The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to have a rough offseason in 2025. The fan base is extremely worked up after ending the 2024 season on a five-game losing streak, which included a heartbreaking loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the postseason. It was a disappointing end to the year, and it has been a disappointing stretch for the Steelers over the last decade or so. The organization has not advanced in the playoffs since the 2016 season, and Head Coach Mike Tomlin has lost six consecutive playoff games.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin ahead of a 2024 home game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Steelers were also bounced in the first round of the playoffs after a 14-point loss during the 2023 season. The organization made some big moves during the 2024 offseason that were supposed to help the team get over the hump of that first weekend in the playoffs, however that clearly did not work out. Team insider Gerry Dulac joined The Rich Eisen Show, and he spoke about how the team is in a worse spot entering the 2025 offseason than it was just a year ago.
"When you look at all the moves they made in the offseason, after Art Rooney II issued that declaration that it's 'Time to start winning playoff games,' now what?" Dulac asked. "That's why you brought in Russell Wilson. That's why you gave Patrick Queen the biggest free agent contract you've ever done. That's why they moved on from Kenny Pickett and Diontae Johnson, two starters. Made a trade for Justin Fields."
General Manager Omar Khan was extremely aggressive during the 2024 offseason, and it seemed to pay off at certain points in the season. However, all of the offseason moves could not help the Steelers reach their final goal of going on a run in the postseason. The Steelers completely revamped the quarterback position during the 2024 offseason while also giving out the biggest free agent contract in franchise history to linebacker Patrick Queen, but none of that was enough.
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Steelers' Russell Wilson throws against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11 of the 2024 regular season.
Pittsburgh moved on from former first-round pick Kenny Pickett, and instead brought in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. The quarterback position saw a slight upgrade during the 2024 season, but now the organization finds itself with neither Wilson or Fields under contract for the 2025 season. Dulac continued talking about the Steelers’ situation heading into the 2025 offseason.
"All the moves they made were designed to, 'Hey, let's at least win a playoff game and see if we can't get this back on track.' And not only are they right back where they were last year, they're farther back than they were last year," Dulac said.
The Steelers are further back than they were during the 2024 offseason because there is absolutely no vision at the quarterback position. Some fans expect the organization to re-sign Fields, but that isn't a sure-fire upgrade over what was seen from the position in 2024. The only quarterback currently on the roster is Skyler Thompson, who no fans want to see behind center.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin congratulates George Pickens after a huge play against the Commanders in Week 10 of the 2024 regular season.
Steelers Could Lose More Talent Ahead Of The 2025 Season
A big topic during the offseason in Pittsburgh is going to be the future of wide receiver George Pickens. Pickens has had some character issues on and off the field, and some have speculated that the organization may be tired of putting up with him. He became eligible for an extension when the 2024 season came to a close, but it is likely the Steelers find another team to trade him to before the 2025 season kicks off.
The Steelers showed in 2024 that the team is a long, long way from making any noise in the postseason. It would be wise to get rid of a player like Pickens, mainly because Pittsburgh could get back some significant draft capital.
What do you think about Dulac's analysis? Do you agree?
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