Steelers 2024 Season Wrap Up - Roster Review

Welcome to part II of the 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers season in review. In this column, I will reflect on how each of the players on the roster performed this past season and what might be in store for them when the 2025 season approaches. 

The breakdown of the players will be by position and what better place to start than what was supposed to be the most critical position this past season, quarterback. 

Russell Wilson (QB). Because of his contract with the Denver Broncos, Wilson was signed to the Steelers before the season began and got him for a bargain basement price. Given his history in Seattle, it was thought to be a steal. Because of an injury, it took the first six games before he could become the starter. After being a part of a 10-3 start to the season, Wilson’s performance declined in the five-game losing streak that ended the season. Now he and Justin Fields are free agents so do the Steelers bring Wilson and Fields back? Or do they sign one of the two or neither for 2025? It appears that Omar Kahn may let Wilson walk and go with Fields. Unless a better option is found, the next season may be about Justin Fields. Don’t be surprised however if Fields is allowed to sign elsewhere and Russell Wilson is used to mentor a new young quarterback, however he arrives be it in the draft or elsewhere.

Justin Fields (QB). There are many who think Mike Tomlin made a strategical error in not keeping Justin Fields the starter after he was the quarterback for four victories in the first six games. We may never know what it might have been like if Fields were not brought back next season. It’s easy to declare that Fields is a better athlete than Russell Wilson. But is Justin Fields a franchise quarterback? I think not. It won’t be long before we know if Fields is returning or signing elsewhere.

Kyle Allen (QB). Allen got in for a few plays and picked up some yardage. However, he was signed as a security blanket and perhaps he may return in the same role in 2025 or placed on the practice squad.

Najee Harris (RB). While Harris has had multiple 1,000-yard seasons and he runs extremely hard, he still lacks that something “extra” that backs like Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley have. That is what the Steelers need to boost the offense, not just a serviceable running back like Harris has performed. Najee is a free agent this year and the word on the street is that Pittsburgh is going to allow him to sign elsewhere. If that becomes the case, then I believe Jaylen Warren is set to step into the role of primary back.

Jaylen Warren (RB). Warren has fought off some injuries but when healthy he is an absolute threat not just running with the ball but as a receiver as well. Heading into the 2025 season he will need a complementary back to join him in the backfield. But he deserves far more touches next season.

Cordarrelle Patterson (RB/KR). Patterson was signed to the team with the thought he was going to be a kick return threat. In the end, he missed games due to injuries and did more as a running back than as a kick returner. His addition to the team was more of a band aid than anything else and I would not expect his return in 2025.

George Pickens (WR). With the trade of Diontae Johnson, George Pickens became the #1 receiver. Heading into the 2024 season he already had a negative reputation regarding his immaturity and attitude. That continued this past season, and it caused head coach Mike Tomlin to go public saying Pickens needed to grow up and in one case Tomlin said he need to mature “quickly.” Pickens didn’t. There is talk about using him as trade bait to acquire either an accomplished veteran or some draft picks. I’m all for it. As talented as Pickens is, he does not fit the character model of what a typical player for Pittsburgh should be. 

Calvin Austin (WR). Despite his smaller size, Austin made some good plays as a receiver and shined as a kick returner. I believe Austin is valuable enough and young enough to keep on the roster. The Steelers offense is going to need as many weapons as they can get next season, and Austin does fit that mode.

Van Jefferson (WR). One of several free agents that were new to the Steelers in 2024, Jefferson is not the type of explosive receiver like George Pickens. He made some nice catches here and there but a better replacement for the next season makes more sense.

Scotty Miller (WR). Miller had been brought up from the practice squad and then was eventually released. I think we’ve seen the last of Miller. 

Ben Skowronek (WR). Much like Miller, a few clutch catches but Skowronek is far from earning starter status. Depending on how the depth chart develops, maybe Skowronek will be retained on the practice squad.

Mike Williams (WR). With a solid history, the veteran receiver was thought to be a deep threat for Pittsburgh. As he did make several outstanding receptions for long yardage, he is older and if there is room on the roster, I say bring him back for another go around.

Pat Freiermuth (TE). Freiermuth just recently signed an extension so he will return but while 2024 was supposed to be a breakout season for the Steelers top tight end, new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith did not plan enough around using Freiermuth. He is an excellent receiver, and he needs to be more of a weapon in 2025.

MyCole Pruitt (TE). Pruitt is a 10-year veteran and with just six receptions in 2024, most likely he won’t be back.

