Steelers’ Offensive Set of ‘Triplets’ Given Underwhelming Rank

For years on end, the Pittsburgh Steelers have adopted a team-oriented approach. The franchise having such a high floor every season is no coincidence, as it stems from a well-rounded roster.

The 2025 campaign, admittedly, did see the club go more all-in on certain investments. Bringing in players like Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Darius Slay, Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith isn’t a long-term strategy. Still, the Steelers will have to rely on everyone to advance deep in the playoffs.

On offense, how do their key pieces stack up with the rest of the NFL? That’s what the CBS Sports crew set out to decipher. In a story published by Jared Dubin, he and nine other panel members voted on “triplets” for each team. Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback, running back and wide receiver combo didn’t get much love.

Steelers’ Key Trio Has ‘Plenty of Room for Improvement’

Stuck in tier six, the Steelers were alongside the New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets, Chicago Bears and Denver Broncos. It’s a 25th overall triplet ranking for Pittsburgh. Their peak was 21st, whereas their low point was 30th.

According to Dubin, Rodgers just won’t do enough with Metcalf and Jaylen Warren to earn a higher spot right now.

“This is a hard fall for Rodgers, whose Jets amazingly checked in ninth in last year’s rankings, about which I was very confused at the time,” Dubin wrote. “Now, he, Warren and Metcalf only have the Steelers one spot higher than they were with Russell Wilson, Najee Harris and George Pickens did a year ago. Perhaps you’re a big Kaleb Johnson guy and think he breaks out and therefore the Steelers should be higher, but given the way Rodgers has played since his last MVP season in 2021, being in the bottom third of the league feels right for one of his trios.”

It’s this writer’s take that the trio should be a bit higher, but it’s hard to argue with Dubin’s logic. Despite throwing for 28 touchdowns a season ago, Rodgers isn’t viewed as a premier quarterback anymore. Warren, who’s gotten some buzz this offseason, has a career-high rushing mark of 784 yards in a season. It’s no guarantee that moving on from Harris will unlock a star.

Metcalf, unfortunately, finds himself in a similar boat to Rodgers. The NFL isn’t certain he’s a top-flight No. 1 wideout anymore. Luckily for him, he’s still young enough to change that narrative and doesn’t have much direct competition for targets. There’s simply a lot to figure out with this projected top trio, which surely contributed to its ranking.

Pittsburgh’s Offensive Depth Will Certainly Be Tested in 2025 Season

Even with a future Hall of Fame man like Rodgers leading the way, the Steelers’ offense will be team-oriented. No one player will carry the group to the promised land.

As Dubin alluded to, Johnson must be taken into account at halfback. He isn’t expected to take Warren’s starting role early but with there being a clear path to snaps, it’s hard to be all-in on Warren being a household name. No wideout can sniff Metcalf’s talent level, but the tight end spot has two legitimate pieces.

Pat Freiermuth was already entrenched as a nice option before Smith came to town. Considering Smith is coming off an 884-yard, 8-touchdown Pro Bowl season, it’s easy to see him being a featured weapon. He’s excited for whatever his role ends up being.

When you take a questionable starter trio and add in some considerable depth behind them, this is the result you get. The Steelers can certainly win plenty of games this way, but it decreases their margin for error if the stars aren’t doing the heavy lifting.