The Pittsburgh Steelers released their first 53-man roster of the year on Tuesday, offering the world their first look at the team that will take the field against the New York Jets to open the 2025 season. The offense will look considerably different than it did last year, with new faces at several key positions. The Steelers offense doesn’t have much in the way of returning proven talent, but it has plenty of young, talented players looking to make the next leap forward. The biggest question heading into the season: Can the youth step up and make the most of the final years of their veteran quarterback’s career?

QB: Will Howard, Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson

The Steelers have a completely revamped quarterback room after parting ways with Justin Fields and Russell Wilson in the offseason. After a decorated career in Green Bay and a tumultuous stop in New York, Aaron Rodgers will be the guy under center in Pittsburgh. The 41-year old has been a headline magnet, most recently being reported to have “Called [the Packers] on Monday, one day before roster cuts; interestingly, he asked about the status of receiver Romeo Doubs,” according to Packers reporter Ben Huber. However, the media’s obsession with Rodgers’ antics masks the fact that he still has plenty of juice in the tank to elevate an offense that has been looking for stable quarterback play since Ben Roethlisberger retired. The accuracy, the sharp reads, and the poise Rodgers shows in the pocket is still there for the oldest player in the league.

Behind the elder statesman is rookie Will Howard, a sixth-round pick from Ohio State. Howard will start the season on the injured reserve list with a hand injury, but the Steelers will look to develop him into Rodgers’ eventual heir once he retires. The quarterback room is rounded out by Mason Rudolph, who returns to the team that drafted him after a stint with the Titans, and former Miami Dolphins backup Skylar Thompson. Look for a possible move involving Rudolph or Thompson once Howard returns to the active roster.

RB: Kenneth Gainwell, Kaleb Johnson, Jaylen Warren

Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith places great importance in the running game, and he’ll look to split carries between two backs to start the year. Jaylen Warren returns after posting 811 yards from scrimmage last year in relief of Najee Harris, who’s now with the Chargers. Warren’s production has mostly come in the passing game so far in his career, but he’ll look to make more of an impact on the ground in year four with the team, especially in third-down situations.

Kaleb Johnson is a rookie from Iowa who figures to take on a heavy workload in his debut season. A home-run hitter with a powerful base, Johnson will be trusted with early-down opportunities while looking to prove that he can be an every-down back. Pittsburgh will also work Kenneth Gainwell into the rotation, with the fifth-year vet turning heads in training camp. Gainwell played well in a complementary role for the reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles, and he’ll look to capitalize on every touch he can get.

WR: Calvin Austin III, DK Metcalf, Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek, Roman Wilson

Despite constant murmurings of a trade to bolster the unit, the wide receiver room in Pittsburgh is set ... for now. DK Metcalf will likely get the lion’s share of targets from Rodgers. The 6 '4" Ole Miss product will be the new WR1 working from the outside of the formation, filling the absence left by the departure of George Pickens in a trade to the Cowboys. Calvin Austin III will also look to fill a larger role this year as the primary Z-receiver. Austin showed flashes of his potential as a high-level YAC threat to start his career, and if he can gain the trust of his quarterback he’s primed for a breakout year.

Scotty Miller brings blazing speed in a small frame to the Slot position in his second year in Smith’s offense. Ben Skowronek, a big-body receiver who likes to bully smaller defensive backs, is another returning vet for the squad. Finally, Roman Wilson looks to bounce back from an injury-plagued rookie season and carve out his own role as another small receiver with fast feet and sure hands.

TE: Pat Freiermuth, Connor Heyward, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington

Time will likely be split between Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith initially, as both have productive track records heading into the season. Freiermuth has spent his entire career with the Steelers, performing well as a rangy jump-ball magnet who can bail out a quarterback under pressure. Smith had a career year last season in Miami, capitalizing on his athleticism to reel off big YAC numbers (510 in 2024). He reunites with Arthur Smith, who utilized him well during their season together in Atlanta. Connor Heyward will spend the majority of his time at fullback this year, which will be a fun story to keep an eye on. Darnell Washington, a massive 6 ‘7", 264 lbs. blocking TE out of Georgia, will also be a key part of certain packages for this unit.

OL: Calvin Anderson, Spencer Anderson, Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, Broderick Jones, Ryan McCollum, Mason McCormick, Andrus Peat, Isaac Seumalo

A relatively young group, this offensive line will have plenty of work cut out for them this year as teams look to punish a 41-year-old Rodgers as often as possible. Zach Frazier had a strong rookie campaign at center, and he’ll look to be a position of strength in the middle of the line with Ryan McCollum backing him up.Isaac Seumalo and Mason McCormick will flank Frazier on either side at guard, with Seumalo’s experience and McCormick’s athleticism making a difference in the interior.

Outside the guards, Broderick Jones will look for a breakout season in his third year as a powerful left tackle. Opposite of Jones at RT will be Troy Fautanu, a vicious blocker who was a part of the 2023 National Championship runner-up Washington squad in college. The unit has potential to be elite if they continue to make progress throughout the year. Spencer Anderson can plug in at any spot along the line as needed, while Andrus Peat will provide depth at tackle and guard.