It would be foolish to think the Pittsburgh Steelers would stick to the players on their roster to complete the depth chart. Expect General Manager Omar Khan to look for outside upgrades to help boost the team between now and the end of training camp. Their search could extend up until Week 1 of the regular season as they attempt to locate players to help their club compete this season.
Their 53-man roster could go through some growing pains along the way. The preseason is a long process, and while some training camp battles might provide answers, others might need options to boost a spot on the depth chart.
It will be a busy summer for Pittsburgh, but everyone should expect Khan to remain active, which could lead to some brutal decisions.
Pittsburgh Steelers 53-man roster could morph throughout training camp
Quarterback (3): Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard
Unless an injury strikes the quarterback position, this will be their depth chart throughout the 2025 campaign. Aaron Rodgers will be the leader of the group, and everyone should expect the 41-year-old gunslinger to miss time this season behind an unproven offensive line. Mason Rudolph will be his backup, but don't count out Will Howard to gain steam as training camp heats up.
Running back (3): Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, Kenneth Gainwell
There shouldn't be much arguing about which running backs make the 53-man roster.
Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson will battle for starting snaps, but Kenneth Gainwell should have a role on offense, too. Unless Cordarrelle Patterson has a magnificent training camp, it's hard to find a roster spot for him. The Steelers have a lot of talented running backs, but it's hard to justify keeping more than three.
Receiver (6): DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin III, John Metchie III*, Robert Woods, Ben Skowronek
The receiver group is the first obvious choice to add an outside hire for the final roster. In this scenario, the Steelers add John Metchie III during final roster cuts from the Houston Texans to provide potential and experience. Pittsburgh would love to add a proven commodity, but they gain a receiver who could turn things up a notch in a new environment.
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Tight end (4): Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith loves tight ends, which could lead to four players sticking on the 53-man roster.
If that's the case, expect them to keep their star pass catchers in Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith. Don't be shocked if they try to keep two blockers, or one blocker and a utility player to round out the depth chart. It's going to be hard for Connor Heyward to crack the roster, but don't rule it out going into training camp.
Offensive line (9): Broderick Jones, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, Troy Fautanu, Calvin Anderson, Spencer Anderson, Ryan McCollum, Liam Eichenberg*
Another area of need creeping under the radar is along the offensive line. Pittsburgh could use some experienced depth in the trenches if no one on their training camp roster emerges. They have a top-heavy group this year and can't afford any injuries to their starting five. Liam Eichenberg could get cut by the Miami Dolphins, and he is someone who has some position flexibility to help along the line.
Defensive line (6): Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon, Keeanu Benton, Yahya Black, Daniel Ekuale, Isaiahh Loudermilk
Although the Steelers could use some more quality on their defensive line, they have an improved group compared to last year.
They have a lot of players who deserve to be on an NFL roster, but they will have to make some brutal decisions in the trenches. Pittsburgh decides to stick with a new player, Daniel Ekuale, who has some position flexibility. Isaiahh Loudermilk is someone they're comfortable with if his role needs to increase during the season.
EDGE (4): T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer
Unless someone shines as a fifth player to surprisingly make the team, this will be their outside linebackers going into the season. With T.J. Watt's contract extension now taken care of, there are really no questions about how this unit will look. Keep an eye on Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer's roles expanding in case Watt stages another hold-in, which he did in previous negotiations.
Inside linebacker (5): Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Malik Harrison, Cole Holcomb, Carson Bruener
The expectation is that Payton Wilson and Patrick Queen will have massive roles on the defense this season. Malik Harrison and Cole Holcomb will battle for snaps on defense at training camp, while the other sink down the depth chart. Carson Bruener beats out Mark Robinson for the 53-man roster in this case, but both will have to show their worth, or Khan could look elsewhere.
Cornerback (6): Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, Jalen Ramsey, Beanie Bishop, Cory Trice, Brandin Echols
With a bunch of moving pieces in the secondary, it might be best to keep an extra cornerback on the roster.
The Steelers have some questions surrounding their secondary following their blockbuster acquisition of Jalen Ramsey. There are obvious openings up for grabs, especially at the tail end of the depth chart. Brandin Echols makes the 53-man roster, but his spot isn't as clear as before.
Safety (4): DeShon Elliott, Justin Simmons*, Juan Thornhill, Sebastian Castro
Pittsburgh would be wise to add someone like Justin Simmons to their team after trading away Minkah Fitzpatrick. They need a reliable starter on the roster, unless they fully commit to Ramsey being the successor. Miles Killebrew is another shocking cut in this iteration, and don't be surprised if his roster spot becomes hazy if a young player like Sebastian Castro outshines him this preseason.
Specialist (3): Chris Boswell (K), Cameron Johnston (P), Christian Kuntz (LS)
There won't be much change for the specialists on the Steelers roster this year. They have a strong group for once in their lifetime, which has become increasingly inconsistent in recent decades. Unless Cameron Johnston looks completely different after his season-ending injury last year, this should be the Steelers' three specialists when training camp wraps up.