2025 is shaping up to be a rough stretch for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Questions at quarterback and wide receiver have left experts scratching their heads. With all the holes on the roster, it means other players are going to have to step up. Here are our five top breakout candidates for the upcoming season.
Tight end Pat Freiermuth
Freiermuth finished 2024 with 65 receptions that led the team. You’d never know that, given how poorly the offense played. With George Pickens in Dallas, the passing offense should run through Freiermuth even more in 2025. Most pundits agree that Freiermuth has the potential to be an elite NFL tight end, and this season, we hope it finally happens.
Defensive tackle Keeanu Benton
Benton started 14 games in 2024 but instead of becoming the bully in the middle the Steelers thought they were getting when they drafted him in 2023, he got lost in the mix and faded down the stretch. With the addition of rookie Derrick Harmon, we expect Benton to have a much more productive season.
Running back Jaylen Warren
Warren has all the motivation in the world to be great this season. Najee Harris is gone and he’s the incumbent trying to hold off rookie Kaleb Johnson. Warren is also staring down free agency at the end of the season and a possible big payday if he can pull off a successful season.
Linebacker Alex Highsmith
Highsmith only played in 11 games last season, so his lack of sacks was understandable. But it feels like that 14.5-sack campaign in 2022 might have been an anomaly and not the norm. 2025 is a great chance for Highsmith to come back better than ever and help the Steelers pass rush bounce back from a horrible effort in 2024.
Offensive tackle Broderick Jones
Time is running out for Broderick Jones to prove he was worth trading up to get in 2023. The team is showing tremendous confidence in Jones this season by moving him to left tackle and making room for Troy Fautanu at right tackle. Jones reported to OTAs leaner and in better shape with an eye on being one of the top left tackles in the AFC.