Top 5 Steelers Poised For Breakout Campaigns in 2025
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster looks drastically different than it did just one year ago. With a flurry of offseason moves, general manager Omar Khan drew a mix of praise and criticism. But one thing is certain: new roles have opened the door for several players to step up and take the next leap in their development.
Here are five Steelers who are poised for breakout seasons in 2025:
5. Jaylen Warren, Running Back
Jaylen Warren has already proven himself as a dependable third-down back, known for his explosiveness in space and ability to pick up the blitz. Now, he’ll have a real chance to take over as the Steelers’ lead back.
Although Pittsburgh drafted Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson, Warren is expected to receive the bulk of the touches early on. Johnson will most likely need to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL game and has limitations in pass protection, which will likely keep him off the field on key downs.
Warren has been a valuable complementary piece in Pittsburgh’s backfield. But with a larger workload on the horizon, this could be the year he cements himself as a full-time starter. The opportunity is there, and now it’s a matter of what he does with it.
4. Darnell Washington, Tight End
Darnell Washington has made his presence felt in his first two NFL seasons. At 6-foot-7 and 275 pounds, he’s a physical mismatch and already one of the league’s best run-blocking tight ends. According to Pro Football Focus, Washington earned a 67.2 run-blocking grade in 2024, sixth-best among all tight ends.
Last season, he also started to flash his potential as a pass catcher. He showcased his strength and physicality in moments like his performance against the Broncos, where he bullied defenders for extra yardage.
Still just 23 years old with rare size and athleticism, including a 31-inch vertical, Washington is in prime position to take a major step forward in 2025, especially as a receiving threat in the red zone and over the middle.
3. Joey Porter Jr., Cornerback
Joey Porter Jr.’s career has had its share of ups and downs so far. The long, athletic corner has shown flashes of brilliance in man coverage, where he uses his length and footwork to mirror receivers effectively. However, he has struggled with technique and hand usage, often drawing flags for pass interference or holding. These issues followed him from his college days at Penn State and contributed to him falling out of the first round.
This offseason, Pittsburgh signed veteran cornerback Darius Slay, who has already taken on a mentorship role with Porter. Slay’s presence could be exactly what Porter needs to refine the details of his game and improve his discipline in coverage.
With another year of experience and a veteran voice in his corner, this could be the season Porter emerges as a true No. 1 cornerback, whether that means locking down one side of the field or shadowing opponents’ top receivers.
2. Broderick Jones, Offensive Tackle
Year three is a critical one for Broderick Jones. The former first-round pick has yet to consistently meet expectations, but this season could finally bring the breakthrough Pittsburgh has been waiting for.
One of the biggest factors working in Jones’ favor is his return to his natural position at left tackle. At Georgia, Jones excelled on the blind side, but he was shifted to right tackle with the Steelers to accommodate Dan Moore Jr. With Moore now out of the picture and 2024 first-rounder Troy Fautanu expected to take over at right tackle, Jones will slide back to his more comfortable position.
A lot of his struggles, particularly with his pass sets and hand placement, can be traced back to being misaligned on the right side. If he can find his rhythm back at left tackle, this position switch could unlock his true potential. Rent is due, and Jones needs to deliver.
1. Roman Wilson, Wide Receiver
Roman Wilson’s rookie year was derailed by injuries and uncertainty. He suffered a significant ankle injury on the first day of training camp, and though he made his debut against the Raiders in Las Vegas, he played just four snaps and was never targeted. Shortly after, a hamstring issue landed him on injured reserve, ending his season prematurely.
But 2025 presents a fresh start and a clear opportunity. Following the trade of George Pickens, the wide receiver two role is wide open, and Wilson has a legitimate shot at seizing it.
ESPN analyst Jeremy Fowler noted in a tweet, “Team counting on Roman Wilson Year 2 jump. This offseason he looks like a different player than from his injury-riddled rookie campaign.”
Wilson has the tools. He ran a blazing 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and had a standout senior season at Michigan, posting 48 receptions for 784 yards and 12 touchdowns while helping lead the Wolverines to a national championship.
Now healthy and with a path to meaningful snaps, Wilson could emerge as a breakout star in Pittsburgh’s offense and the kind of reliable target the team has been lacking for years.