The Pittsburgh Steelers just swung for the fences with their massive trade. They acquired Jalen Ramsey, Jonnu Smith, and a 2027 7th-round selection in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 5th-round pick. It was a bold move by both parties, but it should provide a breath of fresh air for everyone involved.
Steelers' General Manager Omar Khan might continue his roster turnover.
It has been an insane offseason in terms of how Pittsburgh conducts business. They commonly steer clear of blockbuster moves, but Khan has routinely shown his aggressiveness. Everyone should expect him to keep his options open on the trade market and free agency. They are desperate for playoff success, and that means more incoming moves on the horizon.
Pittsburgh Steelers 53-man roster prediction after blockbuster trade with Miami Dolphins
Quarterback (3): Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard
No surprises with the quarterback group for the Steelers. Unless a season-ending injury happens, this will be their group for the 2025 season. Aaron Rodgers will lead the way, but don't be shocked if they rely on their depth at some point this year. Rodgers is 41 years old, playing behind an unproven offensive line, which could lead to the aging gunslinger missing some games because of injury.
Running back (3): Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, Kenneth Gainwell
Pittsburgh showed they still want to play a specific way after their trade.
They will rely on a successful ground game, and that means Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson must step up. If either of them fails to establish an explosive rushing attack, things could get ugly for their offense. Kenneth Gainwell would have to implode to miss the roster since he provides quality depth and special-teams ability.
READ MORE: Steelers players now on the hot seat after jaw-dropping trade
Receiver (6): DK Metcalf, Gabe Davis, Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin III, Robert Woods, Ben Skowronek
Despite the Steelers adding a pass-catching tight end in their recent trade, expect Khan to add another receiver before Week 1 of the regular season. Gabe Davis is someone they have expressed interest in as a free agent, but he is still available. This group isn't flashy, but they have some potential to be better than the group of receivers they had on the 53-man roster last season.
Tight end (4): Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward
Arthur Smith's love for tight ends is real, and that was exposed further by acquiring Jonnu Smith. Pittsburgh might be willing to keep four tight ends with Connor Heyward and Smith's position flexibility. It will be an uphill battle for Heyward to land a spot on the roster, but it's not impossible. He must have a terrific preseason to position himself to make the team.
Offensive line (9): Broderick Jones (OT), Isaac Seumalo (OG), Zach Frazier (OC), Mason McCormick (OG), Troy Fautanu (OT), Calvin Anderson (OT), Spencer Anderson (IOL), Ryan McCollum (OC), Andrus Peat (OT/OG)
They have their starting five across the offensive line set, and it's about time the young players get a shot. Their problems in the trenches are within the depth department. The Steelers would be wise to add a free agent or trade pickup to help secure their depth chart. Andrus Peat is a position-flexible offensive lineman who could help fix their current issues.
Peat can start games at offensive tackle or guard, which could push some off the 53-man roster.
Defensive line (6): Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, Yahya Black, Daniel Ekuale, Dean Lowry
It's a crowded defensive line group heading into training camp, but the Steelers have a good problem on their hands. They must decide to keep six or seven players in the trenches, but on this roster, they only kept six. Pittsburgh kept both of their up-and-coming rookies on the team and shoved veteran depth pieces in the trenches, with Daniel Ekuale and Dean Lowry winning their roster spots.
EDGE (4): T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer
The Steelers can guarantee this group of edge rushers. Unless Khan shocks everyone and trades T.J. Watt, this will be their group going into the season. They have one of the best groups of outside linebackers this team has seen in a while. Expect Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer to push hard this preseason to earn snaps on defense to give Watt and Alex Highsmith a breather.
Inside linebacker (5): Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Malik Harrison, Cole Holcomb, Mark Robinson
The inside linebacker position will have Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson as their top players. Expect Malik Harrison to have a significant role on defense, but he must beat out Cole Holcomb for snaps. It will be a grind for both of them at training camp to cement their roles. Mark Robinson hasn't been terrific, but he barely beats out Carson Bruener for the final roster vacancy.
Cornerback (6): Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, Cory Trice, Brandin Echols, Beanie Bishop
Jalen Ramsey now headlines the group of cornerbacks on the Steelers' 53-man roster after the trade.
Expect Ramsey to move around the secondary for Pittsburgh, which will be an interesting wrinkle. Both Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay will be the starting outside cornerbacks unless they struggle. The rest of the depth chart will situate itself at training camp, but it's an improved group with Ramsey in the fold.
Safety (4): DeShon Elliott, Juan Thornhill, Miles Killebrew, Julian Blackmon
After losing Minkah Fitzpatrick in the blockbuster trade, the Steelers would be wise to find an adequate replacement on the roster. Julian Blackmon is still young and waiting to find a home as a free agent. Blackmon started 62 games throughout his NFL career and could help replace Fitzpatrick's void. The rest of the group is self-explanatory, but Khan must add someone.
Specialists (3): Chris Boswell (K), Cameron Johnston (P), Christian Kuntz (LS)
The Steelers do have "competition" for each position going into training camp, but don't expect many changes. The surprise would be Cameron Johnston losing his job after suffering a devastating injury last season. Everyone should anticipate this being their specialist group going into the campaign. It is a solid group that could be special if they can stay healthy and carry over their success.