The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially turned the page on the 2024 season with a bold roster shake-up, as they unveil their 2025 starting lineup. After a series of offseason moves, including key trades, free-agent signings, and internal promotions, the Steelers are positioning themselves for a fresh push in the AFC North. Let’s break down the latest moves and what the team’s new starting 11 will look like.
Key Moves in the Offseason
Pittsburgh’s front office made several moves designed to bolster both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. The most eye-catching of those was the acquisition of veteran wide receiver Mike Williams, who joins a talented group of pass-catchers. Williams is expected to add a significant deep threat to the receiving corps, giving quarterback Kenny Pickett a reliable target on the outside.
On the defensive side, the Steelers made an aggressive trade to add a disruptive pass rusher in the form of DeForest Buckner, a move that strengthens an already ferocious defense. The addition of Buckner alongside T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward should give Pittsburgh one of the most feared front sevens in the league.
Additionally, the Steelers made some key resignings, including the return of offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr., and brought in rookie linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to add some youth and speed to the defense.
The 2025 Starting Lineup
With training camp in full swing and preseason games underway, head coach Mike Tomlin has officially confirmed the starting 11 for the 2025 season opener. Here’s what the lineup will look like:
Offense
- Quarterback: Kenny Pickett
- Running Back: Najee Harris
- Wide Receivers: George Pickens, Mike Williams, Diontae Johnson
- Tight End: Pat Freiermuth
- Offensive Line:
- Left Tackle: Broderick Jones
- Left Guard: Isaac Seumalo
- Center: Mason Cole
- Right Guard: James Daniels
- Right Tackle: Dan Moore Jr.
The offense is centered around Kenny Pickett’s growth as the team’s quarterback. With a revamped receiving corps, Pickett has multiple weapons at his disposal, including the deep threat in Mike Williams. Najee Harris returns as the featured back, with Pat Freiermuth continuing to be a reliable option in the passing game. The offensive line, which was a point of focus last season, is expected to be more cohesive with new additions and players returning from injury.
Defense
- Defensive Line:
- Left Defensive End: Cam Heyward
- Nose Tackle: DeForest Buckner
- Right Defensive End: T.J. Watt
- Linebackers:
- Left Outside Linebacker: Alex Highsmith
- Inside Linebackers: Tremaine Edmunds, Myles Jack
- Right Outside Linebacker: Marcus Golden
- Secondary:
- Left Cornerback: Joey Porter Jr.
- Right Cornerback: Patrick Peterson
- Free Safety: Minkah Fitzpatrick
- Strong Safety: Keanu Neal
On defense, the Steelers’ front seven is stacked with talent, starting with the dynamic trio of Watt, Heyward, and Buckner. They’ll wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks, while Highsmith, Golden, and Edmunds will provide added pressure. The secondary is just as formidable, with veteran Patrick Peterson alongside rising star Joey Porter Jr. at cornerback. Fitzpatrick continues to be the backbone of the secondary at safety, with Keanu Neal adding versatility.
What This Shake-Up Means for the Steelers
This strategic shake-up represents a clear message from the Steelers: they are all-in on competing for a deep playoff run in 2025. With the combination of seasoned veterans and exciting young talent, Pittsburgh is aiming to reclaim its spot atop the AFC North and make noise in the postseason.
The 2025 Steelers will be a team to watch, with a potent offense that looks to evolve under Pickett’s leadership, complemented by a defense that could become one of the league’s most dominant units. Whether this revamped roster can live up to the hype remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain: Pittsburgh is pushing all their chips in for a championship run this season.
Leave a Reply