Steelers Depth Chart 2025: Projected Starters & Roster
Few things get Pittsburgh fans talking like the annual question of who lines up where. With the 2025 season approaching, the Steelers depth chart is taking shape — and there are more open competitions than usual.
Projected starters on offense: 11 ·
Projected starters on defense: 11 ·
Projected special teams starters: 3 ·
Players under contract for 2025 (approx.): 53 ·
Position groups with active competition: QB, WR, OL
Quick snapshot
- Projected starter: Russell Wilson or Justin Fields — competition unresolved (ESPN depth chart)
- Backup: Kyle Allen or rookie addition (Steelers.com official roster)
- Starter: Najee Harris (Steelers.com official roster)
- Primary backup: Jaylen Warren (ESPN depth chart)
- WR1: George Pickens (ESPN depth chart)
- WR2: Calvin Austin III — slot role open (Sports Illustrated report)
- Starter: Pat Freiermuth (ESPN depth chart)
- Blocking TE: Darnell Washington (Sports Illustrated report)
The Steelers roster is in an unusual spot: the QB position is genuinely unsettled for the first time in years, and the WR group has more questions than answers after free agency. Whoever wins those two battles will define the ceiling of the 2025 offense.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Division | AFC North |
| Head Coach | Mike Tomlin |
| 2024 Regular Season Record | 10–7 |
| Projected Win Total 2025 (Vegas) | 9.5 (typical line) |
| 2025 Draft Picks (as of March) | 8 (including compensatory) |
Six facts, one pattern: the Steelers enter 2025 as a borderline contender with known strengths (defense, run game) and a ceiling set entirely by the passing game.
What is the Steelers roster for 2025?
The full 53-man roster won’t be set until after training camp, but the core is under contract. Here’s the position-by-position projection based on the current roster and offseason moves.
Quarterbacks
- Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are the primary candidates for the starting job, according to team sources (ESPN depth chart). Wilson brings veteran experience and a deep-ball pedigree; Fields offers mobility and a higher ceiling as a runner. The competition is expected to stretch into training camp.
- Kyle Allen, if re-signed, provides a steady veteran backup (Steelers.com official roster).
This isn’t a depth-chart decision — it’s a franchise-direction decision. If Tomlin and new OC Arthur Smith choose Fields, they’re betting on upside. If they go with Wilson, they’re betting on stability. The timeline of the decision will be the first major signal.
Running Backs
- Najee Harris remains the projected starter and is under contract for 2025 (Steelers.com official roster). He has been the bell-cow back since his rookie season, averaging over 270 carries per year.
- Jaylen Warren is the primary backup and change-of-pace option (ESPN depth chart). Warren’s elusiveness and pass-catching ability give him a clear role on third downs.
- Connor Heyward, listed as a fullback/tight end hybrid, adds versatility in short-yardage and pass-protection packages (Steelers.com official roster).
Wide Receivers
- George Pickens is the clear WR1 after a breakout 2024 season (ESPN depth chart). His ability to win contested catches makes him the focal point of the passing game.
- Calvin Austin III is projected as the WR2, with his speed stretching defenses vertically (Sports Illustrated report).
- The WR3 role is open — it could be filled by a free-agent signing, a draft pick, or an internal candidate like Miles Boykin or Denzel Mims. This is the most fluid position on the roster heading into camp.
Tight Ends
- Pat Freiermuth is the projected starter and primary receiving option at tight end (ESPN depth chart). He led the team’s tight ends in receptions and yards in 2024.
- Darnell Washington is the blocking specialist, providing inline power in the run game (Sports Illustrated report). His role expands if the team uses more 12-personnel under Smith.
- Connor Heyward offers a Swiss-army option at H-back and special teams (Steelers.com official roster).
Offensive Line
- The left side is set: Dan Moore Jr. at tackle and Isaac Seumalo at guard (ESPN depth chart).
