PITTSBURGH – The offseason haze is lifting, the pads are coming on, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have unveiled their projected starting lineup for opening day. After a busy few months of roster movement, free agency signings, and a blockbuster trade for Amon-Ra St. Brown, Coach DK LaFleur’s squad finally has its initial shape.
The picture that’s emerging is one of balance and power on both sides of the ball, experience mixed with youth, and a clear identity forming under LaFleur’s vision of tough, disciplined, and versatile football.
Of course, as LaFleur himself put it earlier this week, “This is the lineup today, not necessarily the lineup tomorrow.” Still, for now, the foundation is clear, and it looks strong.
At the heart of the offense stands quarterback Desmond Ridder, who silenced critics last season with an impressive 118.9 passer rating, 47 touchdowns, and nearly 4,800 passing yards. Ridder’s connection with this retooled receiver group could define the Steelers’ offensive ceiling.
Behind him is the sparkplug of the backfield, Nate Carter. The second-year running back, who finished his rookie campaign with over 1,800 total yards and 17 combined touchdowns despite missing multiple games, has quickly become one of the league’s most dynamic young playmakers. His ability to run between the tackles, catch passes out of the backfield, and create mismatches has made him the heartbeat of LaFleur’s system.
The receiving corps looks downright lethal. D.K. Metcalf remains the clear alpha, a 6-foot-4, 230-pound monster who racked up over 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns last year. Across from him now stands new arrival Amon-Ra St. Brown, the 97 overall superstar acquired in a blockbuster deal with the Detroit Lions. Known for his elite route running and football IQ, St. Brown’s presence gives Ridder a true chain-mover and reliable target at all levels of the field.
Alec Pierce rounds out the trio, bringing a combination of size and deep-ball ability that keeps defenses honest. Pierce’s 938 yards and nine touchdowns last year solidified his role as a dependable third option who can make clutch plays in key moments.
At tight end, Jonnu Smith returns as the team’s safety blanket. His 77 receptions helped to move the chains, and 10 touchdowns last season were a career best. Safe to say his chemistry with Ridder was evident from week to week. Expect LaFleur to continue utilizing Smith in motion, underneath routes, and red zone mismatches where he thrives.
The offensive line is young, cohesive, and trending upward. Broderick Jones anchors the blindside at left tackle, and his steady development has been one of the quiet success stories in Pittsburgh. Rookie guard Giovanni El-Hadi joins the mix at left guard, bringing energy and raw strength that coaches are excited about.
In the middle, Zach Frazier remains the anchor at center, flanked by returning guard Mason McCormick and returning tackle Troy Fautanu, who both impressed with their durability and consistency last season. Collectively, this group allowed just 21 sacks in 17 games, which is a testament to their growing chemistry and attention to detail under LaFleur’s scheme.
“This group’s got grit,” LaFleur said. “They’re young, but they play with an edge. That’s the foundation of our offense, as they’ll look to protect, move bodies, and stay efficient.”
On the defensive side, Pittsburgh boasts one of the most intimidating front sevens in the league. Leading the charge are T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, the duo that defines Steelers football. Watt, the reigning AFC sack leader with 16 last season, continues to play at a Defensive Player of the Year level, while Highsmith’s combination of speed and discipline makes him the perfect complement on the opposite edge.
Inside, Derrick Harmon steps into a bigger role following a strong rookie season where he tallied 4 sacks and 11 tackles for loss. His growth and quickness off the line have drawn comparisons to a young Cameron Heyward, and Pittsburgh hopes he continues that lineage of interior disruptors.
The linebacker duo of Payton Wilson and Patrick Queen gives the Steelers elite range and versatility in the middle. Wilson, a breakout linebacker who recorded 98 tackles and 25 tackles for loss last year, flies around the field with a mix of speed and instinct. Queen, the veteran signal-caller and team leader in tackles, brings the steadiness and football IQ needed to orchestrate LaFleur’s complex defensive calls.
In the secondary, experience reigns supreme. Jalen Ramsey and Joey Porter Jr. form a potent cornerback duo. Ramsey’s leadership and physicality blend seamlessly with Porter’s length and press-man ability. Behind them, the safety tandem of Isaiah Simmons and Lewis Cine offers flexibility that few teams can match.
Simmons, the new addition from free agency, is expected to be used in multiple roles, shifting between safety and linebacker depending on matchup. Cine, returning as the team’s other versatile safety, brings range and toughness that complement Simmons’ utility perfectly.
“This group can disguise, they can blitz, they can cover, and that’s the kind of defense I love,” LaFleur said. “It’s about keeping offenses guessing and making them uncomfortable every snap.”
While all eyes naturally gravitate toward offense and defense, special teams are just as vital, and this year’s unit has a new identity. Veteran kicker Chris Boswell returns once again as one of the league’s most reliable legs. Year after year, Boswell proves his worth with clutch accuracy and steady consistency, traits that have made him a Pittsburgh mainstay.
New addition Jake Camarda, a punter out of Georgia, will make his debut after being signed earlier in free agency. His booming leg and knack for pinning teams deep could prove critical in tight defensive games, which is something Coach LaFleur, a Georgia alum himself, knows how to appreciate.
Then there’s the outspoken newcomer Rick Lovato, who signed a two-year deal and immediately made headlines with his bold statement, “I’m the best long snapper in the league. It’s pretty much GGs at this point, y’all are cooked.” That kind of confidence might seem unconventional for his position, but in Pittsburgh, it fits right in.
While the starting lineup is set for now, LaFleur made it clear that the door is always open for change. Training camp battles are expected across the roster, especially among the younger defensive linemen and rotational receivers fighting for snaps.
“This is a long season,” LaFleur said. “You’re going to see different faces step up as guys earn their way onto the field. We have rookies and free agents who are learning the system, and as they get more comfortable, we’ll adjust accordingly.”
For now, though, the picture is clear, as this is DK LaFleur’s team. A blend of explosiveness, structure, veterans, and ascending stars.
The Steelers’ 2025 journey begins with a lineup that feels ready to contend, but flexible enough to evolve as the season unfolds.
Knowing LaFleur’s style, evolution is exactly what’s coming.
– Forged In Steel Times
