Pittsburgh’s Change Is Right here. It is Simply Addition By Subtraction.

Change was coming. That was the sentiment and expectation for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offseason. And although a few of Mike Tomlin’s quotes have been exaggerated, his solely point out of it was a banal acknowledgment that turnover is fixed and alter is sorely wanted. One other non-playoff win season, a historic collapse, a group that felt caught and spinning its wheels.

So, change was sure to occur. It’s come by uncharacteristically splashy strikes like buying and selling for WR DK Metcalf, an acquisition that felt onerous to even dream of. Aaron Rodgers can be much less stunning, however nonetheless, a giant shift in comparison with group rhetoric and, for the second straight season, a whole turnover within the quarterback room.

However change has largely come by who isn’t returning in 2025. A large quantity of 2024 snaps have been signed out the door, needing to get replaced by both new additions or younger gamers poised to take new and bigger roles. The Steelers ‘ roster will look considerably totally different regardless of how the subsequent weeks and months go.

With out formally tallying up every group’s losses, Pittsburgh might have had extra free brokers signed away than some other group. From starters to position gamers to backups, the Steelers have watched identify after identify stroll and ink offers elsewhere: RB Najee Harris, QB Justin Fields, WR Mike Williams, QB Kyle Allen, C/G Nate Herbig, CB Donte Jackson, ILB Elandon Roberts, OG James Daniels, DL Larry Ogunjobi (launched, signed by Buffalo, after which suspended). OT Dan Moore Jr. and WR Van Jefferson.

Contemplating simply offensive and defensive snaps, that’s 4,944 of them formally gone from 2024. It doesn’t even rely EDGE Preston Smith, lower by Pittsburgh as certainly one of their first orders of enterprise, or different free brokers unsigned like S Damonte Kazee and DL Isaiahh Loudermilk or the untendered EDGE Jeremiah Moon. 

The one names they’ve introduced again are restricted free agent RB Jaylen Warren, a no brainer, and a pair of receivers, Ben Skowronek and Scotty Miller. Skowronek is a No. 5 receiver, a particular teamer, and a giant personnel run blocker, whereas Miller’s deal is undoubtedly for the minimal, with no assurances he makes the 53-man roster.

That’s not a critique. A lot of the gamers who have been misplaced have been anticipated to go away. The one true surprises are ILB Elandon Roberts, who appeared destined to return, and, to a lesser extent, QB Justin Fields, whom the group wished again however misplaced because of the New York Jets’ considerably stronger supply.

Metcalf was the highest identify, however Pittsburgh has steadily added behind him. Darius Slay and Brandin Echols bolster the cornerback room. Kenneth Gainwell was a distinct segment however shrewd signing for an offense trying so as to add extra juice. Harrison replaces Roberts and, at worst, assumes Tyler Matakevich’s particular groups snaps. And the newest addition of defensive lineman Daniel Ekuale, who ought to, at worst, substitute Isaiahh Loudermilk.

How significantly better will it make Pittsburgh? That continues to be to be seen. Did they remodel themselves into Tremendous Bowl contenders? No. That received’t occur till they discover a long-term choice at quarterback, one thing unlikely to be unearthed this yr. However it is change.

It’s why, for the primary time in what appears like eternally, Pittsburgh may have a critical haul of 2026 compensatory picks. Not for the reason that 2017 NFL Draft has Pittsburgh had a number of compensatory alternatives, and if their present projection of 4—the utmost—comes true, it’ll be for the primary time.

Arguing the Steelers are nonetheless making extra adjustments across the edges than addressing core issues is legitimate. Pittsburgh nonetheless stubbornly believes in its potential to win now, a motivation pushed by an getting older protection and want to win, whereas Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt, and Minkah Fitzpatrick function its pillars.

This hasn’t been an ideal offseason, and I’ve robust critiques about how Pittsburgh has dealt with quarterbacks primarily each step of the best way since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement. However it’s an offseason replete with change. It’s a begin.