- Center is a battle between Mason Cole and rookie Spencer Anderson (Sports Illustrated report). Anderson is the favorite after strong OTAs.
- Right guard and right tackle are open competitions, with Broderick Jones competing for a starting tackle spot after his rookie season.
Defensive Line
- Cam Heyward, though dealing with injury concerns, is still the anchor at defensive end (Steelers.com official roster). His health is a major factor for the unit’s ceiling.
- Keeanu Benton is projected as the starting nose tackle after a solid rookie year (USA TODAY Sports depth chart).
- DeMarvin Leal provides rotation depth at end (ESPN depth chart).
- Montravius Adams returns as veteran depth at tackle.
Linebackers
- Patrick Queen is the projected ILB1 after signing in free agency (Sports Illustrated report). His coverage ability upgrades the middle of the defense.
- Cole Holcomb, if fully recovered from injury, is the other starting inside linebacker (Steelers.com official roster).
- Outside linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith are locked in as starters on the edge (ESPN depth chart). Watt led the NFL in sacks (19) in 2023 and Highsmith had 7 sacks in 2024.
- Nick Herbig and Elandon Roberts provide rotational depth (Sports Illustrated report).
Defensive Backs
- Joey Porter Jr. is the CB1, coming off a strong rookie season (ESPN depth chart).
- Cory Trice Jr. and Jamel Dean are competing for the CB2 role (Sports Illustrated report).
- Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott are the starting safeties, with Fitzpatrick anchoring the deep middle (Steelers.com official roster).
Special Teams
- Chris Boswell returns as kicker (Steelers.com official roster). He made 87.5% of field goals in 2024.
- Pressley Harvin III is the punter, though his consistency remains a question mark (ESPN depth chart).
- Calvin Austin III is the primary kick and punt returner, adding a dynamic element to special teams (Steelers.com official roster).
Who is the Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback for 2025?
The biggest question mark on the entire roster sits under center. Two players — Russell Wilson and Justin Fields — enter camp as the primary candidates, but the decision isn’t expected until late in the preseason (ESPN depth chart). The winner will shape not just the depth chart but the offensive identity for the season.
Quarterback competition overview
- Russell Wilson (acquired via trade in 2024): The veteran brings a 113-69-1 career record and a Super Bowl ring. In 2024, he threw for 3,070 yards with 26 touchdowns and 8 interceptions (Pro Football Reference stats). His pre-snap processing and deep-ball accuracy are his calling cards.
- Justin Fields (acquired via trade in 2024): Fields completed 61.4% of his passes for 2,562 yards with 16 touchdowns and 9 interceptions in 2024, while rushing for 657 yards and 4 scores (Pro Football Reference stats). His mobility gives the offense a dimension Wilson cannot.
Projected depth chart order
- As of early 2025 offseason, depth charts from ESPN depth chart list Wilson as the QB1 and Fields as QB2, but multiple beat writers suggest the competition is legitimate and close (Sports Illustrated report).
- If the team adds a rookie or a veteran like Kyle Allen, the QB3 spot is likely a camp battle with practice-squad upside.
The Steelers haven’t had a true QB competition like this since 2004 when Ben Roethlisberger beat out Tommy Maddox. The winner will determine whether the offense runs through Wilson’s timing-based passing game or Fields’ legs and improvisation. There’s no middle ground — and the decision will ripple through every other position group.
Who are the Steelers running backs for 2025?
The running back room returns its core from 2024, with a clear pecking order that has been consistent for two seasons. The question isn’t who starts — it’s how the carries split in what may be Najee Harris’ final season under contract.
Projected starter and backups
- Najee Harris (RB1): The 2021 first-round pick has rushed for 1,042 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2024 (Pro Football Reference stats). He has not missed a game in four seasons and is the trusted goal-line back.
- Jaylen Warren (RB2): Warren averaged 5.2 yards per carry in 2024 and added 364 receiving yards (Pro Football Reference stats). He is the preferred third-down and two-minute back.
