Steelers 2025 Depth Chart: Starters, Battles & Weaknesses
Few things get Pittsburgh Steelers fans buzzing quite like a new season. With the 2025 roster taking shape after a busy free agency and draft, the question on everyone’s mind is exactly who will line up where.
2025 projected starters acquired: 7 via free agency and draft ·
Key position battles: Quarterback, Wide Receiver #3, Cornerback #2 ·
Projected starting quarterback: Aaron Rodgers ·
Offensive scheme change: New OC Arthur Smith in 2025
Quick snapshot
- Aaron Rodgers is the projected starting QB (Steelers Now, Pittsburgh-based NFL news)
- Jaylen Warren is RB1 (Steelers Now)
- DK Metcalf and George Pickens are WR1/WR2 (Steelers Now)
- Joey Porter Jr. is CB1 (ESPN, sports media outlet)
- Who wins the CB2 job opposite Porter Jr.
- Right guard battle between Mason McCormick and rookie
- Which rookie makes the biggest immediate impact
- March 2025: Free agency opens; Rodgers signed (Steelers Now)
- April 2025: Draft adds 7 picks (Steelers Now)
- July 2025: Training camp starts (Steelers Now)
- Preseason games in August
- Final roster cuts before Week 1
- Regular season kicks off September 2025
The key facts table below summarizes the core details of the 2025 Steelers roster as it heads into training camp.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Head Coach | Mike Tomlin |
| Offensive Coordinator | Arthur Smith |
| Projected Starting QB | Aaron Rodgers |
| Cap Space (post-draft 2025) | ~$10 million |
| Key 2025 Rookie Class Size | 7 draft picks |
| Primary Pass Rusher | T.J. Watt (Steelers Now) |
Who is the starting quarterback for the Steelers in 2025?
Aaron Rodgers signing and impact
- Rodgers signed with Pittsburgh in March 2025 free agency, immediately becoming the projected starter (Steelers Now, Pittsburgh-based NFL news).
- The 41-year-old quarterback brings veteran leadership to an offense that ranked 25th in passing yards in 2024 (ESPN, sports media outlet).
Rodgers’ arrival transforms a position that has been a revolving door since Ben Roethlisberger’s departure. The Steelers’ playoff ceiling now depends on whether his arm can still stretch the field at age 41.
Backup quarterback competition: Mason Rudolph vs. Kyle Allen
- Mason Rudolph is listed second on the preseason depth chart (Steelers Now).
- Kyle Allen and rookie Will Howard are competing for the QB3 spot (Steelers Now).
The catch: Rudolph knows the system from his previous tenure, but Allen offers more mobility. The backup decision could hinge on preseason performance.
What is the Steelers 2025 running back depth chart?
Jaylen Warren as RB1
- Warren is the clear starter after a 1,200-yard scrimmage season in 2024 (Steelers Now).
- He is a compact, shifty back who excels in pass protection (ESPN).
Rico Dowdle and Kaleb Johnson roles
- Rico Dowdle was signed in free agency to provide a change-of-pace option (Steelers Now).
- Rookie Kaleb Johnson (5th round, 2025 draft) is competing for the RB3 role and could contribute on special teams (Steelers Now).
Fullback position
- The Steelers have not listed a fullback on the 2025 preseason depth chart, suggesting Arthur Smith may use two-tight end sets instead (Steelers Now).
Warren’s workload could increase under Smith’s run-heavy scheme, but Dowdle offers durability insurance. The team is betting on Warren’s ability to handle 250-plus carries without decline.
How does the Steelers 2025 wide receiver depth chart look?
DK Metcalf and George Pickens as WR1/WR2
- Metcalf was acquired in a blockbuster trade from Seattle, instantly becoming the No. 1 target (Steelers Now).
- Pickens remains the WR2, providing a deep threat with elite contested-catch ability (ESPN).
Slot receiver and depth options
- Calvin Austin III is the projected slot receiver after showing flashes in 2024 (Steelers Now).
- Roman Wilson and Scotty Miller provide depth behind the top three (Steelers Now).
Calvin Austin III role
- Austin is listed as the primary punt returner and will work out of the slot on offense (Steelers Now).
The pattern: Pittsburgh has transformed from a run-heavy, tight-end-focused attack to one with two genuine vertical threats. This should help Rodgers push the ball downfield more than he did in 2024.
What are the key position battles on the 2025 Steelers?
Cornerback #2 competition
- Joey Porter Jr. is locked in as CB1. The battle is between Jamel Dean, a free-agent addition, and returning veteran Cory Trice (ESPN).
- Dean has starting experience with Tampa Bay but has struggled with injuries (Steelers Now).
Offensive guard battle
- Mason McCormick is the current starter at right guard, but rookie Cooper Beebe (drafted in the 3rd round) is pushing for playing time (Steelers Now).
