While there is plenty of blame to assign for the Pittsburgh Steelers' recent midseason collapse, not everyone has performed poorly. Some on the roster have done terrific work and deserve praise. It has been a bleak and frustrating year for Pittsburgh, as the team faces the prospect of another disappointing season under Mike Tomlin. This franchise may be headed for more of the same.
Despite the possibility of another disappointing season, some players have exceeded expectations this year.
Most notably, Troy Fautanu, Payton Wilson, and Kyle Dugger have surprised much of Steelers Nation. Without them in the lineup, it’s impossible to know how much worse the current debacle could be. This team has many flaws, but those three have worked their way into being consistently positive contributors.
Pittsburgh Steelers have several surprises this season outperforming expectations
Payton Wilson, LB
His game has jumped to another level this season, and Wilson might be on his way to elite stardom. He must stay on his current path if he wants to become a top player at his position in the NFL, but it's not out of sight. It might not have been the best start to the season for the second-year linebacker, but he has turned things around. Wilson is a budding star on an aging defense for the Steelers.
With the inconsistencies surrounding Patrick Queen and the other inside linebackers this year, it's nice to see Wilson step up.
Queen has a giant check dragging behind him, and his lack of credible efforts from week to week could see him become a cap casualty if he's not careful. Wilson has outshone his expensive teammate, and it could result in him becoming the top inside linebacker.
READ MORE: Steelers' bold call on Justin Fields already looks like a stroke of genius
Troy Fautanu, OT
There were high expectations for the Steelers' offensive tackles going into the campaign. While Broderick Jones remains inconsistent, his teammate, Troy Fautanu, has been fantastic. Yes, the young tackle has had a bad performance or two this season, but even those aren't as disastrous as when Jones has flare-ups. Fautanu has demonstrated the talent expected of a first-round pick.
Pittsburgh is desperate to have a strong offensive line, and that's why they used a top pick on Fautanu during the 2024 NFL Draft. He missed most of last year due to a season-ending injury, but he has returned with a vengeance. He has been one of the most consistent players in the trenches for the Steelers this season, and he looks like his best days are still ahead of him.
He could develop into a top right tackle in the NFL.
Kyle Dugger, S
You can point to Kyle Dugger as the Steelers' prize acquisition for the 2025 trade deadline. He had a giant contract negated, which made this deal even sweeter. DeShon Elliott's absence has sent this team's secondary into a tailspin. Dugger might not be perfect, but he has smoothed over some red flags. Since joining the team, he has exceeded expectations, and many would welcome his return.
After the season, he is scheduled to hit free agency. It would be nice to re-sign Dugger at a reasonable rate. If he starts to hang onto dropped interceptions, he could get a ginormous payday when free agency rolls around this Spring. He has saved the Steelers' secondary from toxic woes. The safety's stability has made him a fan favorite that they'd love to see return.