Steelers Can Likely Save 2025 First Round Pick By Making 1 Simple Move To Create A Cost Effective DL Improvement

Immediately following the Pittsburgh Steelers' loss in the Wild Card Round against the Baltimore Ravens, the process of examining what went wrong and how to fix those issues began. That includes looking at likely free agents, possible trade targets, and draft selections. Steelers General Manager Omar Khan was more aggressive than fans are used to during the 2024 offseason. They swept the quarterback room clean and brought in three new signal-callers, signed Patrick Queen to their largest free agent contract in team history, and continued to rebuild the offensive line. However, they aren't necessarily better off this offseason. 

While the 2024 season ended much like the 2023 season, the offense, under Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, looked better than it did under Kenny Pickett. They still struggled to move the ball down the field consistently later in the season because George Pickens was their only real weapon. Fans are now frustrated with Pickens' attitude and demanding the team trade him, but the Steelers must look at the big picture. Wilson and Fields are free agents, as are 22 other players; that is a lot of potential holes.  

Pittsburgh will have the 21st pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and the debate has already begun on how they should use it. Regardless of what they do with Pickens, they desperately need a wide receiver. After dedicating the last four first-round picks to the offense, many feel the team should focus on the defensive line. Mark Kaboly from The Pat McAfee Show said on the 93.7 The Fan Morning Show that he understands why they say that, but thinks he has a better idea. 

"You got 35-year-old Cam Heyward, and you got a guy you're probably going to cut, that's why," explained Kaboly. "That's why it's out there. You know what you do? You move [Keeanu] Benton to the outside, and you go get a big, chubby nose tackle that can play 30% of the snaps. That's what I would do. I just fixed it in about two seconds. Bring in BJ Hill and move him [Benton] to the outside, and there you go, you're fixed."

Don't Tell Father Time, but while Cameron Heyward might be aging on paper, you wouldn't know it from his work on the field. In 2024, he led all defensive tackles for passes defended with 11. He was one of the most consistently impactful players on the defense. Keeanu Benton is considered his possible heir apparent, but moving him is an option if they get someone like BJ Hill. Hill, a former third-round pick, is currently with the Cincinnati Bengals and is a free agent. 

Heyward's partner, Larry Ogunjobi, is the player Kaboly said will likely be cut. Ogunjobi has not had the expected impact and comes with about a $10.5 million cap hit. There are cheaper ways to improve this expensive defense, thus preserving money for weapons. 

Steelers Have Many Big Decisions To Make

Head Coach Mike Tomlin has to make many decisions about the 2025 roster and how he wants the roster to look, starting at the top. The most significant decision might be which direction they will go at quarterback. They won't have to decide on just one; all three are free agents. Wilson and Fields both showed flashes of brilliance and poor decision-making while starting in black and gold, so the decision isn't clear-cut.

It seems like a no-brainer that an elite wide receiver would be at the top of that list. They will not just need one, either. They will also likely need to replace other key positions for free agents, such as running back Najee Harris, cornerbacks Donte Jackson and Cam Sutton, guard James Daniels, and safety Damontae Kazee.  

How do you think the Steelers should use their 2025 first-round pick? Tell us what you think below! 

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