What will the Steelers do in the 2025 NFL off-season?

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer

February 20, 2025

Najee Harris, running back with the Pittsburgh Steelers during a game against the Cleveland Browns on October 31, 2021. Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

As the Pittsburgh Steelers look ahead to the 2025 off-season, a perfect storm of uncertainty and opportunity looms on the horizon.

With pressing questions surrounding their quarterback situation, the organization must evaluate the performance of some key team contributors while considering the prospect of pursuing new talent.

As Pittsburgh navigates these pivotal decisions, the upcoming offseason promises to be one of the most consequential in recent memory, shaping the franchise’s trajectory for years to come.

The central of this uncertainty is the team’s quarterback situation, with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields both vying for the starting role after competing throughout the 2024 season.

Wilson, now 37, has faced major criticism over his performances in recent years, while Fields, acquired in a high-profile trade in 2024, aims to prove he is the long-term answer under center.

Pittsburgh might explore outside options as well, possibly looking at the draft or free agency for a new quarterback if neither Wilson nor Fields establishes themselves as the clear starter.

Speculation about potential targets has sparked interest among fans and analysts alike, particularly concerning the report on Feb. 13 regarding the possible acquisition of the Jacksonville Jaguars starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

Other names have circulated following Pittsburgh’s first-round playoff elimination in January including the likes of Matthew Stafford, Kirk Cousins, and Aaron Rodgers.

Unfortunately, Pittsburgh will eventually have to come to terms that pursuing a top quarterback in the 2025 NFL off-season will require some sacrifice.

Amid these discussions, rumors have intensified about the potential trading of key Steelers players, including wide receiver George Pickens and running back Najee Harris.

These claims gained traction following reported interest from the Chicago Bears for Harris earlier in January.

Harris, despite being a reliable offensive asset, could also be moved if the organization believes they can find comparable talent or a substitute at a lower cost.

The substitute coming in more picks in the 2025 NFL draft, coming alongside the 21st overall pick they’ve secured already.

In regards to Pickens, many rumors have circulated over recent months concerning his behavior issues on and off the field.

It will ultimately come down to the franchise if they want to work with Pickens on his behavior or ship him away before the team finds themselves in another wide receiver controversy.

As Pittsburgh navigates what could be one of its most consequential offseasons in recent history, the outcomes of these pivotal decisions will undoubtedly shape the direction of the franchise for years to come.

With a blend of uncertainty and potential for change, all eyes will be on Pittsburgh as they seek to forge a competitive roster in the 2025-26 NFL season.

About the Contributor

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer

And that’s another Bethel Park Black Hawks win for the boys soccer team. Whether Patrick is on the soccer field or behind the keyboard, he’s always aiming to make an impact—one play and one story at a time. This year, Patrick Romito, an 11th grader, joins Scholastic Publications for the first time. When asked why he decided to sign up, Patrick said, “I took the class to get more involved in school activities.” With a clear passion for making the most of his high school experience, Patrick is eager to contribute to the class by writing articles for the Hawk Eye newspaper. He’s ready to take on whatever stories come his way, whether spotlight features, sports, or school news. Patrick is not just a writer; he’s also an accomplished athlete. With 12 years of soccer experience under his belt and as a three-year DECA member, he balances both extracurriculars and academics with ease. As someone who enjoys variety, he’s equally open to different kinds of stories, saying, “I enjoy writing in general, so whether it’s spotlights, sports, or school news-related content, it doesn’t matter to me.” Looking ahead, Patrick’s plans after high school include studying marketing and advertising, although he’s still deciding on a specific college. In the meantime, his favorite class is Law & You with Mr. Vic. He appreciates how the course prepares him for life after high school, and he enjoys Mr. Vic’s real-life stories that make each lesson engaging. Reflecting on his time in high school, Patrick recalls the excitement of attending football games as a freshman, where he formed friendships that have lasted throughout his high school years. “I really enjoyed going to the football games freshman year because I ended up making a lot of friends there, a lot of which I’m still friends with today,” he said. Outside of school, Patrick has worked as a lifeguard at Highpoint Fitness for almost two years, a job that highlights his dedication and work ethic. When he’s not working or playing soccer, he enjoys comedy movies, with Step Brothers being his top pick. And what’s his dream vacation? Patrick hopes to one day visit Italy. “My dream vacation is Italy because first, it is very beautiful there, as well as my family roots going back to there,” he shared. In just three words, Patrick describes himself as calm, caring, and hardworking — qualities that are sure to serve him well both in and out of the classroom. Keep an eye out for Patrick’s contributions to Hawk Eye this year as he dives into the world of scholastic publications! Written by: Grace Ferency, Staff Writer