The Pittsburgh Steelers official 53-man roster to begin the 2025 season
The Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 53-man roster has just been released! While it is fairly likely there will be other moves ahead of their Week 1 matchup with the New York Jets, initial questions about who would make the cut and who would be looking for employment elsewhere have now been answered.
Players are listed by position group and are in no specific order.
So what do you think of the Steelers decision for the roster? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below. As always, make sure you stay tuned to Steel Curtain Network for continued breakdown and analysis of the Steeler’s 53-man roster, as well as breaking news, commentary, and all things Pittsburgh Steelers!
Offense
Quarterback (4)
- Aaron Rodgers
- Mason Rudolph
- Skylar Thompson
- Will Howard
Running Back (3)
- Jaylen Warren
- Kenneth Gainwell
- Kaleb Johnson
Wide Receiver (5)
- DK Metcalf
- Calvin Austin III
- Roman Wilson
- Scotty Miller
- Ben Skowronek
Tight End (4)
- Pat Freiermuth
- Jonnu Smith
- Darnell Washington
- Connor Heyward
Offensive Line (9)
- Broderick Jones
- Isaac Seumalo
- Zach Frazier
- Mason McCormick
- Troy Fautanu
- Spencer Anderson
- Calvin Anderson
- Ryan McCollum
- Andrus Peat
Defense
Defensive Line (8)
- Cameron Heyward
- Keeanu Benton
- Derrick Harmon
- Yahya Black
- Daniel Ekuale
- Isaiahh Loudermilk
- Logan Lee
- Esezi Otomewo
Outside Linebacker (4)
- T.J. Watt
- Alex Highsmith
- Nick Herbig
- Jack Sawyer
Inside Linebacker (5)
- Patrick Queen
- Payton Wilson
- Cole Holcomb
- Malik Harrison
- Carson Bruener
Cornerback (5)
- Joey Porter Jr.
- Darius Slay
- Jalen Ramsey
- Brandin Echols
- Donte Kent
Safety (3)
- DeShon Elliott
- Juan Thornhill
- Miles Killebrew
Specialists
Placekicker (1)
- Chris Boswell
Punter (1)
- Corliss Waitman
Long Snapper (1)
- Christian Kuntz
Offense: 25
Defense: 25
Specialists: 3
Total: 53
Other
Reserve/Injured- Designated to Return (1)
- Cory Trice Jr.
To hear a full breakdown of the initial 53-man, check out the breaking news podcast below:
DB room seems a bit thin…
Yeah. Only 3 safeties?
I think that Jalen Ramsey’s flexibility as both a cornerback and a safety give the team some flexibility with DB numbers this year?
I’d add one, I like Jordan Whitehead for that. Blackmon was too rich for the FO’s blood, I suppose.
What’s the bigger shock, cutting Cameron Johnston or keeping 4 QBs?
Keeping 4 QBs. Makes little sense unless a trade for one of the QBs is coming shortly. Unless there was some advantage to moving Howard to IR after the cuts that I’m not aware of. If there is, maybe Howard goes to IR later and one of the veterans released that don’t have to clear waivers might be signed back.
Waitman kicking lefty might have pushed it over the top, that and being younger and cheaper.
That’s logical for sure. I am just not sure what the heck another team would give up for Thompson or Howard. No more than a 7th and maybe even a swap of 7ths for that matter. The bottom line is that one of those guys is probably going be available for free at some point. A team might give up a 7th to not have to compete for another team for one of those guys, though. It’ll be interesting to see how it plays out.
I wouldn’t even include Howard in your speculation. We just drafted him, and the team was really happy with his camp. They’re not trading him unless some team makes a flat out ridiculous offer.
Sometimes, Ridiculous calls…
The Raiders gave a 5th for Pickett.
I’m going to assume a couple folks ended up on the 53 so they can go on regular IR tomorrow (rather than the immediate IR-Designated to Return). If they don’t have a trade set for Skylar, that is how they may stash Howard (??).
Waivers and PS will be interesting as well.
Surprised Donte Kent made it over Pierre and Chuck Clark
Pleasantly so, at least in my case.
Will Howard to go on IR is the best bet plus maybe one other. They can then bring back one more safety at a minimum. Once Howard is fit they might try to trade Skylar after the inevitable series of injuries come about.
So what stops them from putting Howard on the IR now? I guess they think he’ll return or else they would’ve placed him on season ending IR? Is that how that works? You get 2 IR designated to returns before the season and can do it 8x in regular season? And they only used one of the two spot, so why did they not put Howard in the other spot if they think he’ll be back. I’m clearly mistaken on how IR works
Yeah. Prior to the roster being published Gerry Dulac tweeted out that Howard will be on IR at some point and specifically mentioned that it might not happen immediately. I am not a Dulac fan but he is probably right in this instance. 4 QBs makes no sense on any level.
Don’t know any Dulac fans, but if one makes enough calls, one will occasionally make a correct one. I agree.