Darnell Washington (TE). Washington is one of the biggest tight ends (6’7”, 264) in the league and he should probably get more touches next season because when he catches the ball and turns up field, he is exceedingly difficult to bring down making him a dangerous weapon. The 2024 season was just his second in the league and he improved from seven receptions in his rookie season to 19 this past season. His yards per reception also went up from 8.7 to 10.5. 

Connor Heyward (TE/FB). Heyward is more of a blocking tight end and fullback but is effective when he has the ball. There is no doubt he will return next season. His reception total dropped way off this past season and with Freiermuth and Washington in front of him, that number will probably not increase much in 2025. 

Zach Frazier (C). The offensive line discussion begins with the team’s rookie of the year who stepped in at center and never looked back. Frazier’s rookie season was a solid one and he gave the impression he is going to fall right in line with the type of career some of his predecessors had such as Mike Webster, Dermontti Dawson, and Maurkice Pouncey. A long and distinguished career. 

Spencer Anderson (OL). Only in his second season, Anderson appeared in all 17 games this past season starting four. He will return for another go round in 2025.

Broderick Jones (OT). If you talk about a player that has had ups and downs in just two seasons playing for the Steelers, then it might be Broderick Jones. Projected as a stud on the offensive line, Jones went from starter to being benched back to a starting role but has yet to play consistently on the level expected of him. 2025 will be a make-or-break season for Jones and you can count on that.

Dan Moore (OT). Moore has been a steady force up front on the line starting in every one of the 66 games he has played. He missed one game in his rookie season of 2021 and then another in 2023. There has been a buzz about not being able to keep him around with Troy Fautanu becoming the Steelers first overall pick in 2024, but I believe allowing him to sign elsewhere would be a big mistake.

Ryan McCollum (C). Primarily a backup after playing his rookie season in Detroit, McCollum is a fill in having started in just three out of 30 games in his two-year career. With Zack Frazier ahead of him on the depth chart, he will never surpass Frazier and become the starting center. My money is on this player being released or not making the team next season. 

Mason McCormick (G). One of the biggest surprises of 2024 is McCormick who as a rookie earned a starting job and never looked back. McCormick started 14 of the 17 games and he can and probably will get better next season. 

Max Scharping (G). I had no idea who this guy was until I looked at the roster. That’s probably because he was in just two games this past season. I can’t see how he makes the team in 2025. 

Isaac Seumalo (G). Seumalo is a solid guard who after winning a Super Bowl with the Eagles came to Pittsburgh and became an instant starter. Injuries limited his play this past season, but his veteran leadership and skills make his return a no brainer. 

Chris Boswell (K). There is not much that needs to be said about Bos. He is absolutely one of the best if not the best kicker in the NFL right now. ‘Nuff said.

Beanie Bishop (CB). Bishop had a streak of interceptions this past season then slowed down. As an undrafted rookie free agent, he certainly opened eyes in 2024, and his potential is enough to give him another look next season. He finished the season with four picks after intercepting one against the Giants and two more a week later facing the Jets and then didn’t have another the rest of the year. With room to grow and having learned much in 2024, Bishop has potential to be one of the best in the league.

Donte Jackson (CB). One of several players grabbed in free agency in the off-season last year, Jackson got off to a fast start but whether the Steelers bring him back again remains to be seen. One thing is for sure, Pittsburgh can absolutely do better than Jackson at his position.

James Pierre (CB). A utility player in the secondary, Pierre, showed enough last season that he will certainly return to training camp next summer to compete.

Joey Porter (CB). Joey Porter Sr’s son had a spectacular rookie season then took a small step backwards in 2024. Hopefully, he learned from his sophomore season and will be better than his first season in 2023 when he steps on the field in 2025.

Cameron Sutton (CB). Sutton was suspended by the NFL and then released by his former team, the Detroit Lions. The Steelers brought him back to the city where he got his start and now that his troubles are behind him, I expect Pittsburgh to bring him back again.

Cory Trice (DB). Trice was a hot prospect when drafted then he suffered an injury ending his rookie season. He is still in the learning stages and growing into the NFL style, but he has much promise and is a bright spot heading into 2025. 

Keeanu Benton (DL). Benton became a force on the defensive line in 2024 and his future with the Steelers is a shining star.

Cameron Heyward (DT). Heyward was a prime example of age in the NFL is not a factor. Heyward had an outstanding season so the question now is can he do it again? We will know come September. 

