Steelers Need Bold Moves to Compete in a Stacked AFC

The Pittsburgh Steelers have always been known for their disciplined approach to building a roster—relying on the draft, developing homegrown talent, and making smart, calculated moves in free agency. But under Omar Khan and Andy Weidl, there’s been a noticeable shift. The Steelers are showing a willingness to be bolder and take bigger swings in their pursuit of top-tier talent.

Last offseason, they didn’t land a big-name wide receiver—not for lack of effort. The front office made serious pushes for stars like Brandon Aiyuk and Davante Adams, proving they’re ready to make aggressive moves to improve the team.

With the 2025 offseason approaching, it’s time for Pittsburgh to take that same energy and turn it up a notch. If they want to compete in a stacked AFC, they need to target impact players at key positions. Names like Davante Adams, Chris Godwin, Byron Murphy, Charvarius Ward, and Javon Hargrave should be high on their list. These are the types of moves that could elevate the Steelers beyond just a first-round exit.

Pittsburgh is on the right track, but they’re still a few pieces away from being a true threat. There’s no obvious quarterback target this offseason, so their focus should be on other areas. The Steelers’ offense lacked explosiveness in 2024, and a big part of that was the lack of talent at wide receiver outside of George Pickens. Without another legitimate playmaker, defenses were able to scheme against the Steelers’ offense with ease.

Adding Tee Higgins (if available) would give Pittsburgh a legitimate 1A/1B duo with Pickens, making life difficult for opposing secondaries. Chris Godwin brings polished route-running and along with Adams, championship experience, providing a steady presence in the passing game. Given that the Steelers were already aggressive in trying to trade for top receivers last year, it wouldn’t be surprising if they make another strong push this offseason, but this time with more urgency.

On the defensive side, Joey Porter Jr. showed promise in his first two seasons, but the Steelers need another high-end corner to lock down the secondary. Byron Murphy is a versatile defender who can handle top receivers and thrive in a physical scheme. Charvarius Ward, a tough, press-man corner, would also complement Porter Jr. and give Pittsburgh one of the most formidable young CB duos in the league. With Donte Jackson set to hit free agency, the Steelers can’t afford to neglect this position. Strengthening the secondary will also bolster the pass rush, creating a more complete defense.

The Steelers’ defensive line is a strength, but adding a dominant force like Javon Hargrave could take it to another level. Hargrave, a former Steeler, has thrived in both Philadelphia and San Francisco, proving he can be a disruptive interior presence. Pairing him with Cameron Heyward, Keeanu Benton, T.J. Watt, and Alex Highsmith would give Pittsburgh a defensive front capable of wrecking any offensive game plan.

Recent history shows that Pittsburgh isn’t afraid to be aggressive when needed. They traded a first-round pick for Minkah Fitzpatrick, who immediately made a big impact in the secondary. They invested in free-agent guards Isaac Seumalo and James Daniels, addressing a long-standing issue on the offensive line. They took swings at quarterbacks, pursuing Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. They pushed for elite wide receivers, attempting to acquire Brandon Aiyuk, Davante Adams, and Christian Kirk.

With cap space and roster flexibility, the Steelers have the means to make major upgrades. If they land their top targets, they’ll take a significant step toward becoming a true contender. The Steelers have a playoff-caliber foundation, but if they want to advance in the single-elimination tournament, they need to stay aggressive. The front office has already shown it’s willing to make bold moves—now it’s time to go all in. Adding elite talent at wide receiver, cornerback, and defensive line could be the difference between another early playoff exit and a deep postseason run.

This offseason could be a big one for the Steelers. They have the opportunity to bring in top-tier talent at multiple positions. The question isn’t whether they’ll make moves—it’s how big they’ll go.