
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, this offseason may be the most challenging in recent memory.
Fresh off their playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens, the team now faces a new challenge: deciding which free agents to keep on their roster. As it stands, the Steelers have 25 potential free agents (14 key free agents) heading into the offseason.
At the forefront of their priorities is deciding what to do at quarterback with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Before his struggles during their losing streak, Wilson was on track for a potential big payday, as his ability to spread the ball and his deep passes helped propel the offense from Weeks 7 to 11. Before Wilson, Fields held the reins as the team's starting quarterback and performed admirably, guiding them to a 4-2 record while completing 65.8% of his passes.
In general, the Steelers face a real dilemma in this area, as a dry free agent quarterback market and a weak rookie quarterback class may leave them with few options. Even if the Steelers wanted to keep Wilson, they might not agree on his worth, which could result in him testing free agency despite voicing his desire to stay. As for Fields, if the Steelers keep Wilson or sign a veteran free agent quarterback, he may not be open to spending another year as a backup. For general manager Omar Khan, he has his work cut out for him in deciding the best course of action for the quarterback position.
In addition to their quarterback conundrum, the future of running back Najee Harris remains a big question mark. Despite registering his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season, he averaged only 4.0 yards per carry. His issues with consistency and efficiency have been the subject of criticism since his rookie season in 2021 and likely played a role in the team's decision not to pick up his fifth-year option last June. Another factor that will likely work against Harris is the upcoming running back rookie class, projected by many as one of the strongest ever. All things considered, their playoff game against the Ravens may have been his last in a Steelers uniform.
Undoubtedly, 2025 could see the Steelers make major changes to their roster and coaching staff. Unlike previous off-seasons, this is one where their decisions could potentially change the course of the franchise for years to come.
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