Isaiahh Loudermilk (DT). Loudermilk made some big plays and has potential. A starter? Probably not yet. But he will be back next season. 

Dean Lowry (DT). A castoff from the Green Bay Packers and the Vikings, Lowry joined the Steelers in 2024 and saw little playing time. It’s highly unlikely he will be a factor next season. 

Larry Ogunjobi (DT). Teamed with Benton and Heyward up front on the defensive line, that three-some combined to create a formidable force when all were on their game. Ogunjobi will go into his ninth season in 2025 after playing for Cleveland, Cincinnati and now the Steelers.

Nick Herbig (LB). I believe that with Peyton Wilson, Herbig and Wilson could become an extremely dangerous linebacking duo. Their styles are remarkably similar, and all three have high motors. 

Alex Highsmith (LB). The potential is there for the Pittsburgh Steelers to have the best linebacking unit in the NFL. The problem is getting them to play at their highest level on a consistent basis. If they did that the combination of Highsmith, Herbig, Wilson, Queen, Roberts, and of course T.J. Watt could be a lethal unit.

Tyler Matakevich (LB). Mostly a special team’s player, Matakevich got his start with the Steelers in 2016 then played for the Buffalo Bills for several years before coming back to his roots. A scrappy but determined player, Matakevich is a valuable piece of the special team’s unit while at the ready to fill in at linebacker.

Jeremiah Moon (LB). Having just completed his second season as an undrafted rookie in 2023, Moon will be brought back to compete for a roster spot in 2025. 

Patrick Queen (LB). I expect to see a much-improved Queen in 2025 now that he has had a full season with the Steelers and knows the system well. 

Elandon Roberts (LB). An outstanding run stopper, Roberts is too valuable to let him leave. Pittsburgh’s linebackers have always been strong, and Roberts adds to the run defense in a big way.

Mark Robinson (LB). Robinson has shown some real potential in the minutes he received on the field in his first two seasons, and he is an intriguing player who deserves another chance in 2025. But with such a deep linebacking corps, earning a starting role will be difficult.

Preston Smith (LB). Once a full-time starter in Green Bay and in Washington, when the Packers released Smith in 2024 during the season, he was thought to be a good signing and would have an impact. He was suited for the Steelers’ final eight games and did have two sacks and made 13 tackles. At 32 years old, going on 33, his age will be a factor in his ability to earn a roster spot at linebacker given the youth Pittsburgh has at the position.

T.J. Watt (LB). As one of the best linebackers in the NFL for years, Watt essentially became a ghost at the end of the season. Can he return to form in 2025? My opinion is he is a valuable tool for trade bait. Will the Steelers pull the trigger on such a move? I doubt it. However, it could help the team with some high draft picks. Unless there’s a major surprise, expect Watt back for another year and he will be more determined than ever.

Payton Wilson (LB). Magnificent rookie season for Wilson. This kid is for real and is an extremely bright spot for the future.

Christian Kuntz (LS). This is Kuntz’s job to lose. He has no competition, meaning he will be the long snapper again in 2025.

Corliss Waitman (P). Waitman replaced Cameron Johnston and set the highest net punting yards in Steelers history breaking Pressley Harvin’s record. Waitman’s average was 41.9. Stat started being tracked in 1976. Harvin’s mark was 41.1.

DeShon Elliott (S). Elliott was one of a handful of free agents signing the Steelers completed in what amounted to a busy offseason before the 2024 campaign began. It was Elliott, Russell Wilson, Patrick Queen, Kyle Allen, Dean Lowry, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Donte Jackson to name a few. Elliott spoke his mind often to the media and on the field, he was decent, but I think the Steelers can do better at safety. 

Minkah Fitzpatrick (S). For me, Minkah Fitzpatrick has been a disappointment since coming to the Steelers in 2019. When he became a Steeler, he was an instant hit with five interceptions then the following season picked off four more. In 2022 he led the league with six interceptions but in the last two seasons his play has dropped dramatically. Without a single pickoff in 2023 and then just one in 2025, he just did not seem to be the impact player he was when he first arrived. It would not surprise me if the Steelers parted ways with Fitzpatrick before the next season begins.

Damontae Kazee (S). Kazee has made an occasional big play from time to time since coming to the Steelers in 2022, but his playing time has been limited and with Pittsburgh he is with his third team in the league (Dallas and Atlanta). His career began in 2017, and the Steelers may want to keep the team young so Kazee’s chance of staying with the team may be diminished next season. 

