Updating the Pittsburgh Steelers Team Needs after Free Agency

The Pittsburgh Steelers fan base has been hoping for major changes to happen since the season ended and Mike Tomlin declared change necessary. But have we seen the type of change we all expected?

Probably not.

Throughout the process of free agency, and player acquisition, there are team needs which need to be addressed one way or another. With the first couple waves of NFL Free Agency over, it is time to go back and see where we had the team need rankings before the start of the new league year.

It’s always important to note these needs can be addressed in a multitude of ways. The team can sign free agents, including their own free agents, players can be traded, and they can also address them in the 2025 NFL Draft. Some team needs should be addressed by one, or more than one of these methods.

Before going into the rankings, let’s talk about the seven team needs before the start of the new league year.

Offense

Wide Receiver
Quarterback
Offensive Guard
Running Back

Defense

Cornerback
Safety
Defensive Tackle/End

As for the rankings of those team needs, here is what I came up with before the start of Free Agency:

1 – Quarterback

2 – Cornerback 

3 – Wide Receiver 

4 – Defensive Tackle/End 

5 – Running Back 

6 – Offensive Guard

7 – Safety 

With players acquired, and lost, it is time to take a look at the most up-to-date rankings at positions of need, and why they rank the way they do:

1 — Defensive Tackle/End

After free agency, the defensive line has moved to the top team need for the Steelers considering the fact the team hasn’t added anyone who would be considered a starter. On top of that, they parted ways with Larry Ogunjobi for cap purposes. The additions have all been for depth, and major holes on the defensive line remain.

2 — Quarterback

The Steelers quarterback situation is unsettled, but it doesn’t mean the team has done nothing while waiting for Aaron Rodgers to make a decision on his plans in 2025. Regardless, the Steelers signing Mason Rudolph provides some insurance, but the hope of Rodgers choosing Pittsburgh, and not retirement, this season makes the most sense. However, it doesn’t mean quarterback is no longer a team need as the team continues to try and meander its way through QB purgatory.

3 — Running Back

I love Jaylen Warren, and the acquisition of Kenneth Gainwell (Kenny G), but the team still needs someone with a unique style who can also carry the majority of the workload. Say what you want about Najee Harris, but the guy did just that since he was drafted in the 1st Round of the 2021 NFL Draft. I expect the Steelers to draft a running back, which is why this position remains on the team needs rankings.

4 — Offensive Guard

Yes, the Steelers acquired Lecitus Smith off waivers from the New England Patriots, but I’d love to see them add a more proven commodity at the interior of the offensive line. There are still some solid veteran guards on the open market, and I wouldn’t be opposed to drafting one in the late rounds of Day 3 if it means having an insurance policy behind Mason McCormick and/or Isaac Seumalo. Then again, maybe the organization thinks highly of Spencer Anderson as that guy.

5 — Cornerback

I loved the signing of Darius Slay and Brandin Echols, but Slay is 34 and is on a one year contract. The team needs to think more about the future of the position, and drafting a player who can pair with Joey Porter Jr. in the long term would be ideal. Then again, just like I said with Anderson at the guard position, maybe the team is high on Cory Trice Jr. as that guy…but his health issues certainly have a cloud hanging over that plan.

6 — Safety

Juan Thornhill is certainly an upgrade over Damontae Kazee, and DeShon Elliott was one of the bright spots on the Steelers defense last season. Minkah Fitzpatrick has had his issues the past three seasons, but the team adding some talent in the back end, especially young talent, wouldn’t be a bad thing. A safety who can flex down into the box and cover tight ends would be ideal as the team looks to think about the future of the secondary.

7 — Wide Receiver

Wide receiver remains a team need, and would move up from the No. 7 spot if the team decided to part ways with George Pickens via trade. Either way, I still foresee the team drafting a wide receiver, which keeps this position a team need. Thinking long term, Pickens is unlikely to return after his rookie contract, and Calvin Austin III will also be a free agent at that time. Preparing for the future will be key.

What would your team needs be for the Steelers heading into the 2025 NFL Draft? Let us know in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the rest of the offseason.