Steelers’ blockbuster offseason could look more like a ticking time bomb not a title run

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a strange offseason. They recently won the Aaron Rodgers sweepstakes, who is a much better starter than the alternative of now-backup quarterback Mason Rudolph. They traded wide receiver George Pickens but acquired a potentially better weapon in DK Metcalf. They also made a blockbuster deal to make multi-time All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey a Steeler.

If all the chips fall into place, this offseason should solidify Pittsburgh as a contender in the AFC. They are looking to get themselves back to being serious threats to go on a run, and these moves have raised their ceiling. Their team might be the most intriguing group heading into 2025. The range of possibilities is endless–they could be one of the better AFC teams going into the playoffs, or the moves could come back to bite them. And if the latter happens, Baltimore Ravens’ fans will not let them hear the end of it.

Pittsburgh’s crazy offseason might be a time bomb ready to blow

The Steelers have been in mediocrity for the past few seasons. Each year, they start the regular season firing on all cylinders, but by season’s end, they are limping into the playoffs and get bounced early. Last year, Baltimore had the honor of eliminating them. They have not won a playoff game since 2017, and while this past offseason could change that, it could also make them the laughingstock of the league.

Pittsburgh has many new starters in line for this upcoming season. In addition to the blockbuster additions, this list could include running back Jaylen Warren, wide receiver Robert Woods, corner Darius Slay, and safety Juan Thornhill. Various key positions are being filled by either backups from last year or players new to Pittsburgh. 

Expectations are high after an offseason spending and acquisition spree. Most of the guys brought in are no slouches. They have a high pedigree in the league and give people reason to believe the Steelers can find their way out of mediocre purgatory in 2025. However, some of these acquisitions, while still talented, are players who are no longer playing at their highest level.

Rodgers is 41 years old. He is on the brink of retirement, and his stint with the New York Jets was not kind to him. There is reason to believe he can still help a team to the playoffs, but it is a gamble. His career has been tailing off since his 2021 MVP season, and even if the starting-caliber play is still there, Pittsburgh backed themselves into a hole by waiting for him to sign, and if he retires after 2025, they are back in the quarterback black hole.

Ramsey is also a high-risk move. He is still a solid corner, but no longer a top player at the position. At 30 years old, he could also start to regress, but the real risk was trading Minkah Fitzpatrick. While he was no longer in his prime, moving Fitzpatrick leaves a gaping hole at free safety that Thornhill will try to fill. The corner room improved significantly, and the safety spot is a huge question mark.

Pittsburgh general manager Omar Khan has made a strong push to compete this offseason, but the decisions come with much risk. Is it enough to compete with the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, and Ravens? Probably not.