The Pittsburgh Steelers had issues with their 2024 campaign that stretched far beyond Mike Tomlin. As much as we would love to blame everything on an incompetent coaching staff, the talent on the roster needs an overhaul in order for this team to get back on top.
We can't simply compare the Steelers' roster to Pittsburgh's rosters from previous seasons. Instead, we should be comparing their roster with every other roster around the league. When you do this, you find that the teams at the top of the league have far fewer holes.
Mike Tomlin can't 'run it back' with essentially the same team next year and expect better results. While many players have expiring contracts and could be poised to leave in free agency, others must be sent packing. Regardless of their contract status, these eight Steelers have no business returning to the team in 2025.
Najee Harris, RB
Fans are going to point to Najee Harris' four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and call this a successful draft pick, but volume stats don't tell the whole story. Since being selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Najee's best trait has been his durability—which is admittedly important—but he's lacked explosiveness and efficiency throughout his career.
Harris has an expiring contract in 2025. Though he's been the bell-cow back of this team for four seasons, the Steelers running back has a career average of 3.9 yards per carry while Pittsburgh ranks 31st in runs of 25-plus yard runs since he came into the league. This team can do better at the position.
Larry Ogunjobi, DL
When the Steelers gave Larry Ogunjobi a three-year contract extension during the 2023 offseason, I was adamant that this was a gross overpay. Ogunjobi wasn't impressive in his first season in Pittsburgh in 2022, so inking him to a contract worth over $9.58 million annually was head-scratching.
Three years after he first joined the team, Ogunjobi is no more impressive than he was the day he arrived. While interior defenders are in high demand, the Steelers didn't get half their contract's worth out of this player, and the veteran defensive tackle has proven time and again that he can't hold up against the run.
The Steelers would be wise to save $7 million by getting out of the final year of his deal in 2025 and putting this money toward a better interior defender in free agency.
Cameron Sutton, CB
The decision to sign Cameron Sutton was a bad move on every level. The veteran cornerback was charged with domestic violence (which was reason enough not to sign him). He also was coming off a terrible season in Detroit.
Because of his history with the team, Mike Tomlin gave him a second chance, and he failed miserably. The once-versatile sub-package cornerback proved he doesn't belong on the field as Sutton was one of the weakest links on the team after his suspension during the second half of the season.
Sutton is no longer under contract and it's for the best. The Pittsburgh Steelers have no reason to bring him back—not even on a one-year deal for the veteran minimum.
Dan Moore Jr., OT
Dan Moore Jr. almost had millions of Steelers fans fooled. After three disastrous seasons at left tackle to begin his NFL career, it appeared the developmental OT finally turned a page in 2024. Moore was admittedly impressive in the first half of the season in 2023 under Arthur Smith's offense.
Sadly, Moore quickly reverted back to his old ways. The veteran offensive tackle gave up 12 sacks and had a few despicable showings down the stretch. With 2024 first-round tackle Troy Fautanu set to return and Broderick Jones showing enough improvement to take the reigns, the Steelers have no incentive to bring back an overpriced OT like Moore.
Mike Williams, WR
Mike Williams was one good play away from being an irrelevant catastrophe of a trade by the Steelers. Williams' first catch was a big one—an over-the-shoulder game-winner against the Washington Commanders on the road. But from that moment on, Williams offered almost nothing to the team.
It's clear that the 30-year-old wide receiver has been zapped of all his exposition after a season-ending ACL injury in 2023. Williams couldn't create much separation to begin with, but now every target feels like a contested catch. Williams has an expiring contract and it's for the best.
Preston Smith, EDGE
There's never been an easier decision than to cut Preston Smith loose this offseason. As much as I've been a fan of Smith throughout his NFL career, the long-time edge rusher has a $12 million base salary coming his way and a cap number of $13.4 million in 2025.
Meanwhile, the Steelers can save every penny of the remaining two years of his contract by releasing him this offseason. Smith wasn't even active for Pittsburgh down the stretch and there is no reason to bring the backup pass rusher back on a deal even half this size.
Van Jefferson, WR
As irrelevant as Mike Williams was for the Steelers in 2024, Van Jefferson's season was even more irritating. The veteran wideout soaked up 721 snaps in 12 starts this past season, but couldn't have done less with his opportunities—netting just 24 catches for 276 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Jefferson's no-show performances barely make him a receiver worth taking up a roster spot in the NFL. The journeyman WR is no longer under contract, and the Steelers shouldn't even ponder the idea of bringing him back on a veteran minimum contract. Pittsburgh needs an overhaul at wide receiver and Jefferson was one of the biggest culprits for the lack of success at the position in 2024.
Russell WIlson, QB
As good as Russell Wilson looked after the Steelers made the switch at quarterback, he quickly reverted back to his old ways. Despite a glowing endorsement from Mike Tomlin, Wilson proved to be the same player he was in Denver—a player the Broncos paid handsomely just to leave the team.
Wilson struggled with consistency over the middle of the field and took bone-headed sacks. While he didn't have a plethora of receiving options at his disposal, the results were underwhelming. The Steelers' offense averaged just 14 points per game over their final five contests (including the playoffs).
If Wilson wasn't good enough for the Steelers at 36 years old on a $1.2 million contract, what makes Tomlin and his staff believe he will be good enough at 37 years old in 2025 when he's making significantly more money? Wilson is no longer under contract, and the team shouldn't have any interest in bringing him back as a starter in 2025.