The Pittsburgh Steelers, a team with a long, storied past, always keeps fans talking, especially when thinking about the future of key positions. There's a lot of chatter, you know, about who will be carrying the ball for them as we head into the 2025 season. It's a big question that really shapes how the offense will operate, and frankly, it's something many people are curious about, particularly those who follow the team closely.

Figuring out the running back situation for any NFL team, and for the Steelers, it's almost always a topic of intense discussion. It involves a mix of looking at current players, thinking about potential new additions from the draft, and also considering free agency. The team’s overall strategy, how they want to play the game, really plays a part in these choices, too. It’s never just about one person, but about building a complete unit.

This article will explore the possibilities for the Steelers' running back room in 2025, drawing on what we know about the team and the typical ways NFL rosters come together. We'll look at the players currently on the roster, consider what might happen with contracts, and even glance at how the team has built its roster in other areas, like with the recent acquisitions of safety Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith. So, let’s get into what the future might hold for the black and gold's ground game.

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Table of Contents

• Current Running Backs on the Roster
• Contract Situations and Their Impact
• Potential Paths to 2025 Running Backs
  • The NFL Draft: A New Face?
  • Free Agency: Veteran Talent?
  • Internal Development and Coaching
• Team Philosophy and Offensive Style
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season

Current Running Backs on the Roster

When we talk about the Steelers' running backs, we have to start with the players who are already here, you know. The official source of Pittsburgh Steelers news and rosters gives us some names to consider. Specifically, it mentions Pittsburgh Steelers running back Trey Sermon, wearing number 27, and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson, wearing number 20. These are two individuals who have been with the team, learning the system and working with running backs coach Eddie Faulkner.

Trey Sermon, for instance, has shown flashes of what he can do, even if his time on the field has been somewhat limited. He's got a certain kind of running style that, in a way, could really fit the Steelers' approach to the ground game. His presence on the roster indicates the team sees something valuable in his skill set, and that's something to keep in mind when thinking about 2025.

Kaleb Johnson is another player mentioned, and his development will be something to watch. Young players often take time to grow into their roles in the NFL. They need opportunities, and they need consistent coaching, which they get from someone like Eddie Faulkner. So, these two, Sermon and Johnson, are definitely part of the current picture, and their progress will influence what happens next, naturally.

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Beyond these two, there are usually other players who cycle through the roster, whether on the practice squad or as depth pieces. The team is always looking for talent, and as the official source for roster of players for the Pittsburgh Steelers points out, there are always transactions happening. So, the current group is a starting point, but it's rarely the final answer, especially a year or so out, obviously.

Contract Situations and Their Impact

Player contracts play a huge part in who stays and who goes, you know. While "My text" doesn't go into detail about specific contract lengths for Trey Sermon or Kaleb Johnson, it's a well-known fact that NFL teams are always managing their salary cap and player agreements. A player's contract status can dictate whether they are a likely candidate to return or if the team might look elsewhere.

If a player is in the final year of their contract heading into 2025, the team faces a choice: offer an extension, let them play it out and potentially leave in free agency, or perhaps even trade them. This decision, it's almost always a big one, as it affects not just the running back room but the team's overall financial health. So, contract details, even if not explicitly stated, are a really big part of the puzzle.

Teams also have to think about the value they are getting for the money they are spending. If a running back is performing at a high level on a team-friendly deal, they are much more likely to be a part of the future plans. Conversely, a player with a large contract who isn't producing as expected might be a candidate for release or restructuring. This is just how the business side of football works, basically.

The Steelers, like any smart team, will be evaluating these situations very carefully. They want to make sure they have the best possible talent on the field while also managing their resources wisely. This means that even if a player is currently on the roster, their contract could mean they are not guaranteed to be the Steelers running back in 2025, or even a part of the team, as a matter of fact.

Potential Paths to 2025 Running Backs

When thinking about who might be carrying the ball for the Steelers in 2025, there are a few main avenues the team can take. It's not just about who's here now; it's also about who they might bring in. The team is always looking to improve, and that means considering all options, you know.

The NFL Draft: A New Face?

The NFL Draft is a primary way teams acquire new talent, and the Steelers are no strangers to drafting players who become key contributors. We saw them add to the quarterback room in round six with the selection of Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, for instance. This shows they are willing to use later rounds for important positions, too. A running back could certainly be on their radar in any round.

Every year, there are exciting running back prospects coming out of college. Some are powerful runners, others are quick and elusive, and some are very good at catching passes out of the backfield. The Steelers' scouting department, which is constantly evaluating talent, will be looking for someone who fits their specific offensive scheme. A fresh face from the draft could absolutely be the answer for 2025, you know.

Drafting a running back offers a few advantages. They typically come with a cost-controlled contract for four years, which is very appealing for teams looking to manage their salary cap. Plus, they bring youth and fresh legs, which can be important for a position that takes a lot of hits. So, keeping an eye on college prospects will be a big part of predicting the 2025 backfield, obviously.

Free Agency: Veteran Talent?

Another path for the Steelers to acquire a running back for 2025 is through free agency. This is where teams can sign players whose contracts with other teams have expired. We've seen the Steelers make significant moves in free agency before, like agreeing to acquire safety Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith in a trade with the Dolphins. While those were trades, they show a willingness to bring in established talent from outside the organization.

