A Big Problem Is Brewing For The Steelers In The AFC North

The Pittsburgh Steelers had the AFC North well within their grasp after a 10-3 start to the 2024 regular season. The month of December and a small stretch in January, however, won't be remembered. A five-game losing streak to end the year didn't just include giving up the rights to host a home playoff game, but also losing a Wild Card matchup to the division winner in the Baltimore Ravens. All four organizations have had ups and downs in recent years, but Pittsburgh is the only one not to win in the postseason since the 2020 campaign, which has caused some panic in the Steel City.

It's not going to get any easier in the AFC North moving forward, either. After another failure of a season from the Cleveland Browns, many believed that their franchise player, Myles Garrett, would be playing on a new team in 2025 after publicly requesting a trade. The tables turned quickly when he signed a deal that pays him, on average, $40 million per season.

Dan Moore Jr. was an experienced veteran, but still had troubles blocking the edge rusher, especially in Week 11 when he logged three sacks. Broderick Jones is expected to move to the left side after Moore's departure, while second-year lineman Troy Fautanu should be on the right. The Steelers' offensive line may have more than just Garrett to contend with in Cleveland soon, however, which could be a massive challenge.

The Browns have the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Some believe they may take Shedeur Sanders or trade back, but it's clear that the front office is considering partnering top defensive prospect Abdul Carter with Garrett. The Penn State Nittany Lion recently said that he is the best player in the country and ready to play as a defensive end or edge rusher. This could spell trouble for Jones and Fautanu.

Fans in the Steel City will certainly worry about the Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals more often, and this is valid, as Cleveland really has only had one or two good seasons in the 21st century. It also is true, though, that one of the reasons why the Steelers finish above .500 is because of divisional play. In fact, Pittsburgh hasn't had less than three victories within the AFC North since the 2009 campaign. A better Browns team makes this harder to accomplish.

If the Browns have Garrett inked to a long-term deal and Carter comes in on a rookie contract, which likely guarantees him at least four years in Cleveland, the duo could wreak havoc on the entire division. It wouldn't be ideal for a Steelers unit that is young on the outside. Fans can say what they would like about the Browns, but Garrett is one heck of a player and Carter has the potential to be a star.

This is one of the more unfortunate realties of the situation that Pittsburgh's coaching staff put Jones in. He clearly projected as a left tackle out of college, but he was kept on the right during his first two seasons in the NFL because of Moore. Now, he will have to get up to speed quickly, and seeing Garrett twice a year doesn't help. Adding Carter to the mix would make things even more difficult for Teryl Austin's defense.

The Browns may not have the quarterback situation figured out just yet, but having two elite pass rushers that are able to cause turnovers and get to the opposing signal-caller could make up for that while the franchise tries to fix the mess it made by trading for and then signing Deshaun Watson not too long ago.

Steelers Could Draft Offensive Lineman Again In 2025

Pittsburgh may have more pressing needs than the offensive line, but fans shouldn't be surprised if a tackle is taken on the third day. The organization needs some more depth and there aren't too many swing tackles still available in free agency. Overall, however, the prospect of Carter and Garrett working together should be looked at as threatening, because it absolutely would be.

Do you think that the Steelers will be able to handle a Browns pass rush with both Carter and Garrett? Let us know in the comments below!

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