The Pittsburgh Steelers should finally be able to breathe a sigh of relief after reaching an agreement with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Rodgers had been linked to the Steelers for months, and the two parties finally were able to make it official. Now, the team won't have to worry about throwing sixth-round pick Will Howard or veteran backup Mason Rudolph into the fire.
Looking at this roster, it seems to be ready to compete for the playoffs once again. Most of the important playmakers from last season will be back in 2025, and the team added star wide receiver D.K. Metcalf in a trade to further bolster the offense.
With new faces being brought in, some old familiar names could be on the chopping block. Today, let's identify the three players who could shockingly be cut before the season begins.
WR Robert Woods
Robert Woods was brought in this offseason on a one-year, $2 million deal to bolster the receiver depth.
In the past, Woods has been a solid route-runner with sure hands. The veteran has even eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark twice in his 12-year career. In Pittsburgh, Woods should theoretically be a solid veteran presence who can help out the young pass-catchers.
However, Woods had his worst season in 2024, and may not have much juice left. The Steelers have Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek, and Roc Taylor, among other, vowing for spots, so it's not hard to imagine Woods being cut.
Cordarrelle Patterson, RB
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith loves Cordarrelle Patterson, but that may not be enough to keep him on the roster in 2025.
The Steelers let Najee Harris walk in free agency, but drafted Kaleb Johnson in the third round and added Kenneth Gainwell in free agency. Jaylen Warren is still around as well, as is Trey Sermon.
Warren, Johnson, and Gainwell are probably locks, which means Patterson could have a ton of competition for the final spot. Releasing Patterson would also free up about $3 million in cap space.
Juan Thornhill, DB
Juan Thornhill was brought in this offseason to bolster the depth in the Pittsburgh secondary. Thornhill had a solid 2024 season with the Cleveland Browns, racking up 49 tackles and three pass deflections.
It would make sense to keep Thornhill around as an experienced backup safety. However, three safety spots already appear to be spoken for, with Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, and Miles Killebrew locked in.
The team will likely keep four safeties, and Thornhill will have stiff competition. Quindell Johnson could earn a spot, as could talented undrafted free agent Sebastian Castro. Thornhill is far from a lock to make this roster.