Eliminating these six players is the initial move towards genuine transformation in 2025.
Insanity is defined as repeating the same actions while hoping for different outcomes. Regrettably, “running it back” has become the mantra of the Pittsburgh Steelers, as they consistently neglect to implement substantial alterations to their roster or coaching team each season.
As Pittsburgh moved on from Matt Canada, Arthur Smith’s offense—headed by quarterback Russell Wilson—showed to be almost as unproductive in 2024. Roster changes are unavoidable, and many Steelers have contracts that are set to expire this offseason.
Nonetheless, not all players with contracts have secured the privilege to remain. This is a billion-dollar enterprise, and the Steelers cannot enter the 2025 season facing the same issues they dealt with in 2024. Here are six players currently contracted that likely won’t return to Pittsburgh.
Preston Smith, Edge defender
I fully supported the Steelers’ choice to acquire Preston Smith at the NFL trade deadline. The veteran edge rusher enjoyed a stellar NFL career with Washington and Green Bay, making the trade for a skilled pass rusher and run stopper an obvious choice.
Regrettably, Smith’s influence on the team turned out to be less significant than we had anticipated. Towards the end of the season and during the playoffs, Smith wasn’t even getting a helmet for the Steelers. He is set to receive a base salary of $12 million. It’s not feasible to rationalize retaining him (not that it was ever a viable choice in a rental-style deal) and Smith will likely be among the first to leave.
If you’re discussing overcompensated players on the Steelers in recent years, Larry Ogunjobi is a prime example. In free agency in 2022, Pittsburgh paid a premium to acquire the former Browns and Bengals defensive lineman and subsequently awarded him a three-year contract in the 2023 offseason.
Though Ogunjobi is a decent interior defender, he struggles significantly against the run—an area where the Steelers were vulnerable late in the season—and his high cap figures are hard to defend after another average season. Pittsburgh might save $7 million by terminating his contract and allocate the cap savings to a defensive tackle skilled in run defense.
The Steelers attempted it, but it was unsuccessful. Cordarrelle Patterson once shone as an iconic kick returner before moving from wide receiver to running back in the later stages of his career. Under Arthur Smith’s guidance, Patterson achieved success in Atlanta.
However, those times are in the past for him. Whenever Patterson had the ball for the Steelers in 2024, it seemed like a play wasted. What’s even worse is that the 33-year-old provided nothing as a return specialist. Patterson has an additional year on his contract, but Pittsburgh must exit his agreement and revamp the running back position.
Dean Lowry, lineman on defense
Dean Lowry exemplifies a free-agent acquisition that fails to make an impact for an NFL franchise. The Steelers, in need of reinforcement on the interior defensive line, signed Lowry to a two-year deal last offseason. Unfortunately, the veteran was unable to participate in most of camp and the beginning of the season due to injuries.
When he observed the field, Lowry proved to be quite ineffective. He concluded the 2024 season with five tackles, one sack, and one tackle for a loss across 12 games (with one start). Lowry has a cap hit of $3.125 million in 2025, but the Steelers could save $2.5 million by terminating his contract this offseason.
Montravius Adams, Defensive tackle
For some reason, the Pittsburgh Steelers appear determined to retain Montravius Adams despite persistent unfavorable outcomes. Last offseason represented the third contract that Adams received from the team, but supporters should wish it’s his final one.
The Steelers have attempted to convert Adams into a run-stopping nose tackle, despite him not being that. However, this is the same player who frequently gets overpowered in the running game. In the meantime, Adams has recorded only one sack and six tackles for a loss over four years (46 games played) with the Steelers. That’s all there is to it. It’s time to let him go.
George Pickens, receiver
This will spark debate among the Steelers’ fanbase, but it would be unwise to continue with George Pickens on the roster at this time. Mike Tomlin allowed the immature wide receiver three years to improve, and the situation hasn’t really changed (if at all).
At the beginning of the season facing the Cowboys, Pickens’ subdued performance on the field indicates that he nearly gave up on his team. The flamboyant wide receiver has similarly been scrutinized for his dubious reactions to the press.
The Steelers have a significant requirement at the position, but offering him a high contract extension would be unwise. Pittsburgh should acquire some draft assets for Pickens before he undermines his trade value further.
