The Pittsburgh Steelers 2024-2025 season is officially over, and it ended with a defiant thud with the black-and-gold dropping five straight games with another early playoff exit.

Fans are frustrated, which might be putting it mildly, but they want to know what is next for the franchise?

Where do the Steelers go from here?

This is the start of a multi-article series which outlines what I think, not what I know will happen with the Steelers moving forward from this lowly state. Where did we start? Where else, the coaching staff and free agents. If you missed any of the previous articles, check the links below:

Part 1: The Coaching Staff

Part 2: Free Agents

Part 3: The Salary Cap

This next, and final, part of the process is to decipher what the team needs are on the roster, what is the order of importance, and how they should be addressed. It’s important to note these needs can be addressed in a multitude of ways. The team can sign free agents, including their own free agents, and they can also address them in the 2025 NFL Draft. Some team needs should be addressed by one, or both of these methods.

Before going into the rankings, let’s talk about the seven team needs as we sit here before the start of the new league year. These needs will absolutely change after the the start of free agency, as well as before and after the NFL Draft.

Let’s break down the needs on offense and defense before ranking them.

Offense

• Wide Receiver
• Quarterback
• Offensive Guard
• Running Back

Defense

• Cornerback
• Safety
• Defensive Tackle/End

Now let’s rank these team needs in order of importance. Next to each need you’ll see how I would address the need.

• FA = Free Agency
• D = Draft
• FA/D = Both

Let’s get to the rankings…

1 – Quarterback (FA)

If the current NFL, if you don’t have a quarterback you don’t have much of a chance. The Steelers have taken that literally, considering they don’t have a quarterback under contract heading into 2025. I have this need being addressed by free agency based on the fact I don’t feel the crop of quarterbacks in 2025 are worth of drafting one this year. Instead, I think the team would be wise to sign Justin Fields, and fill out the rest of the quarterback room with lesser free agent options. It’s the most important need, but I don’t feel great about the options available for the team this offseason. In my opinion, this is a prove it year for Fields. If he plays great, he has a new home. If not, the Steelers are shopping for a quarterback in 2026.

2 – Cornerback (FA/D)

Some might have receiver as the No. 2 team need, but I’m going with cornerback. Donte Jackson isn’t the answer for me, and that leaves the Steelers with a gaping hole across from Joey Porter Jr. I like what Cory Trice brings to the team, but I’m not sure I am prepared to have him be the CB2 heading into the 2025 season. Ideally, the Steelers will pick up a veteran cornerback with some tread left on the tires, and also draft one in this year’s draft. I think about a player like Stephon Gilmore of last year. I was one of the people screaming for the Steelers to bring him in, but he ended up going to Minnesota and playing great football for them. That is a big difference between that and when the team brought in Patrick Peterson two seasons ago. The Steelers secondary was exposed at times in 2024, and it is time to address the position in a big way.

3 – Wide Receiver (FA/D)

It might be the 3rd need on my list, but it is still a large need for the Steelers this offseason. I am fully expecting the team to figure a way to move on from George Pickens, which means this should be a position the team addresses in both free agency and the draft. In regards to the draft, I could see this being a Day 1 or 2 selection to help round out the group. When you consider Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson remain on the roster, I would expect two significant free agent additions and a draft pick. This is Year 2 in need of a wide receiver, and it’s time to Steelers finally address it.

4 – Defensive Tackle/End (FA/D)

Cam Heyward is coming off an All-Pro season, and he is proving players can get better over time. Keeanu Benton is starting to find his footing within the team’s system, but what do they have behind those two? Larry Ogunjobi was highly disappointing this season, Montravius Adams landed on Injured Reserve (IR) for a time, and the rest of players along the defensive line left a lot to be desired. It’s time to re-stock the cupboard along the defensive line. I already said I’d cut Ogunjobi, and I’d fill the void with a viable free agent and a Day 2 draft pick along the line. It’s time to get younger, and add some beef to the defensive interior.

5 – Running Back (FA/D)

The Steelers are expected to let Najee Harris hit the open market, and while they might be expected to sign Jaylen Warren to a new deal, you have to wonder how they plan on filling out the depth chart. If they keep Warren, which is a very good chance of happening, they still need more talent at the position. I’d love to see them get a proven veteran in free agency and a valuable Day 3 pick in the draft to address running back. The Steelers had a good 1-2 punch with Harris and Warren, and it is time for them to diversify their portfolio at running back.

6 – Offensive Guard (FA)

Having guard on this list depends on how they feel about what Isaac Seumalo has left in the tank, and if they feel 4th Round pick Mason McCormick is the answer, and the future, at guard. If they like what they have currently on the roster, finding a proven commodity to help the position moving forward would be beneficial. Not only did Seumalo get injured to start the 2024 season, but he only has one year left on his current contract. Finding a younger veteran could be a great answer for the team in 2025, and beyond.

7 – Safety (FA)

The question here at the safety position is what the Steelers plan to do with Minkah Fitzpatrick. While the fan base would be okay with the team moving on, the organization might feel differently. If they choose to part ways, one way or another, with Fitzpatrick, the need at safety is real. But even if they keep Minkah on the roster, the expected departure of Damontae Kazee would leave a hole on the depth chart. If Fitzpatrick isn’t back in 2025, this would change to a FA/D position of need, but if he stays I’d expect another free agent addition to round out the depth chart in the secondary.

What changes would you make? Let us know in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the offseason.