If there was ever a doubt about whether the Pittsburgh Steelers were content with mediocrity, that was answered this offseason.
General Manager Omar Khan and the front office went all-in, transforming a stagnant roster into one that now screams urgency, aggression, and win-now mentality. For a team that ended another season short of true contention, the message was clear: enough is enough.
The Steelers’ offseason was full of fireworks—some thrilling, others bittersweet. But one thing is certain: this franchise is no longer sitting on its hands.
Here’s my breakdown of the biggest moves and grades for each.
Pittsburgh Steelers had a flurry of big moves during the 2025 off-season
Pittsburgh Steelers key additions during 2025 off-season
DK Metcalf: A
The offseason started with a bang as the Steelers traded a 2025 second-round pick to Seattle for DK Metcalf. The two-time Pro Bowler brings elite physicality, deep-threat ability, and toughness to an offense that lacked explosive playmaking.
His four-year, $132 million extension was steep, but necessary to solidify him as WR1. Metcalf fits the Steelers' blue-collar DNA and gives Aaron Rodgers a true go-to target.
All things considered, it was a great move to spark the overhaul.
Aaron Rodgers: A
I’ll be honest—when the Steelers parted ways with both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields in the same week, I was nervous.
Quarterback uncertainty is never comfortable. But they had a plan. Bringing in Aaron Rodgers on a one-year, $13.65 million deal is genius. He’s a future Hall of Famer and still has enough left in the tank to compete. Rodgers gives this team instant credibility and leadership. It also sets up a development window for Will Howard or Mason Rudolph.
For the price and the upside, it’s a home run.
Jalen Ramsey: B+
Trading for Jalen Ramsey came at a cost—Minkah Fitzpatrick and draft picks—but I think it’ll be worth it.
Ramsey is still a top-tier cornerback when healthy, and pairing him with Darius Slay and Joey Porter Jr. gives Pittsburgh a fearsome secondary. His four-year, $84.7 million extension with $19.5 million guaranteed shows confidence in his longevity. If Ramsey returns to form, this move will look brilliant.
Jonnu Smith: A-
Jonnu Smith was a quiet addition that could make a loud impact.
With Arthur Smith calling plays and Aaron Rodgers under center, having a tight end like Jonnu—who caught 88 balls for 884 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2024—adds another layer to this new-look offense. He brings versatility, toughness, and reliability.
This was a savvy addition.
Darius Slay: B
Adding a 33-year-old corner isn’t usually flashy, but Darius Slay isn’t your average vet.
His six Pro Bowls and Super Bowl experience make him a valuable asset. He’ll likely rotate more than start full-time, but as a mentor to Joey Porter Jr. and a complement to Ramsey, his presence is welcome. A solid move with limited downside.
Pittsburgh Steelers key departures during 2025 off-season
Minkah Fitzpatrick: B-
Seeing Minkah go stung, no question. But production matters.
He had just one interception over the past two seasons and was entering a contract year that would’ve cost the Steelers big. I appreciate everything he brought since 2019, but I also understand the business side of this decision. We’ll remember the big moments.
George Pickens: B
This one was emotionally tough, but necessary. Pickens was dynamic, no doubt—174 receptions, 2,841 yards, and 12 TDs since 2022—but his attitude often outweighed his production. Pittsburgh doesn’t tolerate distractions, and sending him to Dallas felt like hitting the reset button.
The talent was undeniable, but so were the headaches.
Najee Harris: B
Najee was the definition of consistent—four straight 1,000-yard seasons—but Arthur Smith’s offense needed a different type of back. Letting Harris go and handing the reins to Jaylen Warren was a bold call, but one that feels right for the system.
I’ll always appreciate Najee’s grit and wish him success in L.A.
Pittsburgh Steelers retained key pieces during 2025 off-season
Omar Khan: A+
Omar Khan deserves every bit of praise and every dollar of his three-year extension.
His fearless approach to the offseason changed the entire tone of this franchise. From trades to signings to cap management, Khan proved he's building something big in Pittsburgh. We haven’t seen this kind of boldness in years—and I love it.
Jaylen Warren – B+
With Najee gone, the spotlight turns to Warren.
His restricted tender worth $5.3 million is fair value for a back who earned it. In 2024, he racked up four touchdowns and looked sharp as a dual-threat runner. He’ll be in a training camp battle with rookie Kaleb Johnson, but Warren has earned this chance to start.
T.J. Watt – A+
The most important move of the offseason.
T.J. Watt's three-year, $123 million extension—with $108 million guaranteed—cements his legacy in Pittsburgh. Since 2017, he’s racked up 108 sacks and 33 forced fumbles. He’s the heart of this team, and locking him down ensures that the defense will continue to revolve around his unmatched intensity.
This deal was overdue and absolutely essential.
Final Grade: B+
The Steelers took chances this offseason.
Some were expensive, others controversial, but most were calculated. The front office retooled nearly every level of the roster while maintaining key foundational pieces. They added proven stars, let go of distractions, and created an identity that screams urgency and focus.
This kind of offseason doesn’t guarantee a championship, but it guarantees we won’t see the same old Pittsburgh. And as a fan, that’s all I’ve wanted.
If this roster can stay healthy and the chemistry clicks, don’t be surprised if the Steelers shock the NFL in 2025.
For now, I give Omar Khan and the Steelers a strong B+ and room to make it an A by season’s end.