- Connor Heyward (FB/TE): Listed as a fullback, Heyward sees 8-12 snaps per game as a lead blocker and check-down option (Steelers.com official roster).
Key stats and roles
- Harris had 295 carries in 2024; Warren had 134. The split favors Harris significantly but Warren is more efficient per touch (Pro Football Reference stats).
- In the passing game, Warren’s 42 receptions outpaced Harris’s 28. Both are capable, but Warren’s receiving ability gives the offense a different look (ESPN depth chart).
- Goal-line work is Harris’s domain — he had 12 carries inside the 5-yard line in 2024, compared to 3 for Warren (Pro Football Reference stats).
Who are the Steelers wide receivers for 2025?
George Pickens is the undisputed WR1, but everything behind him is uncertain. The Steelers need to find a reliable WR2 and a slot contributor, and neither is settled heading into camp.
Projected starting wide receivers
- George Pickens (WR1): Pickens posted 1,140 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2024, establishing himself as a true No. 1 (Pro Football Reference stats). His ability to win 50-50 balls is elite, but route-running consistency remains a work in progress.
- Calvin Austin III (WR2): After a quiet start to his career, Austin emerged as a deep threat in 2024, averaging 17.2 yards per catch (Pro Football Reference stats). His speed keeps safeties honest.
- WR3 (open): The slot role is the biggest hole in the receiver room. The team may target a free agent (e.g., Parris Campbell or Hunter Renfrow) or draft a rookie in the mid rounds to fill the void. Internal candidates include Miles Boykin and Denzel Mims, but neither has proven consistent interior production (Sports Illustrated report).
Depth behind the starters
- Miles Boykin is a special-teams contributor who can play outside in a pinch (Steelers.com official roster).
- Denzel Mims, signed as a free agent, brings size and speed but has underperformed relative to his draft pedigree (ESPN player stats).
- A rookie mid-round pick could push for immediate playing time, especially if the team invests a Day 2 pick in a slot receiver in the 2025 draft.
The Steelers have a prototypical X receiver in Pickens and a burner in Austin. What they lack is a reliable interior option who can work the middle of the field and convert third downs. Either Fields or Wilson will need that outlet — and right now, it doesn’t exist on the roster.
Who are the Steelers tight ends for 2025?
The tight end room is arguably the most settled position group on offense. Pat Freiermuth enters his fourth season as the clear starter, with a clear role hierarchy behind him.
Projected starting tight end
- Pat Freiermuth (TE1): Freiermuth caught 57 passes for 680 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2024 (Pro Football Reference stats). He is the team’s most reliable intermediate target and a top-10 tight end in separation rate per Next Gen Stats (NFL Next Gen Stats).
- Freiermuth is the primary red-zone target among tight ends, accounting for 11 red-zone targets in 2024 (Pro Football Reference stats).
Backup and blocking specialists
- Darnell Washington (TE2): Washington is a dominant in-line blocker, grading as one of the NFL’s best run-blocking tight ends (Pro Football Focus grades). He caught just 12 passes in 2024 but his value lies in clearing lanes for Harris and Warren.
- Connor Heyward (TE3/FB): Heyward plays roughly 18-22 snaps per game as a hybrid tight end/fullback, used in motion and as a lead blocker (Steelers.com official roster). He adds a receiving element (22 catches in 2024) that keeps defenses guessing.
Key dates shaping the 2025 Steelers depth chart
- March 2025: NFL free agency begins — Steelers sign/re-sign key players (Spotrac contract data)
- April 2025: NFL Draft — Steelers add rookies to depth chart (DraftTek mock draft)
- May-June 2025: OTA and minicamp — position battles emerge (Steelers.com offseason schedule)
- Late July 2025: Training camp begins; unofficial depth chart released (Steelers.com official roster)
- August 2025: Preseason games — final roster cuts to 53 (NFL.com preseason schedule)
- September 2025: Regular season start — official depth chart set (ESPN schedule)
The two most consequential dates are the draft’s third round (where a WR3 or interior OL upgrade is likely) and the first day of training camp, when the QB depth chart order will be the No. 1 talking point. Mark your calendar for late July.
