How will Aaron Rodgers affect the production of the skill players around him? And will Mike Tomlin endure his first losing season in 19 years as the head coach? Below, we make three bold predictions for the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2025 NFL season.
3 Bold Predictions For the Pittsburgh Steelers For 2025 NFL Season
1. Pat Freirmuth Sets Career Highs
Aaron Rodgers tends to favor his tight ends over the middle and in the red zone, which will put Pat Freiermuth in a position to succeed. The 26-year-old has arguably his best season in 2024, racking up 653 yards and bringing in 7 touchdowns, the latter tying his highest mark ever. He will enter the season as the top tight end option, though they are deep at the position with Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington in the fold.
If Freiermuth is able to remain healthy throughout the season, don’t be surprised to see him put up 800+ yards and 8+ touchdowns, which would both be career highs.
2. Jaylen Warren Eclipses 1,500 Total Yards
Jaylen Warren split time with Najee Harris last season, and was a part of fewer than 40% of the Steelers total offensive snaps. He was still able to gain over 500 yards on the ground, and added over 300 through the air. Warren consistently out gained Harris in yards per carry and yards after contact in 2023 and 2024, and eclipsed 1,100 total yards two years ago.
With Aaron Rodgers under center, expect more check downs, swing passes, and screens, especially with a reshaped receiving corps. Warren could easily rack up 400–500 receiving yards alone, which could give him over 1,500 in total yardage.
3. Mike Tomlin Has First Losing Season As Steelers Head Coach
The Steelers are certainly in win-now mode with Rodgers at quarterback, but will they live up to expectations? The health of their 41-year-old quarterback will be of the highest importance, and any time missed by Rodgers could spell doom for Pittsburgh.
But even if he is to stay healthy, the Steelers may not have the firepower to compete in the AFC. Their division is projected to be led by the Ravens and Bengals, and Pittsburgh has the 9th-toughest schedule in the NFL. Their projected over/under win total is sitting at 8.5, and hitting the under would give Mike Tomlin his first losing season in 19 years as a head coach.
