Roster turnover is inevitable in the NFL, and we saw plenty of it during the 2025 roster cuts. Over the years, the Pittsburgh Steelers have made every effort to improve their roster for the season ahead. This often comes with waving goodbye to once-prominent players.
The NFL is riddled with players who used to suit up for the black and gold. As the Steelers look toward greener pastures, these players will attempt to revitalize their careers in 2025—and some could even be in line for their best season yet.
With the 2025 season set to kick off, I've ranked 14 former Steelers who could make the biggest impact in the NFL this year. These rankings are based on the value of the position they play and what they could offer their respective teams.
Ranking former Pittsburgh Steelers players who could make the biggest impact in 2025
1. Justin Fields, QB, New York Jets
Justin Fields may never become the passer fans hoped he could be, but he's got a terrific opportunity ahead. The polarizing quarterback has lethal rushing ability that could give opposing teams fits. Still just 26 years old, Fields is entering the prime of his career. With no quality option behind him on the depth chart, the job is his, and his raw traits could lead to a few Jets upset wins in 2025.
2. George Pickens, WR, Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys feel like a perfect place for George Pickens to have a breakout season. The 24-year-old receiver won't draw the top attention from opposing teams with CeeDee Lamb next to him, and his connection with Dak Prescott could quickly take off. Pickens could have a huge season.
3. Russell Wilson, QB, New York Giants
There's nothing more valuable than the quarterback position, and for this reason, Russell Wilson could make an impact in his first removed from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The problem is that the aging QB has a daunting schedule to begin the season, and rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart is expected to take over the reins at some point in 2025.
4. Mikah Fitzpatrick, S, Miami Dolphins
Minkah Fitzpatrick has been relatively quiet over the past two seasons. Now he's back on his old team, and the former All-Pro safety is looking to build on his impressive personal resume. Fitzpatrick could return to form with the Dolphins this year.
5. Javon Hargrave, DT, Minnesota Vikings
Here's a name you might not have thought about in a while. Javon Hargrave has showcased quality football for the Eagles and 49ers since leaving the Steelers. Now he's part of a quality defensive line on the Minnesota Vikings with an aggressive defensive coordinator in Brian Flores, who could help him get to the quarterback often, even at 32 years old this year.
6. Robert Spillane, LB, New England Patriots
Former Steelers linebacker Robert Spillane quietly collected 306 total tackles over his past two seasons with the Raiders. Now with the Patriots, Spillane feels like a great fit on Mike Vrabel's defense. He could be in line for his third big season in a row since leaving the Steelers. Spillane gets a rematch against the Steelers in Week 3.
7. Dan Moore Jr., OT, Tennessee Titans
The biggest surprise contract of the offseason was Dan Moore Jr. The former Steelers fourth-round pick earned a hefty four-year, $82 million deal this offseason to be the left tackle of the Tennessee Titans. Though he plays a critical position, I'm not buying that the results will be tremendous. Still, the veteran stands to be a pivotal player on the Titans in 2025.
8. James Daniels, OG, Miami Dolphins
James Daniels suffered a season-ending Achilles injury early last year. Now that he's on the mend, the quality offensive lineman is expected to start at right guard for the Miami Dolphins in 2025. Daniels was the NFL's highest-graded guard through four games last season before suffering the injury.
9. Donte Jackson, CB, Los Angeles Chargers
One man's trash is another man's treasure. Despite the five interceptions, Donte Jackson didn't cut it with the Pittsburgh Steelers last year. Now the veteran cornerback is slated to start for the Los Angeles Chargers. He could play a big role on a Jim Harbaugh team that has high hopes in 2025.
10. Najee Harris, RB Los Angeles Chargers
Joining Jackson in LA is Steelers' former starting running back Najee Harris. The 2021 first-round pick has missed the majority of action over the summer after suffering an eye injury from a firework accident. Still, the Chargers placed Harris on the active roster to begin the season, and he could be up to full speed soon. Harris will be working behind first-round rookie Omarion Hampton.
11. Larry Ogunjobi, DT, Buffalo Bills
Larry Ogunjobi will need to serve his six-game suspension before he sees the field this year. But when he returns, he could prove to be part of the defensive line rotation for the Buffalo Bills. The Bills are a team with Super Bowl aspirations who proved in the playoffs last year that they desperately need more help on defense.
12. Bud Dupree, EDGE, Los Angeles Chargers
At this stage of his career, Bud Dupree is just a shade of the player we saw during his tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Even with the Chargers letting Joey Bosa walk this offseason, Dupree is slated to be a backup edge rusher who will need to make his impact coming off the bench.
13. JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kansas City Chiefs
JuJu Smith-Schuster had a strong season with the Chiefs back in 2022, but after a brief stint in New England, the former Steelers Pro Bowler did next to nothing last season in his return to Kansas City. However, with starting receiver Rashee Rice set to serve a six-game suspension in 2025, there might be just enough opportunity for Smith-Schuster to make a bit of an impact this year.
14. Van Jefferson, Tennessee Titans
It's hard to have high expectations for a player who started 12 games in Pittsburgh last season but recorded just 24 receptions for 276 yards. Now he's on a worse team, and the Titans aren't expected to have a great offense this season. Jefferson is working behind Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett, with rookie wide receiver Elic Ayomanor waiting in the wings.