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It’s been a few weeks since the Steelers’ 2024-25 season ended with a playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens. And the focus has already moved to rebuilding (or reloading, depending on your team philosophy) for the upcoming season.

Ahead of free agency, we polled Steelers fans on their thoughts on the team’s biggest roster needs, as well as their predictions for the outcome of the team’s quarterback situation:

Fans see wide receiver as Steelers’ biggest non-quarterback roster need

When given the options of wide receiver, defensive line, cornerback, and offensive line, fans overwhelmingly picked wide receiver as the Steelers’ biggest non-quarterback roster need entering the 2025 season.

It’s not a big surprise. The Steelers’ leading wide receiver in 2024 was George Pickens, who mustered just 900 yards and three touchdowns, while also drawing trade rumors in the offseason. Pittsburgh’s WR2 Van Jefferson had just 276 receiving yards, while WR3 Calvin Austin III recorded 548.

Arguably, general manager Omar Khan’s biggest misstep of last season was failing to properly build the receiver room; fans hope that won’t be the case again in 2025.

Fans predict Justin Fields will be starting quarterback in 2025

A whopping 81% of Steelers fans believe it will be Justin Fields, not Russell Wilson, starting at quarterback for the Steelers in the 2025 season. Although far from perfect during his time as a starter in 2024, Fields offers a younger, and likely cheaper, alternative to Wilson heading into the new season.

The Steelers have yet to make a choice at quarterback, but team president Art Rooney II spoke of bringing back one of the two for the new season. Reports have been unclear on which quarterback that could be.

As of right now, Skylar Thompson is the only quarterback under contract in 2025 for the Steelers.

…and who faded into the background?

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ higher-ups had a noticeable presence this past week in Mobile, Alabama, for the Senior Bowl, which included Head Coach Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan. In other words, it’s time to get serious about fixing a relatively broken roster.

The talent this week was a bit watered down, at least in my opinion, relative to years past. Here’s a run-down of some standouts from the game.

Jack Beck, WR, TCU

I want to start with the emotional storyline of TCU WR Jack Bech. Bech tragically lost his brother, Tiger, in the terrorist attack in New Orleans a month ago. It was an emotional roller coaster, as Bech caught the game-winning touchdown as time expired and shared a touching moment with his family afterward.

From an NFL perspective, Bech is a physical receiver who will certainly have a long career in the league. He’s one of the toughest dudes on the field each time he enters the lines, and his warrior-like attitude will certainly play at the next level. I trust him in the middle of the field, which is an area the Steelers haven’t used effectively in years.

I certainly would not be mad if the Steelers nabbed him in the mid-rounds.

The position that generally garners the most attention is naturally quarterback, and I’m not overly impressed with this group… But still.

Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss

Ole Miss dual-threat Jaxson Dart is a polarizing prospect who has seemingly climbed the prospects ranks over the past month. He constantly showed his ability to maneuver in the pocket and create plays off-script. I won’t be a fan if the Steelers take him at 20, but he may work his way into the backend of the first round as this class continues to disappoint.

On the flip side, Alabama QB Jalen Milroe did not look the part. He was sacked twice on his first drive, and then proceeded to under throw a wide-open receiver. He does have a high ceiling, but he’s very erratic. He needs some tweaking, but if I were a win-now team; I’d avoid him.

Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard started the game for the American squad and started 6-of-6 through the air and looked comfortable in the pocket. But ultimately his arm strength likely won’t play at the next level. He could potentially sneak into the mid to late rounds due to a surprising showing, but nothing higher than that.

Ollie Gordon II, RB, Oklahoma State

Gordon II was impressive in this year’s Senior Bowl and could be a strong mid-round add for Pittsburgh if they want to pair a former Cowboy with another Oklahoma State alum in Jaylen Warren, set to become a restricted free agent this offseason. He showed above-average elusiveness and his vision has always been exceptional.

Sai’vion Jones, EDGE, LSU

The best group of players was probably the defensive linemen, which is extremely good news for the black and gold. They’ll be looking to patch some holes, as Larry Ogunjobi is a likely cut candidate.

LSU’s Sai’vion Jones put on a clinic, dominating both guards and tackles all week. Jones is 6-foot-5 and 289 pounds and can play both nose tackle and three-technique. He has the athleticism to fill gaps and rush the passer consistently. He’s certainly a player that the Steelers brass will take a liking to.

