The Pittsburgh Steelers’ front office has made a significant effort to upgrade the weapons in the 2025 offense, particularly with the additions of D.K. Metcalf and Jonnu Smith. Of course, many with a national perspective aren’t necessarily sold on the idea that Pittsburgh’s weaponry is much improved.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell ranked the Steelers’ playmakers 21st in the NFL in his yearly column on the subject. While that is a step up from the No. 27 ranking the franchise got in last year’s rankings, it still shines a light on just how unproven Pittsburgh’s collective is.
National outlook on Pittsburgh Steelers’ playmakers still lags behind offseason hype
Of course, national perspectives can often overlook certain aspects. For example, Calvin Austin wasn’t mentioned at all in the four paragraphs detailing the options given to quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Instead, players like Robert Woods and Ben Skowronek were mentioned.
That doesn’t give the Steelers a fair crack in the rankings if the team’s No. 2 receiver is billed as its No. 5 option. Nonetheless, the Steelers and their fanbase expect Austin to take another step after a solid showing in Year 2, though another upgrade isn't out of the question.
Naturally, a lot of attention goes back to Metcalf. The Steelers traded in the frustrating potential of George Pickens for the veteran expertise of Metcalf. While Metcalf has always been a well-respected wideout in the NFL, he hasn’t been in the elite category alongside the Justin Jeffersons and JaMarr Chases of the world.
Of course, for the past three seasons, Metcalf’s quarterback has been Geno Smith, who has enjoyed a career revitalization, but he’s nowhere near where Russell Wilson was at his peak in Seattle.
Beyond the wide receivers, the Steelers have a trustworthy and versatile tight end room. Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Darnell Washington all bring something unique to the table. Washington will clearly serve as a sixth lineman once again, but Freiermuth should see better production with competent quarterback play while Smith is surging into his 30s after a career year in Miami.
The running backs do get better with addition by subtraction, as Barnwell said. Najee Harris was always consistent, but he was far from electrifying. Both Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson can be counted on to make the explosive plays that were hard to come by with Harris leading the backfield.
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While anyone could nitpick the rankings, especially with the No. 20 team on the list being the Las Vegas Raiders, just below average is a conservative outlook for Pittsburgh. But again, after the past several seasons, there’s been nowhere to go but up offensively. But, add in the chaotic acquisition of these players with a complete overhaul across the board, and it’s expected that there would be some reservations on where to place the ceiling for the group.
Ultimately, it all comes down to Rodgers. If the former MVP can play like his old self, the playmakers in the Steelers’ offense will be drowning in praise. If he can't, the same cast will be here for the next quarterback carrying the same hesitant expectations.