2025 is set to be a massive year for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Once again, everyone is counting them out. The 9-8 jokes are flowing, despite happening once. To add fuel to the fire, Aaron Rodgers came to town. People are counting him and the Steelers out, but if these players take a developmental step this season, Pittsburgh will be a force in the AFC. 

5. Darnell Washington

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) is called for unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after dunking the crossbar after a touchdown score during the first quarter of an NFL preseason matchup at EverBank Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) is called for unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after dunking the crossbar after a touchdown score during the first quarter of an NFL preseason matchup at EverBank Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Pittsburgh has a stacked tight end room. Pat Feiermuth and Jonnu Smith will do the heavy lifting, but the fans are ready to see more of Darnell Washington. Last season, his targets and receptions doubled from his rookie year, but there is more meat on the bone. Rodgers compared Washington to Mercedes Lewis, and the gunslinger has kept him involved at training camp. Keep an eye on Mount Washington this season. 

4. Payton Wilson

Dec 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin (left) talks with linebacker Payton Wilson (41) on the sidelines against the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin (left) talks with linebacker Payton Wilson (41) on the sidelines against the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Payton Wilson had a good rookie season, but more will be expected of him in 2025. He will be Patrick Queen’s partner in crime, seeing a larger workload. Last season, Wilson appeared in all 17 games and started four. He made 78 total tackles, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, including one for a touchdown, and a beautiful interception off of Lamar Jackson. The future is bright for Wilson, and it starts in 2025. 

3. Calvin Austin 

Oct 28, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) celebrates his twenty-nine yard pass reception for a touchdown against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Oct 28, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) celebrates his twenty-nine yard pass reception for a touchdown against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Calvin Austin took a step in the right direction last season. He saw a jump in production with Russell Wilson under center, and he’s due for another one with Rodgers. If Pittsburgh doesn’t bring in another pass catcher, Austin will have to fill the WR2 role next to DK Metcalf. If Austin can take another step in the right direction, the Steelers’ offense will be scary. It’s time to unlock the speedster. 

2. Joey Porter Jr

Dec 8, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) sits on the bench during a game against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Dec 8, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) sits on the bench during a game against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Joey Porter Jr is in for a massive year in 2025. His first two seasons have been good, but it’s time to take it up a notch next to Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay. Porter Jr has a unique opportunity to learn from the savvy veterans and become a better cornerback. He finds himself in a loaded cornerback room, and it should be a no-fly zone. If he cleans up the penalties, Porter Jr will be elite this season. 

1. Broderick Jones

Dec 21, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) warms up on the field before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Dec 21, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) warms up on the field before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

2025 will be a make-or-break season for Broderick Jones. He’s finally back at left tackle after spending his first two seasons at right tackle. He lost weight this offseason, and he knows what is on the line. Jones took nine penalties last season and wasn’t impressive. The hope is that moving him to his natural position will help him. Keeping Rodgers upright is the key to being successful this season. It will be impossible for Jones to be worse than Dan Moore. 

End Of My Steelers Rant

Jun 10, 2025; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during minicamp at their South Side facility. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn
Jun 10, 2025; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during minicamp at their South Side facility. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn

Pittsburgh is under a microscope every season, but 2025 feels heavier than ever. They have pushed all their chips to the middle of the table. It’s time to win in the Steel City. Everyone can feel the pressure. It will be tough to compete in the loaded AFC, but the Steelers’ defense is good enough to take them far. It’s up to the offense to do its part. A playoff run is brewing in Pittsburgh.