What if this is the Steelers 2025 roster?

In the most recent episode of the Pittsburgh Standard Time podcast, Greg Benevent and I discussed some tiresome questions that Steelers fans have been having to deal with and realizing how there still needs to be answers. Our final question that we discussed was one that Greg brought up…

What if this is the roster for the Steelers for 2025?

While there are many Steelers fans who expect there to be significant additions to the roster, what if there aren’t? What if the Steelers don’t add anything other than a QB4 to have someone else for training camp and these are the players going forward? What if the Steelers don’t add another receiving threat?

First of all, we did operate under the assumption that all players under contract will play this season. Of course there’s always the health issue that comes up, but that is so unforeseeable we did not go into a large discussion as it would never end. But Greg and I both assumed that even if the Steelers did not come up with a new deal for T.J. Watt that he would at least play out the final year of his contract. Neither of us expect this as we think a deal will get done, but we were taking that variable off the table.

So what would the 2025 season look like if the three quarterbacks currently on the Steelers roster are the three they keep when they cut down to 53? Honestly, there is a large portion of Steelers fans who are completely fine with this. At this time, they would prefer to not deal with the Aaron Rodgers drama anymore and would prefer to roll with Mason Rudolph. Also, this would give Will Howard more of the chance to develop with the increased practice reps by being higher on the depth chart even if he isn’t called upon this season. For others, they are still holding onto the hope that the Steelers could still improve at the quarterback position and add another player.

Either way, who plays quarterback for the Steelers may not be one of the biggest factors involved in their win/loss total in 2025. But what about wide receiver?

If the Steelers don’t add another pass catcher for the 2025 season, there are plenty of fans will be frustrated. The Steelers had the opportunity to go into the season with two dynamic players and instead chose to trade one away in order to improve the locker room. I admit I will be frustrated if the Steelers don’t address this issue as well, but it’s also not beyond the realm of possibility that the Steelers could still be an improved receiving team with their current roster.

I don’t think it would be a wise idea to bank on it, but the Steelers could have a significant weapon in Roman Wilson. Only playing five snaps as a rookie did not give much for fans to go by, but if Wilson is a quality player then the Steelers already look to be a better wide receiver group than last year. It might be “wishful thinking“ or a very optimistic view, but it’s not one that’s outside the realm of possibility.

So if the Steelers don’t add any more pieces to their offense for 2025, are they in trouble? For the overall team, the defense still appears to be the driving force behind their success. Although many fans do not believe this to be the case in this era of NFL football, it has been the stronger defenses that have won championships in the last few Super Bowls.

Additionally, when it comes to the offense, what will probably determine its success more than anything this season is the ability for the offensive line to come together and help the Steelers get the run game going. Additionally, the offensive line will be tasked with protecting whoever is playing quarterback and giving them an opportunity in the passing game. While having an outstanding quarterback and receivers are never something a team should avoid, they are also difficult to utilize with an inept offensive line.

So could the Steelers be fine in 2025 if this current roster is what they go with? They could be. Additionally, of any season that I can remember that it feels like there is something more building for 2026, and if things fall off the rails this year, it’s not the end of the world. I don’t think fans really want to experience that in the moment, but it does offer a silver lining.

Still, this is the Pittsburgh Steelers we are talking about. It would be a very big deal if this team struggles for the season.

So what do you think? What if this version of the 2025 Steelers is what we’re going to get come September? Make sure you leave your thoughts in the comments below.

For more of the discussion, check out the most recent episode of Pittsburgh Standard Time below: