After a strategic overhaul initiated by the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2025 NFL draft, the team has set its sights on revitalizing its defense. With the release of defensive back Ryan Watt and defensive tackle Montravius Adams, the Steelers are poised to make significant changes ahead of the upcoming season.

The defensive line will feature Cameron Heyward, Keeanu Benton, and first-round pick Derrick Harmon, recently drafted to fill the void left by Larry Ogunjobi. The edge rush will be spearheaded by T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, forming a formidable duo. Inside linebackers Payton Wilson and Patrick Queen promise to bring speed and agility to the core of the defense.

In the secondary, the cornerback lineup includes Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, and Beanie Bishop, while Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott will anchor the safety positions, bolstered by the addition of Juan Thornhill, who will play a critical role in the Big Nickel package. With these alterations, the Steelers are determined to enhance their defensive capabilities and make a strong playoff push this season.

2024 was a challenging year for the Pittsburgh Steelers, culminating in a disappointing playoff exit and a struggle on offense despite a revamped quarterback lineup. As the team looks towards 2025, several players are poised for redemption after underwhelming performances. T.J. Watt, leading the team with 11.5 sacks, aims to elevate his game after a quiet finish to last season. Broderick Jones is set to assert himself as the starting left tackle, while Jaylen Warren, now the primary running back, seeks to significantly improve on his 511 rushing yards from 2024. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. hopes to bounce back after a less stellar year, with veteran Darius Slay joining to help guide him. Lastly, Minkah Fitzpatrick's role in the defense is under scrutiny, as he possesses the talent to make game-changing plays if utilized effectively.

The discussion surrounding Minkah Fitzpatrick's future with the Pittsburgh Steelers intensifies as speculation about his trade value dwindles to nearly nonexistent. Following two disappointing seasons, questions about whether to deal the talented safety have arisen, but insiders suggest the Steelers are unlikely to move him due to his hefty cap hit of $22 million. The notion of trading an aging safety with such a financial burden presents a significant challenge.

Fitzpatrick's performance has declined, raising concerns among fans and analysts alike. While some blame his struggles on the team's defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, the reality remains that Fitzpatrick needs to demonstrate he can reclaim his previous form. With the Steelers potentially facing financial constraints, a pay cut for Fitzpatrick may be imminent if he hopes to remain in Pittsburgh.

Cam Heyward, the Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive lineman, recently stirred conversation on his podcast regarding the team's direction in 2025. During his appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, he emphasized the need for immediate action rather than future planning, particularly after the team traded for star wide receiver DK Metcalf. Heyward expressed urgency, acknowledging that key players like T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick are aging, and the team must capitalize on their remaining prime years.

In a related discussion, Heyward acknowledged a connection between his comments on needing a quarterback and the ongoing situation with Aaron Rodgers, who was visiting the Steelers at the time. He noted the poetic irony of wanting Rodgers, who previously defeated Pittsburgh in the Super Bowl, to lead the team to a championship. While Rodgers hasn't made a swift decision, the Steelers appear primed to be his best chance at starting, as both sides seek to maximize their opportunities in the coming season.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are eager to break their eight-year playoff win drought, and they've added veteran safety Juan Thornhill to help lead the charge. Thornhill, a two-time Super Bowl champion from his time with the Kansas City Chiefs, brings experience and skill to the Steelers' secondary. At 29, he's looking to reaffirm his status as one of the league's top safeties after a sidelining injury during the Chiefs' 2019 run.

Thornhill's career highlights include three interceptions in the 2022 season, a strong performance with 71 tackles, and key playoff experience, which will be invaluable for the Steelers. Joining a defense that already features stars like T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, Thornhill is expected to be a significant asset as the Steelers aim to improve after last year's struggles in the playoffs.