The Pittsburgh Steelers’ front office has been in overdrive this offseason, and for good reason. The franchise knows the window to compete is wide open, and they’ve wasted no time bringing in talent to capitalize.
After signing veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a one-year, $13.65 million deal and extending safety DeShon Elliott for two years at $12.5 million, Pittsburgh is making it clear: they’re all in.
While superstar edge rusher T.J. Watt continues to wait on a contract extension that many believe is long overdue, it’s hard not to think about the next slate of key players who could be on the extension radar following the 2025 season.
If this team is truly serious about building a dynasty, it needs to take a proactive approach with the core of its roster.
Here are three players Pittsburgh must consider extending during the 2025 season:
These Pittsburgh Steelers are worth extending after a successful 2025 season
Chris Boswell (K)
Let’s start with the man who quietly keeps this team afloat: Chris Boswell. When Austin Smith’s offense stalled in 2024, it was Boswell who delivered. He converted 41 field goals with a remarkable 93.2% success rate, including an incredible 13-of-15 from beyond 50 yards.
Those kinds of numbers don’t lie.
At 34 years old, Boswell remains one of the NFL’s most consistent and clutch kickers. He’s Pittsburgh's most reliable scorer. In a league where three points often mean the difference between winning and losing, he’s a player you don’t let walk.
Boswell is under contract through the 2026 season, earning $3.12 million in 2025 and $2.22 million in 2026. But with his value so clear and his performance level still elite, the front office should strongly consider adding a few more years to that deal before he hits free agency in 2027.
Minkah Fitzpatrick (S)
There’s no question that Minkah Fitzpatrick is a cornerstone of the Steelers' defense. Since arriving in Pittsburgh, he’s made a name for himself as a premier safety. His instincts, playmaking ability, and leadership have earned him three All-Pro honors and five Pro Bowl nods.
That said, his production has dipped in recent years. He’s recorded just one interception in the past two seasons after posting six in 2022. That’s concerning — but not disqualifying.
Fitzpatrick is a focal point of every opponent’s game plan while contributing an invaluable veteran presence to Teryl Austin’s defense.
He will earn $15.5 million in 2025, rising to $17.5 million in the final year of his deal in 2026. With free agency looming in 2027, the Steelers must decide if Fitzpatrick is still worth elite safety money.
If he can rebound with a strong 2025 season, Pittsburgh should not hesitate to extend him and lock down their defensive quarterback for the long haul.
Patrick Queen (MLB)
Patrick Queen’s arrival in Pittsburgh last offseason was one of the more intriguing moves of 2024. The former Raven brought attitude, speed, and experience to the middle of the field. But while he showed flashes, it wasn’t the breakout season many expected.
Queen notched 65 solo tackles — 19 fewer than the year before — and failed to record an interception. His sack numbers also declined, dropping from 3.5 in 2023 to just one last season.
While those stats don’t jump off the page, Queen still made his presence felt. He was reliable in coverage and effective in the run game, proving he belongs in Pittsburgh’s physical, hard-nosed defense.
The 25-year-old linebacker will earn $7.16 million in 2025 and $10.83 million in 2026. At his age, he’s still entering his prime. If Queen can take another step forward this season, the Steelers would be wise to reward him with a multi-year extension before he tests free agency.
The Steelers aren’t just trying to build a contender — they’re aiming to create a dynasty. That means more than just signing big names; it means retaining the right core and rewarding consistency, leadership, and upside.
Chris Boswell, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Patrick Queen are all different types of players, but share one thing in common: each plays a crucial role in Pittsburgh’s identity.
If they rise to the occasion in 2025, the front office must act swiftly to keep them in black and gold. Because champions aren’t built in free agency — they’re built by keeping your best talent where they belong.