What and when will the Steelers add to their 2025 roster?

On the most recent episode of the Pittsburgh Standard Time podcast, Greg Benevent and I discussed how the Steelers will continue to build their roster for the 2025 season. As is often the case, the Steelers could very well conclude OTAs without one of their starters for 2025. Adding players along the way in one form or the other has been the rule, not the exception.

Keeping this in mind, Greg and I went through by position groups to see if the Steelers will realistically add another significant contributor (meaning someone expected to make the 53-man roster) and when that addition might come.

It should be noted that when an injury pops up it could very well cause the Steelers to make a move. A prime example was when the Steelers added Trai Turner following minicamp after they realized David DeCastro was not going to be physically able to play football anymore. Moves can also be made during training camp for the same reason. Keeping this in mind, we decided to look at other position groups that could have a significant player added even without an injury.

Position: Quarterback

When: Anytime from now to the beginning of training camp

The Steelers are obviously adding a fourth quarterback as Omar Khan has said it repeatedly. Whether it is Aaron Rodgers or not is still up in the air. If it is Rodgers, then that move will be coming whenever he decides it’s time. But if it’s not Rodgers, the Steelers will add a fourth quarterback sometime before the start of training camp. It could literally come any day between now and then.

Position: Wide Receiver

When: Anytime from now through the trade deadline

Although a case could be made that the Steelers don’t have to add a wide receiver, they are continually looking to potentially upgrade the position very similar to last year. Whether they sign a free agent or make a trade, the Steelers could make this move at any point along the way until it’s completely off the table. The Steelers could add a significant wide receiver ahead of training camp, or they might even be able to pull something off during the preseason. If not, they’ll most likely look at what teams have when they cut down to 53 players and either add someone or even make a trade. If not, the Steelers will probably look at that option up through the NFL trade deadline. This is a position that might not get answered right away, but adding another player is probably never off the table.

Position: Offensive Line

When: Not until the end of the preseason

The Steelers do not necessarily have to add another offensive lineman, but it feels as if they should. Losing two players who started at the beginning of 2024 didn’t seem like that big a deal because their replacements were already on the roster. The problem is the Steelers did not replace the replacements to have some quality depth. And depth is the issue. But with so many young players on the offensive line that are asked to step up, bringing in quality players at this time probably isn’t the best idea as it could cloud the issue. The Steelers need to evaluate these players and hand the reins over to them. Perhaps after they feel that they are entrenched as starters, or it’s obvious they’re not going to cut it, the Steelers could add more on the offensive line at either guard or tackle depending on where the need appears to be largest. The best time to do this would be after the preseason games and before Week 1 as they have added offensive line depth at a similar time before.

Position: Secondary

When: Training camp and beyond

The Steelers have made significant upgrades in their secondary for 2025. When it comes to cornerback, they appear to be pretty set on the outside. The problem is when it comes to the nickel/slot position. The Steelers have several options to work through in Brandin Echols, Beanie Bishop, and seventh round draft pick Donte Kent. All they would need is for one of those players to emerge. But if they don’t, this is a position the Steelers could add during training camp or leading up to the season. Additionally, the Steelers have some very good quality players at safety but do not have a lot of depth. In fact, the Steelers only have six safeties on their 90-man offseason roster. Additionally, Miles Killebrew looks to be in the fourth spot on the depth chart and didn’t even play double digit snaps on defense last year as he was the Steelers special team captain. Outside of the top three, and a potential diamond in the rough as an undrafted free agent, the Steelers don’t have much. They may need to look to add some depth if it appears to be an issue once they get to Latrobe.

For more of the discussion on potential additions to the 2025 Steelers roster, check out the most recent episode of Pittsburgh Standard Time below: