Steelers News: Pittsburgh Steelers Shock Fans with Major Roster Move — Latest Updates & Reactions

The Pittsburgh Steelers closed out the preseason with a 19-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers that doubled as a showcase for the franchise’s revamped roster and a final audition before Tuesday’s 53-man cut-down deadline. Rodgers’ arrival changes everything Head coach Mike Tomlin didn’t mince words when asked why the quarterback room is an “upgrade” this year: “Aaron… is a unicorn. He’s one-of-one.” The 41-year-old passer sat out Thursday night, but his elite arm talent and on-field intellect have already transformed practice tempos and red-zone efficiency, giving Pittsburgh a marquee signal-caller for the first time since Ben Roethlisberger retired. Secondary debuts steal the spotlight Fans finally got a glimpse of All-Pro newcomers Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay. In just seven snaps, Ramsey logged three tackles, a run stuff and a pair of QB pressures, while Slay allowed zero completions on one target. Their brief but dominant cameo hinted at a defense capable of matching Pittsburgh’s traditional pass-rush prowess with lockdown coverage in 2025. Depth battles to watch • Punter duel: Cameron Johnston and Corliss Waitman traded punts all preseason, and Tomlin admits the decision is still “nip-and-tuck”. • Wide receiver 6: Rookie burner Malik Nabers flashed on special teams, while veteran Calvin Austin III’s route polish gives him an edge. • Inside linebacker rotation: Free-agent pickup Patrick Queen has the green dot, but second-year thumper Payton Wilson is pushing for early-down snaps. Cut-down calculus Tomlin emphasized that late preseason trade calls and injuries can shuffle the board, recalling 2019 when Josh Dobbs was dealt minutes after the finale. Expect Pittsburgh’s phone to ring, especially with surplus depth at edge rusher and wideout. Why this preseason felt different Beyond splashy names, veterans praise the roster’s “togetherness”—a by-product of another three-week camp at Saint Vincent College. Tomlin believes that chemistry will be stress-tested once adversity hits: “If that edge remains, then it’s real”. What’s next • Saturday–Monday: Front office evaluates trade inquiries and medical reports. • Tuesday, Aug. 26, 4 p.m. ET: Final 53-man roster due to the league. • Sept. 7: Regular-season opener vs. Baltimore, where Rodgers will make his long-awaited Steelers debut behind a rebuilt offensive line. Bottom line With Aaron Rodgers under center, marquee corners anchoring the back end and a deep skill group, the 2025 Pittsburgh Steelers look primed to rejoin the AFC elite. The next 72 hours will decide who gets a ticket for the ride—and which surprise names hit the waiver wire.