Free agency allows teams to target players who already have NFL experience and a proven track record. This can be a quicker way to fill a need compared to relying on a rookie to develop. There are often veteran running backs available who can provide immediate impact, whether as a starter or as a reliable backup. So, this is a very real possibility, too, for the Steelers' 2025 running back situation.

However, free agency can also be more expensive than drafting, as veteran players command higher salaries. The Steelers would need to weigh the cost versus the benefit, considering their overall cap space and other team needs. But if the right player becomes available at the right price, it's definitely an option the team will consider, and that's just how things work, really.

Internal Development and Coaching

Sometimes, the answer is already on the team. The development of current players, like Trey Sermon and Kaleb Johnson, under the guidance of running backs coach Eddie Faulkner, is absolutely crucial. A player can make significant strides from one season to the next, especially with consistent coaching and an improved understanding of the playbook. This internal growth is a big factor, you know.

The Steelers have a strong coaching staff, and they invest in developing their players. Running backs coach Eddie Faulkner plays a vital role in refining techniques, improving vision, and helping players adapt to the speed of the NFL game. If Sermon or Johnson, or any other young back on the roster, shows considerable improvement, they could easily step into a more prominent role in 2025. This is, in a way, the most organic path.

It's not just about physical talent; it's also about understanding the scheme, blocking assignments, and catching passes. A well-rounded running back is incredibly valuable, and coaching can help players become that. So, while fans might look for new names, the biggest improvement might come from within, and that's something to keep in mind, pretty much.

Team Philosophy and Offensive Style

The kind of running back the Steelers will want in 2025 also depends a lot on their overall offensive philosophy. Are they going to be a run-heavy team, or will they focus more on passing? The type of offensive coordinator and the quarterback they have will really influence this. We've seen them add to the quarterback room with Will Howard, which suggests they are always thinking about that position, too.

If the Steelers aim for a power running game, they might prioritize a bigger, more physical back who can break tackles and gain tough yards. If they lean towards a more spread-out, pass-heavy attack, they might prefer a running back who is also a strong receiver out of the backfield and good in pass protection. The needs of the offense, frankly, dictate the type of player they seek.

The team's general approach to building a roster, as seen with their recent moves like acquiring Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith, suggests they are willing to be aggressive to get the players they believe fit their system. This applies to every position, including running back. So, understanding the broader team strategy helps predict the type of player they'll be targeting, you know.

The Steelers are known for their physical style of play, and that often extends to their running game. This historical preference, however, can adapt to modern NFL trends. The official source of Pittsburgh Steelers news, articles, and opinion columns often discusses these strategic shifts. Ultimately, the kind of running back they pursue will reflect their vision for the 2025 offense, and that's just how it goes, I mean.

Frequently Asked Questions

People often have a lot of questions about the Steelers' running back situation, and here are a few that come up a lot.

Will the Steelers draft a running back in the early rounds for 2025?

It's certainly a possibility, you know. The Steelers often draft for need, but they also take the best available player. If a top-tier running back prospect is available when they pick, especially in the first few rounds, they might consider it. However, they also have other needs, and sometimes they pick defensive players, as they wrapped things up selecting two defensive players in a recent draft. So, it really depends on the overall draft board and their specific strategy at the time, naturally.

Are Trey Sermon or Kaleb Johnson likely to be the starter in 2025?

Trey Sermon and Kaleb Johnson are both on the roster, and their development is very important. Whether they become the starter for 2025 depends on their performance, their growth during the offseason, and any other moves the team makes. They will definitely get opportunities to show what they can do, especially under running backs coach Eddie Faulkner. But like any position in the NFL, competition is fierce, so nothing is guaranteed, basically.

How does the Steelers' overall schedule for 2025 affect their running back decisions?

The 2025 schedule, including the fact that the NFL will play a 2025 regular season game for the first time ever, and that the Steelers will host the Miami Dolphins in a primetime game, doesn't directly influence who the running back will be. However, knowing the strength of opponents and the demands of the season can influence the *type* of running back they might want – someone durable, for instance. The official source for the Pittsburgh Steelers' regular season and preseason schedule helps the team plan, but player decisions are more about talent and fit, really.

Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season

The question of who will be the Steelers running back in 2025 is a dynamic one, with many possibilities. It’s a mix of who’s currently here, who might come through the draft, and who could be signed as a free agent. The team’s overall strategy, how they want to play the game, and the guidance from coaches like Eddie Faulkner will all play a big part in the final decision, you know.

Fans can keep up with all the official news and roster changes by checking the official source of the latest Steelers headlines, news, and rosters. This is where you’ll find updates on players like Trey Sermon and Kaleb Johnson, and any new additions. The team is always working to put the best possible group on the field, and the running back position is certainly a key part of that effort, honestly.

As the 2025 season gets closer, more information will become clear. We'll see how current players develop, who the team targets in the draft, and what moves they make in free agency. It’s an exciting time for Steelers fans, as the team continues to build for the future. You can learn more about the Steelers on our site, and check out our latest news on this page. For official updates on practice schedules and more, always check steelers.com and all the Steelers social handles for practice updates throughout, too.

The journey to the 2025 season is just beginning, and the running back position will be one of the most interesting areas to watch. The team is focused on putting together a strong roster, and that includes making smart choices about who will be leading the charge on the ground. So, stay tuned for what promises to be a very interesting year for the Steelers' backfield, pretty much.