Who stood out to you, and do any of these players intrigue you for the Steelers?

Former coordinators and those on the coordinator interview circuit will line Aaron Glenn‘s first Jets coaching staff. The team has now added two ex-coordinators to Glenn’s staff, with three other additions having received interest on the coordinator level.

Scott Turner is joining the Jets as their pass-game coordinator, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero reports. Turner closed the season as the Raiders’ interim OC and had previously called plays for the Panthers and Commanders. Glenn is also bringing 2024 Bears DC Eric Washington on as his defensive line coach, CBS Sports Jonathan Jones adds. The Bears moved on from Washington last month.

The Jets are also following through with the rumored Glenn-Chris Harris partnership, with ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter noting the veteran assistant is heading to New York as Gang Green’s defensive pass-game coordinator and DBs coach. Harris had spent the past two seasons with the Titans. Charles London is also moving from Seahawks QBs coach to the same position with the Jets, Pelissero adds. London worked with Harris on the 2023 Titans staff. A recent report indicated the Titans and Harris were expected to separate.

London is heading to New York after the Jets did not receive permission to meet with David Blough. They had reached out to the Commanders about interviewing their assistant QBs coach, but Pelissero indicates the NFC East club blocked the meeting. Clubs are allowed to block contracted assistants, so long as the interview does not pertain to move up to a coordinator or HC post. Blough, who only ended his playing career after the 2023 season, overlapped with Glenn and new Lions OC Tanner Engstrand in Detroit. The Bears and Jaguars also expressed interest in meeting with him, but the Commanders are prepared to keep him for the 2025 season.

Staying on the subject of blocked interviews, the Jets made such a move as well. They are keeping wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson, SNY’s Connor Hughes adds, pointing out the team blocked other clubs from meetings. A former NFL wideout, Jefferson has enjoyed two tours of duty with the Jets (under Adam Gase from 2019-20 and again last season). He also was a Glenn divisional opponent from 1996-99, as the two would match up as members of the Jets and Patriots. Twice a Super Bowl starter, Jefferson has been a wideouts coach since 2007.

Glenn and Turner have not overlapped, but the latter will be a veteran voice in Engstrand’s first OC season. Turner had come up about possibly joining Bill Belichick‘s North Carolina staff but later emerged on Gang Green’s radar. The second-generation NFL coach will stay in the league as part of the Jets’ staff. Turner served as interim Panthers OC in 2019 and then spent three seasons as Washington’s OC. Ron Rivera fired Turner in 2023, leading the latter to the Raiders as pass-game coordinator. Antonio Pierce bumped him to OC after firing Luke Getsy midseason. Turner has yet to oversee a top-16 offense, but he has 13 years’ experience in the pros.

Washington will return to the AFC East, after his Bears stopover; he previously spent four seasons as Sean McDermott’s D-line coach in Buffalo. Washington did not shift to the play-caller in Chicago until after Matt Eberflus‘ Black Friday firing. The Bears did rank 13th in scoring defense this past season, and Washington also helmed the Panthers’ defense under Rivera from 2018-19. Washington and new Jets DC Steve Wilks were longtime staffers under Rivera with Carolina.

A running backs coach from 2014-20, London transitioned to QBs with the Falcons and has since overseen the position with the Titans and Seahawks. London interviewed with the Commanders to replace Turner in 2023, also meeting with the Titans that year, and met about the Browns’ vacancy last month. He spoke with the Rams about their OC job in 2022. Harris worked with Turner under Rivera for three seasons in Washington but moved to Tennessee in 2023. He has come up for a few DC openings, including the Jets’ this year.

Closing out this sizable Jets staff update, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets they are adding Aaron Curry as their linebackers coach. A former top-five pick, Curry did not pan out as a player. But he has been rising up the assistant ranks in recent years. After a Seahawks stint, the ex-Seattle draftee spent the past two seasons as the Steelers’ inside linebackers coach.

The readers of SB Nation have given their predictions!

Pittsburgh Steelers fans may not have a Lombardi Trophy on the line in Super Bowl LIX… but there are still some ways to get skin in the game ahead of the shenanigans… for free!

Ahead of the Super Bowl, star brothers Payton and Eli Manning will participate in the third-ever FanDuel Kick of Destiny Sunday, NFL fans can make their predictions on which brother will emerge victorious in the FanDuel Sportsbook app wherever sports betting is legal.

