Steelers Players Fantasy “Buy or Sell” Report, Vol. 2

We’re back with part two of grading the value I see in the ADP of Steelers players for redraft fantasy leagues. As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve definitely been guilty of being a bit too bullish on certain Steelers players in the past, making some classic homer picks that didn’t quite pan out. This time around, I’m here to give you my honest take on how each Steelers player stacks up against the fantasy community’s expectations, while trying to highlight a few picks from our beloved Black and Gold that could actually offer real value in this fantasy season.

As training camp rolls on and football is back, let’s dive right into it!

DK Metcaf – ADP 55 – WR 23

The Steelers made a splash this offseason by acquiring former Seahawks star wideout DK Metcalf and signing him to a five-year, $150 million extension. To me, that kind of investment in a player entering his prime suggests the Steelers believe they can unlock more production than we’ve seen from Metcalf in recent seasons. For any fantasy owner, that should perk your ears up. Not only does he have the contract to back his role, but he’s also clearly the number one option in an offense that could throw the ball more than in previous years with Aaron Rodgers under center.

Metcalf’s 2024 season was a bit underwhelming, finishing just inside the top 33 among fantasy wide receivers. A big reason for that was a career-low in red zone targets, which limited his touchdown upside, along with the second-lowest target share of his career. But with a considerable uptick expected in both categories this season, taking Metcalf over someone like Courtland Sutton could present real value. A top-15 fantasy finish is well within reach for Pittsburgh’s new number one receiver.

Outcome: Buy

Kaleb Johnson – ADP 61 – RB 26

There has been a lot of hype around the rookie running back out of Iowa, and no, it’s not just because we’ve already seen him in black and gold during his college career. Kaleb Johnson is a tailor-made fit for Arthur Smith’s outside zone scheme that has been heavily talked about this offseason. Despite running a mid-4.5 in the 40-yard dash, Johnson is fast enough and has the vision needed to thrive in the Steelers’ running system.

The main question is whether he will be the number one back in the room, with veteran Jaylen Warren posing the biggest threat to his volume. However, I believe both players can coexist in the backfield and still provide solid fantasy value this season.

Because of his size and scheme fit, I would not be surprised if by Week 5 or 6 Johnson is seeing nearly the same volume that Najee Harris once received. Warren would likely remain the change-of-pace and third-down back. If Johnson can take on around 85 percent of Harris’s former workload and be more efficient with those carries, he could finish the season in a similar fantasy range. Last year, that level of production made Harris a top-20 running back.

Outcome: Buy

Pat Freiermuth – ADP 188 – TE 23

The longest tenured skill position player on the Steelers, and someone players clearly look up to as a leader, is Pat Friermuth. Since being drafted four years ago, he has been the starting tight end, but that role hasn’t always turned into major fantasy production. Last season, with Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator, Friermuth posted career highs in both receptions and touchdown grabs, which led to a TE10 finish in fantasy.

The biggest concern heading into his fifth year is that Friermuth is no longer the clear number one tight end in Pittsburgh after Jonnu Smith arrived from the Dolphins in the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade. I already discussed Smith earlier in this series and suggested selling him based on his current ADP. But when it comes to Friermuth, I can talk myself into a buy. TE23 feels too low, especially behind players like Hunter Henry and Taysom Hill. Still, I don’t expect him to fully repeat last year’s numbers because of the increased competition and shared workload with Smith.

Outcome: Buy

That wraps up the “Steelers Fantasy Buy or Sell Stock Report” series for now. I feel like we’ve covered all the fantasy-relevant players at this stage. As we get closer to the regular season and learn more about how the Steelers will line up, I may revisit some of these takes and adjust a few statuses if needed.

In the meantime, I’d love to hear how you’re approaching Steelers players in your fantasy drafts this year. Also, feel free to share any general sleepers you’ve got your eye on, as I’m always keen to hear where the hidden value might be.