Despite another playoff appearance in 2024, the Steelers are currently in limbo. With no clear answer at quarterback and a defense short on quality talent, it may be the death knell to head coach Mike Tomlin’s streak of winning seasons. Here are their top 5 most important players going into the 2025 season.
5. Chris Boswell, K
Why is a kicker on this list, you might ask? Well, when your goal is to win games ugly, it often comes down to the final kick. And no kicker was better than Boswell in 2024, who nailed 41 of his 44 field goal attempts and all 35 of his extra points.
4. Cam Heyward, DE
Old age should be catching up to Heyward, but the seven-time Pro Bowler is still going strong at age 35. Heyward was a big part of the Steelers’ run defense in 2024 and also racked up eight sacks. He’s been a steady presence on an inconsistent Steelers defensive line.
3. George Pickens, WR
New acquisition D.K. Metcalf could share this slot with Pickens, but for now, we’ll stick with the incumbent. Without the explosive athleticism and sticky hands of Pickens, the Steelers would have had virtually no big-play ability on offense in 2024.
2. Minkah Fitzpatrick, S
A stalwart against both the run and pass, trading for Fitzpatrick in 2019 has proved to be a wise move for Pittsburgh. A five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, Fitzpatrick has held down the back end for an inconsistent Steelers secondary.
1. T.J. Watt, DE
Arguably the NFL’s top defensive player, the Steelers' defense would not be half as threatening without Watt leading the line. He racked up 11.5 sacks in 2024, his sixth season of at least 11 sacks in his eight-year career. The 30-year-old has cemented himself as one of the league’s most valuable players on either side of the ball.
