There's a running saying that the NFL stands for 'not for long'. The window of opportunity for players to make their mark on the league is ever exceptionally small, while roster turnover is inevitable. The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in a predicament with four players in a contract year in 2025.
Following mandatory minicamp, T.J. Watt drew all the attention. The four-time First-Team All-Pro and 2021 Defensive Player of the Year is entering a contract year and is seeking a record-setting deal that will make him the highest-paid defender in NFL history. But even in his sticky situation, Watt's future with the team isn't in jeopardy.
Rather, it's the players who either haven't proven themselves or haven't done enough to show that they can be foundational roster pieces who are in trouble. These four notable players are fighting for their futures with the Pittsburgh Steelers beyond 2025, and their performances this year will dictate whether they earn a new contract with the team.
Pittsburgh Steelers players with the most to prove in a contract year
Jaylen Warren, RB
Of the players on this list, Jaylen Warren is the most proven. The former undrafted free agent in 2022 turned heads during his first training camp as he carved out a roster spot as a rookie. In year two, Warren exploded for a phenomenal season, working as the change-of-pace back to Najee Harris and averaging 5.3 yards per carry.
Unfortunately, injuries hampered Warren in 2024 as his play took a significant step back in rushing, receiving, and overall efficiency. Now, what once looked like the future of the running back position in Pittsburgh is up in the air. Warren will turn 27 during the 2025 season, and the Steelers drafted Iowa star running back Kaleb Johnson in the third round this year. Johnson could push Warren to be the option from the backfield.
How well Warren performs in 2025 could determine whether he earns a second contract with the Steelers or if he'll be forced to find work as part of a running back committee somewhere else in 2026.
Cole Holcomb, LB
After witnessing Cole Holcomb suffer a gruesome knee injury halfway through the 2023 season and being forced to miss all of 2024, fans are rooting for a remarkable comeback story. Unfortunately, Holcomb has a daunting task ahead.
The Steelers handed Holcomb a three-year, $18 million contract during the 2023 offseason to be their starting linebacker of the future. But things quickly spiraled out of control. The offseason following Holcomb's injury, the Steelers signed former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen to the biggest contract this team has ever handed out to a defensive player, while taking the talented Payton Wilson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
This offseason, the Steelers gave Malik Harrison a two-year, $10 million contract to be the team's third linebacker, while Holcomb was forced to cut his salary down to $2 million for the 2025 season.
Holcomb looks strong and healthy, but he needs to prove that the knee isn't going to be an issue, and he's not even guaranteed to make the final roster. We've seen flashes of his talent, and he's got a huge uphill battle to prove that he's worth sticking around in 2025 and beyond.
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Calvin Austin III, WR
Calvin Austin III's career started off slow. This will happen when you suffer a season-ending foot injury in your first training camp. In his second season in 2023, the fourth-round pick out of Memphis recorded just 17 receptions for 180 yards and a touchdown.
When he finally broke free of offensive coordinator Matt Canada, Austin saw his best season in 2024. Working in rotation with Van Jefferson, the undersized speedster recorded 36 receptions for 548 yards and four touchdowns.
Now, Austin enters a make-or-break year with the Steelers. He's proven himself as a punt returner, but he needs to show he can add consistent value to the offense without getting overshadowed by a player like Roman Wilson (and anyone else the team might bring aboard by training camp). A breakout 2025 campaign could fetch Austin a nice contract next offseason and improve his chances of sticking with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
DeMarvin Leal, DL
NFL Draft analysts had high hopes for DeMarvin Leal when the Steelers selected him in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The Texas A&M defensive end was a former top recruit and was one of the youngest players in the draft. Sadly, his career has been anything but advertised.
Leal was a tweener in a bad way—not enough size and power to be a full-time interior defender and not enough speed to play as a true edge rusher. This left him without a true role for most of his first three seasons.
Now, Leal enters a contract year and is hoping to finally see a breakout campaign. With the talent and depth the Steelers added to the defensive line, Leal is far from a roster lock in 2025. The good news is that he will be just 24 years old for his fourth NFL season. This could be his last shot at getting his NFL career off the ground, and he's fighting for his future this summer.