Is the 2025 Steelers Offense Better Than the 2024 Offense?

As we get closer to the 2025 NFL season, one big question I’ve seen is whether the Steelers offense is actually better than it was last year. It’s still early, but there are some clear changes and a few reasons to be hopeful. Let’s break it down.

Quarterback: Still Up in the Air

The Steelers lost their passing leaders from the 2024 season, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Right now, Mason Rudolph is listed as QB1, with Will Howard and Skylar Thompson behind him. Honestly, I think Wilson and Fields were better quarterbacks, but I can understand the argument for keeping it simple with guys who will just play their role, nothing more, nothing less.

That said, there’s one name that could change everything, Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers are still optimistic he’ll sign, and even if he’s not the MVP Rodgers of the past, he’s still the most talented option on the table. If they land him, the whole conversation changes.

Running Back: Kaleb Johnson Might Be the Answer

Third-round rookie Kaleb Johnson hasn’t played a snap in the NFL yet, but what he did at Iowa is promising. He ran a lot of wide zone there, which is exactly what offensive coordinator Arthur Smith wants to do. His style just fits better than Najee Harris’s did. Johnson also brings long speed and the ability to score from anywhere on the field, with touchdown runs of 75 yards in 2022, 67 yards in 2023, and another 75-yarder in 2024.

No hate on Najee. He’s a good back, consistent and reliable, and he’s been the Steelers’ leading rusher over the past four seasons. He just wasn’t the right guy for this scheme. He should do well with the Chargers, where his style might be a better fit.

Wide Receiver: It Hurts to Lose Pickens, But…

Trading George Pickens was a tough move. He’s a freak athlete with massive upside, but he came with some negatives. Reports say Pickens was late to meetings, practices, and even a game. On the field we saw him display a lack of effort along with sideline blowups and  teammates were “over it.”

Enter DK Metcalf. He brings a different kind of value. He’s more consistent, he blocks hard, and he plays with serious physicality on every single snap. Simply put, DK is a professional and carries himself that way.

Metcalf might not wow you the same way Pickens can on a highlight play, but over the course of a game, he will help you more. That’s not to say Metcalf isn’t explosive, he’s absolutely capable of taking a five-yard slant to the house or catch a 70 yard bomb down the sideline as he blows past a defensive back. He will work the middle of the field and is a tough ask for DBs to bring down standing at 6’ 4, 210+ lbs while running a 4.33 40 yard dash at his combine. He is the definition of “Big Speed”. His only weakness is when it comes to 50/50 balls downfield, where Pickens probably has the edge.

Both players are very passionate and have their concerns on the field, but DK never takes a play off. He gives 100% effort in every phase of the game to help the team. The wide receiver room still isn’t perfect, and I think another move could be made, but it’s in a better place than it was in 2024.

O-Line: Gaining Experience and Getting Better

The offensive line should take another step forward this year. Losing Dan Moore Jr. in free agency wasn’t a huge blow. He was solid, but never elite. The hope is that Broderick Jones steps up at left tackle and becomes a plus starter. On the right side, Troy Fautanu is stepping into a full-time role and should be an upgrade. He’s got the talent, now he just needs reps.

With another year of experience, the rest of the line should keep improving. Quietly, this could become one of the stronger units on the team.

Final Thoughts: Trending Up

The quarterback situation still has to be figured out, but overall, the offense looks improved. Kaleb Johnson could be a great fit. DK Metcalf gives the receiver group an identity, consistency, and most importantly, a leader. The offensive line is maturing and should take a step forward.

And if Rodgers signs, along with a solid number two receiver, watch out. This offense could move from average to dangerous.

Training camp hasn’t even started yet, but it feels like the Steelers are building something. Time will tell, but for now, 2025 looks like a step in the right direction.

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Stay Blessed and Stay Positive… “Here We Go”