Those who correctly predict the winner will receive an equal share of the $10,000,000 prize pool in the form of bonus bets.

2025 marks the third Kick of Destiny event from FanDuel, with the first two events having featured future Hall of Fame tight end Rob Gronkowski. He didn’t make either of his kick attempts, which was a bit of an anti-climatic outcome for those who tuned in. Now, at least, two very well-known contestants will go head-to-head in front of a live audience with one person bound to emerge a winner!

In the contest, each Manning brother will start by attempting a 25-yard field goal. If they both miss, they’ll each kick from 20 yards. If both make it, the ball remains at the same spot and the brothers will kick again. If the brothers match each other’s kicks, they’ll go to a tie-breaker. If they both make or both miss, FanDuel will measure which kick was closest in order to crown the winner.

Here’s a look at how t

How to make your Kick of Destiny picks

1. Download or Log In to FanDuel Sportsbook in any state where you can use the app. Click here to see if it’s legal in your state!
2. Click the Kick of Destiny icon on the homepage.
3. Make your FREE pick before 3 p.m. ET on Super Bowl Sunday (February 9).
4. Pick whether you think Peyton or Eli Manning will win the Kick of Destiny 3.
5. Win a share of $10,000,000 in FanDuel Sportsbook Bonus Bets if you made the correct pick.
6. Watch live Super Bowl Sunday on Fox to see the Mannings kick. Then, check back Monday to see how much you were awarded in the form of bonus bets.

SB Nation’s prediction

*Drumroll…*

Most SB Nation poll-takers are backing Eli Manning to win FanDuel’s Kick of Destiny 3.

Eli is the younger brother — 44 years old to Peyton’s 48 — and he’s famous for his durability, having never missed a game in his career. Peyton, on the other hand, has had plenty of injuries, between a neck injury back in 2011 and ACL injury in 2017.

Now, who should Steelers fans root for???

Well… if we’re basing that off their history against the great Black and Gold,

Peyton Manning has gone 4-2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers in his career, including the regular season and postseason, with a 3-0 record against the Tomlin-led Steelers, specifically. Eli, meanwhile, went 1-3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers in his career.

So, Steelers Nation, perhaps it’s best we back good ol’ Eli, given his lack of destruction against Pittsburgh in his professional career.

Potential defensive tackle targets for the Steelers

One of the bigger defensive needs for the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason is defensive tackle. More specifically, a true run stuffer in the middle of the defensive line. They could (and likely will) go the route of the draft to sure up this need, but depth and instant difference-makers will be available in March when free agency begins. Here is a few names the Steelers could look at.

Mike Pennel

Pennel has been a very good rotational piece on the Chiefs’ defense. The 33 year-old veteran has been one of the top run-stopping defensive tackles in 2024. He added three sacks and a forced fumble as well. Picking him up on a one-year deal would be a good signing.

Levi Onwuzurike

Onwuzurike would be an immediate starter. He ranked 31st in snaps for interior defenders and was seventh in hits on the quarterback while also being a quality run stopper. This would be a route to go should the Steelers not have defensive lineman in mind as their top overall selection.

Sebastian Joseph-Day

This would be a big fish signing. Joseph-Day was one of the better interior defensive linemen in the league last season with the Titans. He was credited with 29 stops, which was 13th in the league, via PFF. At 6-foot-4, 310 pounds, he has an athletic build for a defensive tackle, and would be a good addition to put on the Steelers’ defensive line, especially in run situations.

A look at a few draft prospects from the Senior Bowl

There are several all-star events that take place each year that allow the scouts and front offices to evaluate potential NFL prospects. That process, or Phase 2, as I like to call it, has now come to an end. Games and practices for the Hula Bowl, The Shriner’s and the Senior Bowl have taken place. The HBCU Legacy Bowl, along with a few days of practice, is all that remains to be played. The HBCU (Historical Black Colleges and Universities) game can be seen on Feb. 22 at 4 p.m. ET on the NFL Network.

In this article, we focus on what took place in the Senior Bowl game and the practices that led up to the game itself. There were some prospects that shined throughout practice sessions and drills. There were players that may not have faired well in the practices but had a nice showing in the game. Then there were those that managed to put together an entire week of outstanding practices that transitioned into their play during the game itself.

I’m sure there will be some names not mentioned here that you feel should be. Please use the comment section to tell us who you liked or disliked. We are always interested in a different view or opinion here at BTSC.

Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State (6’5 3/8” and 316 lbs.)

This FCS school continues to put out offensive linemen in the NFL, maybe the Steelers need to poach an OL coach from Fargo, but I digress. Zabel was easily the best offensive lineman at this years Senior Bowl. He dominated every 1v1, lining up at every position going against one of the better interior defensive line draft classes. His versatility will be an asset for some NFL team. The former Bison has seen his stock push into round 2 and maybe round 1 consideration. He will get dinged for his 32 1/4 arm length but outside of some technical consistencies, he put on a show in Mobile. That in-your-face style, toughness and tenacity would be a welcomed addition to the Black and Gold.

Jack Bech, WR, TCU (6’1 1/4” and 212 lbs.)

Pronounced as Besh just to give props to the outstanding young man’s name. He came into Mobile without a ton of hype but left the majority of the defensive backs with a bad taste in their respective mouths. The former Horned Frog displayed outstanding route running, savvy and toughness throughout practices. Bech parlayed a great week of practice to becoming Senior Bowl MVP. He had six catches on the day, as well as the game-winning touchdown. He was quoted during the week as saying those 50/50 balls that he will get credit for making plays on, were more like “70/30.” Many talked about his character during the week.

Joshua Farmer, IDL, Florida State (6’2 7/8” and 314 lbs.)

The Steelers need an infusion of talent and depth along the defensive front. The former ‘Nole may not have the requisite “Steeler Size” only standing at just under 6’3” but he was a freaking menace to his 1v1 opponents all week long. Farmer does possess some rather long arms at 35 1/4 inches to help gain that leverage. He often pushes the OL deep into the pocket creating that chaos and disruption. If he can improve on finishing the play he will have a shot at an outstanding career.

Darius Alexander, IDL, Toledo (6’3 5/8” and 304 lbs.)

Continuing on the defensive line, Darius Alexander may have answered the question about his level of competition while at the Senior Bowl. In other words, Alexander shined in his Mobile week. He has the size. length, and strength that NFL teams want. Voted as the top DL by his offensive line teammates. He was also reported to have been contacted by Andy Weidl with a longer meeting scheduled that night. He was on my radar from the Quinyon Mitchell tape as a sleeper prospect, that is no longer the case today. Hopefully, he finds his way into a Steeler uniform come spring.

General Senior Bowl takeaways

• Don’t put too much stock into evaluating DBs and LBs in the 1v1 drills. There is no pressure on the QB and route runners often do multiple route moves to free themselves. Just a tad unrealistic but for those who can show consistent coverage with the drills one-sided, take a deeper dive into those guys.
• The interior defensive line group is very deep in 2025 and that bodes well for the Steelers who could use a double dip to add talent and depth
• Very solid TE group this year as well. Labeled by some as a luxury pick, but overall talent is welcomed by all.
• Still very high on Jayden Higgins, wide receiver out of Iowa State. He had somewhat of a slow start to the start of practice week. However, he came on very strong, showing solid route running and the ability to catch the football in tight spaces. Made a great contested TD catch in the game.

As always, stay safe and go Steelers.

Role receivers the Steelers should target

For the second straight offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers will have several questions surrounding both the quarterback and wide receiver positions. And while names like Garrett Wilson and Courtland Sutton will be speculated about, they also need reliable role players out wide, as well – these names could be in that conversation.

Darius Slayton

Slayton has been a reliable 45-50 catch receiver since 2019 when he entered the league, and he’s done it with bad quarterback play in six seasons with the New York Giants. He’s a reliable underneath target, which is something the Steelers lacked at the position in 2024.

Adam Thielen

The 35-year old receiver is flirting the final tee shot of his career, but is still productive. He missed seven games in 2024, but still put up 48 catches for 615 yards and five touchdowns. In 2023, he had 103 receptions for over 1,000 yards. The Panthers would save over $6 million if they cut or trade Thielen post-June 1, and veteran on offense would be a welcome addition to the Steelers’ young corps.

Elijah Moore

Moore has quietly had two solid seasons with the Browns since being traded to Cleveland in 2023. The Ole Miss product caught 61 and 59 passes in 2024 and 2023, respectively, and can be lined up in the slot and out wide. He’s also just 24 years old, as well, so bringing in Moore wouldn’t just be a quick stop-gap, he could be a legit piece for the next two-three seasons.