On the most recent episode of the Pittsburgh Standard Time podcast, Greg Benevent and I did our best to identify positions where the Steelers are set for the 2025 season. With all the talk of positions the Steelers need, figuring out which ones are fine where they stand is very helpful.

It should be noted but even though the Steelers appeared to be set at the positions outlined below, there will still be some players added either as undrafted free agents, late round draft picks, or bargain free agents. There will always be a need for camp bodies. But when it comes to the top of the depth chart, the Steelers appear to be in good shape. As I always remind people, no player is ever truly safe from being upgraded in the NFL, if an upgrade is possible.

So here are the positions that Greg and I determined to be set for this coming year for the Steelers.

Offense

Center

The Steelers have seemed to have found their next center in second round draft pick Zach Frazier. Arguably the best lineman on the Steelers offense last season, Frazier is bringing stability to the center position the Steelers haven’t had for some time. Even though Ryan McCollum is not under contract as a backup, there’s still a good chance he could land back in Pittsburgh. Regardless, there are some other options even as a backup at center with Mason McCormick and Spencer Anderson. If the Steelers add a center, it’s not someone to fight for starting job.

Tight End

This is a position where the Steelers seem to have plenty of bodies available, and are probably utilizing more players on the roster at the position than they should. Pat Freiermuth just signed a contract extension last season while Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward are both on their rookie deals. Although the Steelers could choose to upgrade the position, it would be a major luxury and not out of necessity

Offensive Tackle?

This one seems to be set, but there could be some debate. Even though the Steelers starting left tackle for the last four seasons is a free agent, they are still in pretty shape at the position. Obviously they still need a swing tackle and that player may or may not be on the roster at this time. But this is not a position that the Steelers need to spend large amounts of money in free agency or high draft capital as their last two first round draft picks are both ready to hold these spots.

Defense

Outside Linebacker

With T.J. Watt having one more year on his deal along with Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig still under contract, the Steelers have their top three guys at a position where they have carried as few as three players in the past. Could there be more depth? There will be plenty in training camp. When it comes to significant playing time, outside of injuries, these are the three players who should be getting the snaps this coming season.

Inside Linebacker

Even though Elandon Roberts is not under contract, I wouldn’t be shocked if he landed back with Pittsburgh. Even if he doesn’t, the Steelers have a number of options with Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson both finishing their first seasons in Pittsburgh. Will Cole Holcomb still be with the team in his last year of his contract after suffering his horrific injury in 2023? I’m not sure how the Steelers are going to piece it together, but they have so many options at this position it appears that they’re good and don’t have to go looking for any more players. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t.

Special Teams

Placekicker

This is the most slam dunk set position the Steelers have for next year. After having the best kicker in 2024, there’s no reason to think about anything for next year other than Chris Boswell.

Long Snapper

This is another one that doesn’t need to be addressed. Unless the long snapper is standing out in a bad way during the season, it’s a position you don’t want to hear about otherwise. So the Steelers are good.

Why Not…?

As for some of the positions we did not list, punter was one that we considered. Is Cameron Johnston going to be good for 2025? Will the Steelers want to try to sign Corliss Waitman just in case or will he look for a better opportunity? That’s why it did not make the list. Guard with another to consider, but the Steelers might look to swap somebody in or out. And even though the Steelers technically have their three starters under contract on the defensive line, that is a position some are looking for them to address with their top draft pick as both youth and better play are desirable.