The Pittsburgh Steelers finished the season with a record of 10-7. However, they fell short in the playoffs and did not win a playoff game. The last time the Steelers won a playoff game was January 15, 2017.
Mike Tomlin and the Steelers have been under scrutiny for their performances in the postseason. They got trounced by the Baltimore Ravens in the wild-card round.
Despite not winning a playoff game since 2017, Mike Tomlin is not going anywhere. Gerry Dulac of the Pgh Post-Gazette does not expect much change in the coaching staff.
Dulac provided some information on what to expect from the Pittsburgh Steelers in the offseason, and we will review some of the highlights below.
Pittsburgh Steelers Offseason Plans
Gerry Dulac provided information on what to expect from the Steelers in the offseason.
- More likely to turn to Justin Fields as QB1
- Do not expect much change in the coaching staff
- Want a running back with speed
- Expect a splash at wide receiver in free agency and NFL Draft
- George Pickens antics likely cost him a second deal with the Steelers
- First-round pick will likely be used on a defensive lineman
- Cory Trice Jr. likely to be promoted to CB2
This is a lot of information from Dulac.
Justin Fields Likely Starter in 2025
Justin Fields started the first six games for the Steelers in 2024 and went 4-2. The rushing attack was much better with Fields under center. Despite his lack of a passing attack, the Steelers still were a viable offense with Fields and he was getting better in each game. Tomlin decided to bench Fields and start Russell Wilson after six games, which looked good for a short period before Wilson flamed out. Dulac expects the Steelers to bring Fields back which means it is likely Russell Wilson will not return to the Steelers.
Do Not Expect Much Change In The Coaching Staff
This may surprise some, but not Steeler fans. The Steelers do not like to part ways with coaches who are still under contract. Mike Tomlin, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, and offensive line coach Pat Meyer are all under contract in 2025. This means the Steelers will retain their services next year. Austin and Meyer’s contract ends next season, which means the Steelers will not bring them back unless they see success in the postseason.
Steelers Want To Add Offensive Pieces & Do Not Plan To Offer WR George Pickens A Second Contract
During the 2024 offseason, the Steelers tried to acquire a star wide receiver. They were close to acquiring Brandon Aiyuk before he nixed the trade. The Steelers will try to make a splash at receiver in free agency and target a WR in the NFL Draft. This is a major weakness on the team and they need to add two WRs considering they do not plan to keep George Pickens. Pickens has been a headache and his antics will cost him a big contract. He is a talented WR but his mentality is overshadowing his talents.
Another move the Steelers want to make is adding a running back. The Steelers declined Najee Harris’ fifth-year option. He has not been the running back Pittsburgh hoped for. Jaylen Warren is likely to start in 2025 but the Steelers want to add a back with speed, similar to what the Lions have in Jahmyr Gibbs.
Defensive Moves: Expect DL In First Round & Corey Trice Jr. To Become CB2
The Pittsburgh Steelers were gashed on the ground by the Baltimore Ravens. Cam Heyward still played at an elite level in 2024 but he is getting older. Pittsburgh needs to revamp the defensive line. They have neglected the position for some time and need to invest their first-round pick to build their defensive line. Getting pressure on opposing QBs was challenging for the Steelers in the final few games of the regular season and the playoffs.
Another move the Steelers are expected to make is promoting Corey Trice Jr. to CB2 opposite Joey Porter Jr. The Steelers drafted Trice in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft but he was impressive enough to be considered the CB2 in 2025. This could mean the Steelers will not bring back CB Donte Jackson.