Miles Killebrew (S). Killebrew is the best special team’s player on the team in my opinion. He’s already been in the league nine seasons after spending the first five with Detroit but given his talents on special teams, he is going nowhere.

The following players were placed on the Reserve/Injured list for the 2024 season.

Calvin Anderson. (OT). Pittsburgh’s offensive line took massive hits this past season and it certainly had an impact on how the offense performed. Anderson came to Pittsburgh from Denver by way of New England and he has considerable size at 6’5” and 305 pounds and could have been a tremendous help up front but after just four games his season was done.

James Daniels. (OL). Daniels was a starter on the offensive line for the first four games and then bam, and injury ended his season. Daniels was the topic of discussions about whether he either being traded or not re-signed for 2025 so that remains to be seen. 

Troy Fautanu. (OT). Pittsburgh first overall draft pick for 2024 started the second game of the season in Atlanta and would have remined the starter except like Daniels he suffered an injury and now must wait until September to play another game. 

C.J. Henderson. (CB). Henderson’s career began in Jacksonville then he found himself playing for the Carolina Panthers only to be signed by Pittsburgh and then placed on injured reserve. Because he had no chance to show the Steelers what he can do, he will certainly be brought back for another shot in 2025.

Nate Herbig. (G). Given the men in front of him, Herbig will most likely get to training camp, but my bet is he doesn’t make the roster once the season begins. There is just too much talent in front of him.

Cameron Johnston (P). Johnston lost his job to injury and on came Corliss Waitman. Thanks to Waitman’s record setting performance, Johnston, who was a solid punter, has lost his job in Pittsburgh forever.

DeMarvin Leal (DE). Leal’s rookie season saw him start two games and appear in 11. The following season in 2023 he started in two more while playing in 12 of the 17 games. Then came 2024 and after five games he was done for the season. His potential cannot be ignored. Expect good things from Leal next season. 

Logan Lee DT (R). This kid’s rookie season never got started because of an injury he never made it to opening day. He’ll get another shot in 2025. 

David Perales (LB). Another undrafted rookie whose potential is completely untapped. 

Ryan Watts DB (R). This University of Texas sixth round pick in 2024 came to the Steelers with extremely lofty expectations only to see him placed on this list before the season began. He should be competitive come training camp in the Steelers’ secondary.

Roman Wilson (WR). Wilson was one of my personal biggest disappointments this past season. I was excited when Wilson was drafted as he came of winning the national championship with Michigan. The Steelers needed weapons on offense and Wilson would have been an integral part if he was healthy. He did try to make it back to the field, but he just could not get himself to 100%.

Cole Holcomb (LB). Holcomb was another disappointment. After opening eyes last season (2023), his season was cut short, and he has yet to get back to full recovery and pick up where he left off. With so much time off the field, if he can get back to full health it would be beneficial to the defense. 

Markus Golden (LB). Golden was signed before the season began then abruptly retired after playing for the Cardinals and Giants. We never got to see him on the field.

The bottom line on the 2024 season as we look back is that a fast start can always end up with a disappointing ending which is the story of the Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 campaign. While it appeared Pittsburgh would be a force in the playoffs, instead they ended up losing their final five games and it was season over.

Hall of Fame inductee and former Steelers cornerback, one of the best at his position in history, Rod Woodson went public recently with an outlook for his former team. Woodson said until the Steelers find another Ben Roethlisberger, they will not win another Super Bowl and may not even win a playoff game. Harsh words that I agree with as I’ve said, without an elite quarterback, there will not be another Lombardi Trophy brought back to the Steel City. 

The buzz is that only one of the two veteran quarterbacks on last season’s roster will be brought back in 2025. Either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields. All signs are pointing to Fields being the man. He was not given a fair shake to prove himself as a starter last season, but I would not lay all my chips on him being the answer. The search for the next great quarterback will continue.

Aside from improving quarterback play, the Steelers need much more. If George Pickens returns, they need a second receiver that can pose more of a threat. Their offensive line must stay healthy. The defense while having some great linebackers needs to learn how to stifle opposing defenses at opportune times. Then there is the coaching staff. I like Arthur Smith as the OC but I’m not in agreement with Tyrel Austin being retained. 

The defense needs better schemes and with all the talent it should be better. That falls back to coaching. Mike Tomlin is an excellent coach, and too much negativity surrounds his inability to win a playoff game. This season it was a simple fact that we just weren’t the best team out there. 



Brace yourselves Steelers Nation, this offseason and training camp is not only going to be intriguing, but it could be bumpy.