PITTSBURGH – Time waits for no one, not even in the Premier Madden League. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, that reality is beginning to loom large as they enter an offseason filled with promise, uncertainty, and perhaps a bit of gray in the beard. With an average roster age of 27, the Steelers are one of the more veteran-heavy teams in the league, and as the league’s juiced regression sliders tighten their grip, all eyes are on how this roster will age under head coach DK LaFleur’s watch.
This isn’t the youthful rebuild of some AFC franchises. This is a team built around proven stars, veteran leadership, and high football IQ. But in a league where regression is swift and unforgiving, the very players who have defined this team’s toughness and identity could also be those most affected by the offseason’s inevitable decline.
The Iron Veteran: Cameron Heyward
At 36 years old, Cameron Heyward remains the soul of the Steelers defense. The six-time All-Pro and defensive captain has defied logic by continuing to dominate the trenches well into his mid-thirties. Rated at 94 overall, Heyward posted 38 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks this season while serving as a mentor to rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon.
But age, like the relentless double teams he faces, is undefeated. With regression sliders set to punish older players heavily, Heyward could see a notable dip in physical attributes despite still performing at a high level. The question for Pittsburgh isn’t whether Heyward can still contribute, as he can, but how long he’ll want to continue battling Father Time in the league’s trenches.
“Cam’s presence alone changes everything,” LaFleur said. “He’s the example everyone follows, but we all know time catches up eventually. You just hope it takes its time with a guy like him.”
The Secondary’s Twin Titans: Ramsey and Slay
It’s rare to have one elite veteran cornerback, let alone two. But Pittsburgh boasts both Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay, not to mention a young talented Joey Porter Jr, which is a luxury that few teams in the league can match.
Ramsey, 30 years old and rated 94 overall, continues to play with the same swagger and dominance that made him one of the best defensive backs of his generation. His versatility allows him to shift between corner and safety roles, giving LaFleur flexibility in how he disguises coverages. Meanwhile, Slay, at 34 years old and rated 85 overall, still brings leadership and savvy play recognition, but regression could hit him harder than most.
For both, awareness and technique may hold steady, but the loss of speed and acceleration, the the lifeblood of a defensive back, could be significant.
“Those two guys are like having field generals in the secondary,” defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin Jr. said. “But it’s a young man’s position. You can be smart and instinctive, but when regression hits, that separation step matters.”
If the Steelers do feel the effects of the slider hammer, Ramsey’s physical gifts may start to fade just as his mental mastery peaks, while Slay could see one final season before a potential retirement conversation begins.
The Edge of Greatness: Watt and Highsmith
No duo better represents the heart of this defense than T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Watt, 30 years old and rated 96 overall, just led the league in sacks once again with 16 and remains one of the most feared defenders in football, especially with the recent boost to pass rush with the latest EA title update. Highsmith, 28 years old and rated 88 overall, complements him perfectly with a relentless motor and strong discipline against the run.
But even with Watt still at the top of his game, the regression sliders don’t discriminate. At 30, players often lose bursts of speed, acceleration, and agility, which are the very traits that separate elite edge rushers from the rest. For a player who thrives on timing and explosiveness, even a few attribute points could make a difference.
Still, Watt’s football IQ and technique are second to none. If there’s any player on this roster likely to stave off regression through pure determination, it’s him.
“T.J. doesn’t age like the rest of us,” LaFleur joked. “If anything, he’s getting stronger. He’ll probably still be getting sacks at 40 if you let him.”
The Offensive Veterans: Jonnu Smith and Ayahuasca Perc Rodgers
Tight end Jonnu Smith has quietly become one of the most consistent weapons in LaFleur’s offense. At 30 years old and rated 81 overall, he’s fresh off a 1,000-yard season with 10 touchdowns. His mix of speed, size, and experience makes him a reliable safety blanket for any quarterback, but he too may face a step back in explosiveness and stamina after another long campaign.
And then there’s perhaps the most unique player on the roster, quarterback Ayahuasca Perc Rodgers. At 41 years old, the veteran signal-caller (and part-time shaman, according to locker room jokes) brings more enlightenment than expectation. Rated 77 overall, Rodgers was signed primarily for leadership and mentorship, but even that might be tested as his physical tools continue to fade.
“He’s like the old sage in the locker room,” said wide receiver Alec Pierce. “He’s always talking about inner peace, energy flow, and seeing the field with your third eye. Whatever it is, it’s working for somebody.”
Whether Rodgers returns for another season remains uncertain, but his presence has been felt. For a young quarterback room led by Desmond Ridder, his mentorship has been invaluable.
A Balancing Act
The Steelers now find themselves in a delicate balance, as they are maintaining their veteran leadership while preparing for inevitable regression. The average age of 27 doesn’t just make them experienced; it makes them vulnerable in a league designed to reward youth and penalize longevity.
Coach LaFleur has already hinted at a strategic approach to roster management this offseason. With over 70 million in cap space and key re-signings looming, he’ll have to walk the line between loyalty to proven veterans and the need to keep the roster sustainable for years to come.
“This team has fight, experience, and leadership,” LaFleur said. “But as we move forward, we have to blend that with youth, development, and speed. The goal is balance not just for next season, but for the future as well.”
The Steelers may be entering an offseason filled with regression risks, but one thing is certain: their foundation remains as strong as ever. With veterans like Heyward, Watt, and Ramsey setting the tone, and younger stars like Nate Carter, Alec Pierce, and Payton Wilson rising fast, Pittsburgh’s steel core is still intact.
As for Ayahuasca Perc Rodgers, only he knows what comes next. Maybe retirement. Maybe enlightenment. Maybe both. One thing’s for sure, father time may be undefeated, but the Steelers have a plan in place under head coach DK LaFleur.
– Forged In Steel Times
