Our 53-Man Roster Projection for the 2025 Pittsburgh Steelers

I’m actually a bit grateful that the NFL just has the one cutdown period now. In years past, it was one or even two before the actual roster was set. However, even the “final” 53-man roster that will need to be in place on August 26th at 4pmET won’t be the actual roster. There will be injury issues and certainly there will be some guys cut from other teams that the Steelers will show interest in. So therefore, this projection is already going to have some incorrect selections but that’s OK. It’s all about the entertainment value isn’t it?

NOTE: Several players have already been cut but none were up for roster consideration anyway.

OFFENSE (24)

Quarterbacks (3)

Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard

The Steelers will stick with their traditions and keep the guy they drafted rather than the guy who played pretty darn well in the preseason. Because of his broken pinky, Howard didn’t get any chances under center in the preseason. Meanwhile, Thompson took full advantage. With QB depth a huge issue in places like Las Vegas, the LA Rams and Detroit, I’m still predicting Thompson will either get traded fore round pick. Otherwise, if the Steelers try to hide him on the Practice Squad, forget it. He’ll be claimed before he gets there.

Running Backs (3)

Kaleb Johnson, Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell,

Lew Nichols and Trey Sermon both did a lot of really good things. I wouldn’t be surprised to see either make the roster should Mike Tomlin choose to go with four.

PS: Nichols, Sermon, Max Hurleman

Wide Receivers (5)

D.K. Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek

Keep an eye on Austin because of his abdominal issue. He’ll still make the roster but if it worse than we’ve been told he could be a candidate for the one of those “Designated for Return” Spots. Skowronek has also been slowed by a toe injury but his value on Special Teams and as a blocker keep him on the roster.

PS: Brandon Johnson, Ke’Shawn Williams

Tight Ends (4)

Jonnu Smith, Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward

Aaron Rodgers really likes Connor Heyward. So does Special Teams Coach Danny Smith. He’s making the roster whether the fans think he’s deserving or not.

PS: JJ Galbreath

Offensive Line (9)

Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Isaac Seumalo, Mason McCormick, Zach Frazier, Spencer Anderson, Calvin Anderson, Ryan McCollum, Andrus Peat

I fully expect to see the Steelers look for another team’s castoff at this position. More specifically, I think it will be a tackle-type but we shall see. The other concern I have is McCollum. He did a nice job last year when called on but his preseason performances have been a struggle.

PS: Dylan Cook, Aiden Williams, Steven Jones

DEFENSE (26)

Defensive Line (7)

Cam Heyward, Keannu Benton, Derrick Harmon, Yahya Black, Daniel Ekuale, Logan Lee, Isaiahh Loudermilk

I originally had six here until Derrick Harmon went down with a knee sprain on Thursday. A little added depth should help as he’s expected to miss week one. Black has been a beast and is looking like a steal while Lee has done enough (along with his emergency long snapping skills) to make it. I’m going to keep Isaiahh Loudermilk here only because of Harmon’s injury.

PS: Dominique Davis, Kyler Baugh, Esezi Otomewo

Inside Linebackers (5)

Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Malik Harrison, Cole Holcomb, Mark Robinson

Holcomb has been a great story. His knee injury was absolutely devastating but he’s done everything to make the roster and he will. Harrison and Robinson are similar players but there’s no way Danny Smith is giving up Robinson who has been a mainstay on his unit. Rookie Carson Bruener led the team in tackles in the preseason and is also making a push via his STs’ abilities.

PS: Bruener

Outside Linebackers (4)

T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer

Despite his groin injury, Highsmith is expected to be ready for week one. Herbig is hoping to be ready as he battles a hamstring issue. While Eku Leota played well as the preseason progressed, I still think the team will look outside if someone piques their interest. As for DeMarvin Leal… he’s a man without a position. He’s spent most of his Camp at OLB and while there are flashes, I think his time here has come to an end.

PS: Leota, Leal (Julius Welschof remains on the team as their International Player)

Cornerbacks (6)

Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter, Jr, Darius Slay, James Pierre, Cory Trice, Jr, Brandin Echols

Beanie Bishop didn’t get a single snap in Carolina Thursday even after Teryl Austin pointed him out as someone that needed a big game. I have to think that’s not good for him. Trice, Jr is all about health. They know he can play but if he can’t stay healthy I’m not sure how much longer they can rely on him. Pierre just keeps doing enough defensively to keep himself on the roster. He’s a favorite of Danny Smith so that helps too.

PS: Bishop, D’Shawn Jamison, Daryl Porter

Safety (4)

DeShon Elliott, Juan Thornhill, Miles Killabrew, Chuck Clark

With Minkah Fitzpatrick in Miami, I don’t really see a ‘true’ free safety on the roster. Thornhill and Clark are more than capable but I expect to see Jalen Ramsey rotate back there on occasion as well.

PS: Sebastian Castro

Specialist (3)

Chris Boswell, Cam Johnston, Christian Kuntz

It appears that Kuntz’s chest injury will not keep him from playing in week one. That’s great news because it didn’t look good. Ben Sauls proved he could be a reliable signing should something happen with Bos while Corliss Waitman fought hard but the job goes to Johnston.

PS: Sauls

It Must Be Said…

Keep in mind that there are some guys who will make the initial 53-man roster who will found out days or even hours later that they are cut and/or sent to the Practice Squad. Omar Khan will be busy. While any potential free agent could get a look, I’m guessing Khan will focus on the following:

-A potential number two wide receiver.
-Depth at OLB
-Depth at DL
-Depth at OL, specifically at Tackle