Steelers Offense Will Have New Faces in 2025
The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering the 2025 NFL season with a dramatically reshaped offense, signaling a bold new direction for the franchise under head coach Mike Tomlin and new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. After a 2024 campaign that saw inconsistent quarterback play and a lackluster passing game, the Steelers front office made aggressive moves to overhaul their offensive unit. Several new names are set to take the field, each bringing fresh energy and a unique skill set to Pittsburgh’s evolving offensive identity.
Leading the charge is veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, who signed a team-friendly one-year deal after his release from the Denver Broncos. At 36, Wilson is expected to bring experience, leadership, and mobility to an offense that has struggled to find consistency under center since the departure of Ben Roethlisberger. Though Wilson is no longer in his prime, the Steelers believe his football IQ and escapability make him a valuable bridge quarterback.
Backing up Wilson will be Justin Fields, the former Chicago Bears starter who was acquired via trade. Fields, still just 26, is expected to be groomed as the potential long-term solution at quarterback. The Steelers coaching staff is hopeful that under Arthur Smith’s run-heavy, play-action scheme, Fields can develop more comfortably without the immediate pressure to start. His dual-threat ability gives Pittsburgh a dynamic option off the bench and a possible future starter if Wilson falters or departs after the season.
At running back, Najee Harris returns but will share more of the workload with Jaylen Warren, who emerged as an explosive change-of-pace back last season. The real new face in the backfield, however, is rookie Braelon Allen, the bruising third-round pick out of Wisconsin. Allen brings power, vision, and short-yardage dominance to a group that will aim to grind down defenses and control the clock. His presence could alter the Steelers’ power run game significantly.
The wide receiver room will also look different, starting with the addition of Van Jefferson, the former Rams and Falcons receiver who signed with Pittsburgh in free agency. Jefferson is expected to play a significant role as a reliable possession receiver, complementing the deep-threat abilities of George Pickens, who now assumes the role of WR1 following the trade of Diontae Johnson. Also worth watching is second-year wideout Calvin Austin III, who brings blazing speed and is projected to be used in gadget plays and jet motions.
One of the most talked-about newcomers is rookie tight end Theo Johnson, selected in the fourth round out of Penn State. With Pat Freiermuth still locked in as the starter, Johnson adds size and vertical athleticism to the tight end group and could become a key red-zone target. The Steelers have hinted at using more two-tight end sets to complement their renewed commitment to the ground game.
Pittsburgh also revamped its offensive line, headlined by first-round draft pick Troy Fautanu, an athletic tackle from Washington who is expected to start immediately at left tackle. His pass-blocking ability and quick feet make him a cornerstone for the future. He joins returning linemen Broderick Jones, j James Daniels, and Mason Cole, forming what the Steelers hope will be their most cohesive and talented offensive line in years.
The new offensive identity will be orchestrated by Arthur Smith, the former Falcons head coach known for his run-heavy schemes and reliance on play-action. Smith is expected to bring discipline and structure to a unit that struggled with creativity and execution in 2024. His past success with quarterbacks like Ryan Tannehill in Tennessee could bode well for a bounce-back season from Russell Wilson or the development of Justin Fields.
Depth is another area Pittsburgh emphasized in the offseason. New signings like Tyler Biadasz (a former starting center for the Cowboys) and Cordarrelle Patterson, a do-it-all veteran now reunited with Arthur Smith, provide depth and flexibility across multiple positions. Patterson, in particular, is expected to see time as a kick returner, slot weapon, and occasional running back.
With all these changes, the 2025 Steelers offense will be a blend of old and new proven veterans looking to reclaim their form and young players eager to make their mark. While much remains to be seen in terms of chemistry and execution, there is no question that Pittsburgh is entering the season with fresh hope and a distinctly different offensive look. For a team built on physicality and discipline, this new-look offense could be exactly what the Steelers need to take the next step in the competitive AFC North.
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