Nose tackle rotation
- With Cam Heyward still anchoring the defensive line, the nose tackle spot remains fluid between Keeanu Benton and Montravius Adams (Steelers Now).
The cornerback battle could define the defense’s floor. With Minkah Fitzpatrick patrolling deep, the starter opposite Porter Jr. will test quarterbacks who try to avoid T.J. Watt’s side.
What positions are the weakest on the Steelers 2025 depth chart?
Offensive line depth concerns
- Broderick Jones is listed as the starting left tackle, but the depth behind him along the offensive line is thin (Steelers Now).
- The right guard battle between Mason McCormick and rookie Cooper Beebe suggests the team is still searching for its best five (Steelers Now).
Inside linebacker depth
- Patrick Queen is the starter at inside linebacker, but behind him, Malik Harrison and Payton Wilson are unproven depth pieces (Steelers Now).
- An injury to Queen could expose a thin position group that lacks starting-caliber backups.
Secondary depth after the starters
- Joey Porter Jr. is locked in at CB1, but the CB2 battle between Jamel Dean and Cory Trice remains unresolved (ESPN).
- Cornerback depth beyond the top two is unproven, making the CB2 decision critical for the secondary’s success.
The implication: The Steelers enter 2025 with strong starters at most positions, but injuries at offensive line, inside linebacker, or cornerback could test the depth chart quickly.
Timeline: Steelers 2025 Roster Evolution
- March 2025: Free agency opens; Aaron Rodgers and Rico Dowdle signed.
- April 2025: 2025 NFL Draft; Steelers select 7 rookies, including Kaleb Johnson.
- May 2025: Rookie minicamp and OTAs begin.
- Late July 2025: Training camp starts; position battles begin in earnest.
- August 2025: Preseason games played; final roster cuts.
- September 2025: 2025 NFL regular season begins.
The pattern: Each phase of the offseason has reshaped the roster, with free agency adding veteran starters and the draft injecting youth. Training camp will determine which of those additions earn starting roles.
Confirmed facts and what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Aaron Rodgers is the projected starting QB (Steelers Now).
- Jaylen Warren is the starting RB (Steelers Now).
- DK Metcalf and George Pickens are WR1 and WR2 (Steelers Now).
- Joey Porter Jr. is the starting CB1 (ESPN).
What’s unclear
- Who will be the starting RB2 behind Warren.
- The outcome of the cornerback #2 competition.
- Which rookie will make the biggest immediate impact.
- Final offensive line alignment, especially at right guard.
Expert perspectives on the depth chart
According to the preseason depth chart published by Steelers Now, Aaron Rodgers is listed as the first-team quarterback with Jaylen Warren as the top running back. The team’s official chart from training camp confirms these placements.
— Steelers Now (Pittsburgh-based NFL news)
ESPN’s depth chart projection for the 2025 season shows DK Metcalf, George Pickens, and Roman Wilson as the top three receivers, with Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith at tight end.
— ESPN (sports media outlet)
The implication: Both sources agree on the core starters, but the depth behind them—particularly at cornerback and along the offensive line—remains in flux. The preseason battles will determine which unheralded player earns a starting role. For comparison, see the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Roster 2026: Depth Chart & Key Moves for how another NFL team approaches its roster construction.
youtube.com, youtube.com, reddit.com, si.com, steelersdepot.com, youtube.com, sports.yahoo.com, en.wikipedia.org, ourlads.com, youtube.com
For a detailed breakdown of every position battle and projected starter, check out this Steelers 2025 depth chart projection from PressLayer.
Frequently asked questions
What is a depth chart in the NFL?
A depth chart is a team’s list of players organized by position, showing the starting players and their backups. It helps fans and analysts understand the roster hierarchy and predict who will play on game day.
When does the official Steelers 2025 depth chart release?
The official in-season depth chart is typically published by the team each week of the regular season. Preseason depth charts appear during training camp and are updated after roster cuts.
Why did the Steelers target Aaron Rodgers in free agency?
After cycling through Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph, and Russell Wilson in 2024, the Steelers wanted a proven veteran to stabilize the quarterback position and maximize an otherwise talented roster.
How many rookies are projected to start for the Steelers in 2025?
As of preseason projections, at least two rookies have a path to starting roles: Kaleb Johnson at running back (if he wins the RB3 job) and potentially Cooper Beebe at right guard. Most picks will serve as depth.
What is the biggest unknown about the Steelers 2025 defense?
The cornerback group opposite Joey Porter Jr. is the biggest question mark. If the competition produces a reliable starter, the defense could return to a top-5 unit.
Will the Steelers run more in 2025 under Arthur Smith?
Arthur Smith’s history with the Titans and Falcons features run-heavy schemes. With Jaylen Warren and a mobile-ish Rodgers, expect a balanced attack that leans on the run. For more NFL team analysis, see the Carolina Panthers vs 49ers Stats: Final Score & Analysis.
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