable interior defender, he doesn't hold up well against the run—which is where the Steelers were getting killed down the stretch—and you can't justify his lofty cap numbers after another pedestrian season. Pittsburgh could save $7 million by getting out of his deal and put the cap savings toward a defensive tackle who can defend the run.
Cordarrelle Patterson, Running back
The Steelers tried it and it didn't work out. Cordarrelle Patterson had his time in the spotlight as a legendary kick returner, who transitioned from a wide receiver to a running back in the back half of his career. With Arthur Smith, Patterson found success in Atlanta.
But those days are behind him. Anytime Patterson touched the ball for the Steelers in 2024, it felt like a wasted play. What's worse is that the 33-year-old offered nothing as a return man. Patterson has one more year under contract, but Pittsburgh needs to get out of his deal and clean house at the running back position.
Dean Lowry, Defensive lineman
Dean Lowry is the definition of a free-agent signing that doesn't move the needle for an NFL team. The Steelers, desperate for depth on the interior defensive line, signed Lowry to a two-year contract last offseason. Sadly, the veteran missed most of camp and the start of the season while battling injuries.
When he did see the field, Lowry was largely ineffective. He finished the 2024 season with five tackles, one sack, and one tackle for a loss in 12 games (one start). Lowry has a $3.125 million cap number in 2025, but the Steelers should save $2.5 million by getting out of his contract this offseason.
Montravius Adams, Defensive lineman
For some reason, the Pittsburgh Steelers seem dead set on keeping Montravius Adams around despite continued undesirable results. Last offseason marked the third contract Adams earned from the team, but fans should be hoping it's his last.
The Steelers have tried to make Adams something he's not—a run-stuffing nose tackle. But this is the same player who routinely gets washed out in the running game. Meanwhile, Adams has just one sack and six tackles for a loss in four seasons (46 games played) with the Steelers. Enough is enough. It's time to cut him loose.
George Pickens, Wide receiver
This one is going to stir up controversy with the Steelers' fanbase, but it would be a mistake to move forward with George Pickens on the team at this point. Mike Tomlin gave the immature wide receiver three years to get his act together, and things haven't gotten much better (if any).
Early in the season against the Cowboys, Pickens' lackluster effort on the field shows he practically quit on his team. The diva wide receiver has also been under the microscope due to his questionable responses to the media.
The Steelers have a big need at the position, but handing him a lofty contract extension would be a mistake. Pittsburgh needs to get some draft capital for Pickens before he sabotages his remaining trade value.