The offseason always ushers in change for every NFL team. Retaining every player on the roster isn't feasible, and with teams always looking to upgrade, it's never necessary. The Pittsburgh Steelers strung together their best season in years during their 2024 campaign, and they will do everything in their power to ensure their success continues in 2025.
Unfortunately, Pittsburgh has over two dozen players set to hit the free agent market next year and the Steelers could lose much of their depth and talent. The good news is that the front office should have plenty of funds to work with.
While the Steelers don't need to run it back with the exact same roster, several players must be locked up to contract extensions. These four Steelers have already earned new contracts in 2025.
Russell Wilson, QB
This goes without saying. Though the early portion of the season was marked with debate over Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, Wilson proved to be the better option. His veteran presence and leadership were exactly what this team needed to get back on top.
Though Wilson, a 36-year-old quarterback, isn't guaranteed to have the same success in 2025, the Steelers can't afford a setback at the quarterback position after the success they found in 2024. Wilson's play will draw other suitors to bid for his services, but the front office must ensure he stays right here in Pittsburgh.
Elandon Roberts, LB
After going years without competent linebacker play, the Pittsburgh Steelers seem to have found three linebackers almost all at once. Elandon Roberts is the thunder while Payton Wilson and Patrick Queen provide the lightning.
Sadly, Roberts' contract expires following the 2024 season and he's set to become an unrestricted free agent during the 2025 offseason. Though the Steelers have a pair of linebackers they can lean on, their run defense and overall physicality will take a serious hit if their tone-setter doesn't return.
I'm typically not a fan of paying 30-year-old off-ball linebackers in part-time roles, but Roberts' energy and tenacity are highly valued in Pittsburgh and he was spectacular in 2024.
Ben Skowronek, WR
Rarely would I call a backup wide receiver a player deserving of a contract extension, but thanks to his outstanding special teams ability, everyone should be begging for Ben Skowronek to return in 2025. The veteran has proven to be one of the best gunners in the business as he's routinely the first player down the field and making contact with the return man.
Skowronek came up with several key fumble recoveries in 2024 and his value to Danny Smith and the special teams unit can't be understated. When he does see the field on offense, Skowronek strives to be the best blocking wide receiver in the league. The Steelers need to bring him back on a new contract next season.
Jaylen Warren, RB
The Steelers are about to run into a dilemma at running back with both Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren scheduled to hit free agency. This would leave a 33-year-old Cordarrelle Patterson as the only capable running back on the roster.
To avoid a complete fiasco, the Steelers should make a move that's in the best interest of the team and sign Warren. The 2022 undrafted free agent was banged up at times in 2024, but he's done more than enough to earn a second contract in Pittsburgh.
The same could be said about Najee; however, Harris' former first-round draft status and production in his first four seasons could put him out of Pittsburgh's price range in free agency. Warren has more tread left on the tires and he's earned a shot to be the lead back for the Steelers in 2025.