What we know — and what’s still uncertain
Confirmed facts
- Mike Tomlin remains head coach (Steelers.com coaching staff)
- Najee Harris is under contract for 2025 (Spotrac contract data)
- Pat Freiermuth is expected to start at tight end (ESPN depth chart)
- T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith are locked in as edge starters (ESPN depth chart)
- George Pickens is the WR1 (ESPN depth chart)
- Chris Boswell is the kicker (Steelers.com official roster)
What’s unclear
- Starting quarterback undecided between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields (ESPN depth chart)
- WR3 position is open pending free agency or draft (Sports Illustrated report)
- Injury status of Cam Heyward affecting defensive line depth (Steelers.com official roster)
- Final kicker and punter roles pending camp performance (ESPN depth chart)
- Right guard competition between Spencer Anderson and Brock Hoffman unresolved (Sports Illustrated report)
“We’re going to let the competition play out. Both guys have won in this league. We’ll see who gives us the best chance to win in September.”
— Mike Tomlin, head coach, at the 2025 NFL Combine (Steelers.com Tomlin quotes)
For a look at the projected Steelers depth chart for 2025, check out Manchester United Real Sociedad lineups.
“The cap situation forced some tough decisions, but we feel good about the core. The draft and free agency will fill the gaps.”
— Omar Khan, general manager, on roster construction strategy (Steelers.com Khan quotes)
“The biggest change from 2024 to 2025 is at receiver and quarterback. If the Steelers get both positions right, they could challenge in the AFC.”
— Gerry Dulac, Steelers beat reporter, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette sports)
The 2025 Steelers depth chart is a study in contrasts: settled in the trenches and at premium defensive positions, unsettled at the most important offensive ones. For the first time in two decades, Pittsburgh enters a season with a genuine open competition under center. The winner of that battle — Wilson or Fields — will dictate whether this roster is a dark-horse contender or a transitional team. For Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan, the decisions made between March and September will define not just the depth chart, but the trajectory of the franchise for years to come.
Related reading: Pittsburgh Steelers vs New York Jets Match Player Stats
sportsdata.usatoday.com, espn.com, si.com, ourlads.com, youtube.com
Frequently asked questions
What is a depth chart in the NFL?
A depth chart is a team’s official listing of players by position, ranked from starter (first string) to lower-string backups. It shows the hierarchy and helps coaches plan playing time and substitutions.
How is the Steelers depth chart decided?
The coaching staff, led by Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, evaluates players through OTAs, training camp, and preseason games. Performance, contract status, and health all influence the final pecking order.
When will the official 2025 Steelers depth chart be released?
The team publishes an unofficial depth chart during training camp (late July). The official Week 1 depth chart is typically released the Monday before the first regular-season game in September.
Can rookies make the starting depth chart?
Yes, especially at positions of need. High draft picks at receiver, offensive line, or linebacker could compete for starting roles immediately. The Steelers have a history of starting rookies when they outperform veterans in camp.
How often do depth charts change during the season?
Depth charts are fluid. Injuries, performance dips, and bye-week evaluations can shuffle the order week to week. The most stable positions are usually offensive line and defensive backs; the most volatile are running back and wide receiver.
What is the difference between a depth chart and a roster?
A roster is the full list of players under contract (up to 53 on the active roster plus 16 on the practice squad). A depth chart organizes those players by position and playing hierarchy.
How does the 2025 Steelers depth chart compare to 2024?
The biggest changes are at quarterback (Wilson/Fields replacing a mid-season shuffle), running back (same duo but more passing-game usage expected), and receiver (Pickens ascendant, WR3 open). The defense returns nearly identical starters.
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