The Pittsburgh Steelers, having already secured a playoff spot, are looking toward the offseason and the 2025 campaign to address key areas of improvement. This sentiment is echoed by former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who shared his insights on potential team upgrades during an episode of his Footbahlin podcast. Unsurprisingly, Roethlisberger emphasized the need for additional firepower on offense, particularly a wide receiver to complement George Pickens on the outside.
Roethlisberger’s Blueprint for Offensive Upgrades
“You’ve got to go find more weapons on offense. I think you feel comfortable on the line, but you’ve got to go find some playmakers,” Roethlisberger stated. He believes the Steelers must prioritize acquiring a “true outside receiver” to bolster their passing attack. While he praised the efforts of Calvin Austin III this season and acknowledged Roman Wilson’s potential, he noted both are better suited for slot roles.
Additionally, Roethlisberger suggested re-signing running back Najee Harris on a team-friendly deal. However, this may prove difficult, given Harris’s declining role in recent games. With Jaylen Warren outperforming Harris and seeing increased snaps, it’s unlikely Harris, whose fifth-year option was declined in May, will remain in Pittsburgh. Harris could seek a bigger role and a more lucrative contract elsewhere, making his return improbable.
Quarterback Stability and Roster Retention
Roethlisberger also weighed in on the team’s quarterback situation. He advocated for retaining both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, expressing confidence in Wilson’s performance but cautioning that an extension should only be considered if his salary demands are reasonable. Should negotiations with Wilson falter, Roethlisberger indicated he would be comfortable moving forward with Fields as the starter.
Defensive Needs: Targeting the Secondary
Turning to the defense, Roethlisberger stressed the importance of upgrading the secondary, especially in light of recent struggles. He suggested the Steelers should focus on drafting defensive backs to complement key players like Joey Porter Jr. and Minkah Fitzpatrick. “If you don’t have DBs on the outside, teams are gonna pick us apart,” Roethlisberger warned, referencing Patrick Mahomes’ dominant performance against the Steelers, where he threw for over 320 yards and three touchdowns with minimal pressure.
Pittsburgh’s secondary woes have been exacerbated by injuries. Safety DeShon Elliott and cornerbacks Donte Jackson and Joey Porter Jr. have all missed time over the past three games, leading to communication breakdowns and inconsistent coverage. While Elliott and Porter are expected to return to full strength, Jackson is set to hit free agency, creating a potential void at cornerback.
Draft and Free Agency Outlook
The Steelers are expected to prioritize cornerback in the upcoming draft, a position frequently mocked to them in early projections. Porter, despite showing promise, has struggled with penalties in his second season, highlighting the need for additional depth and competition at the position. Adding a starting-caliber cornerback, whether through the draft or free agency, would address the team’s most pressing defensive need and provide much-needed stability.
Roethlisberger’s recommendations reflect a broader consensus about the team’s priorities heading into the offseason. With a strong foundation on the offensive line and playmakers like Pickens and Fitzpatrick already in place, addressing gaps at wide receiver and cornerback could elevate the Steelers to legitimate Super Bowl contenders in 2025. As the offseason approaches, Pittsburgh’s front office will have critical decisions to make to ensure the team remains competitive for years to come.
Mike Tomlin Out, Big Ben In…
Ben Roethlisberger Explains in Details How He’d Improve Steelers In 2025 if given the opportunity to take over from Mike Tomlin
