Rooney’s Reality Check: Will Steelers Acquisitions Close the Gap on Ravens in 2025?
The echoes of M&T Bank Stadium still reverberate in the ears of Steelers fans. A 34-17 defeat at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18 of the 2024 season, a game that saw the Ravens secure the AFC North title, served as a stark reminder of the gap that exists between these two storied franchises. As the 2025 season approaches, the question on everyone’s mind is: have the Steelers done enough this offseason to truly challenge the Ravens’ dominance?
The Khan Artist Strikes Again: Steelers’ Offseason Overhaul
Omar Khan, entering his second full year as General Manager, has orchestrated a series of bold moves, leaving no stone unturned in his quest to elevate the Steelers back to contender status. The Steelers, who finished 10-7 last year, making the postseason but getting knocked out in the Wild Card round, knew changes needed to be made.
Quarterback Conundrum Solved? The Arrival of Aaron Rodgers
The most significant splash was undoubtedly the acquisition of four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers. While not the prime version of himself, Rodgers brings a level of experience and playmaking ability that has been sorely missed since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement. In fact, the long-awaited addition of Rodgers was finally made official in early June, securing a proven veteran at a position that has been quite a weakness for Pittsburgh since the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger. Rodgers isn’t guaranteed to thrive, of course, but if he can replicate his performances from the back half of the 2024 season with the Jets, the Steelers will be a better team offensively than they were last year. The Steelers’ AFC North odds sit at +500.
Metcalf Mania: Adding a True Number One Receiver
To provide Rodgers with a legitimate top target, Khan traded for DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks. Metcalf, a two-time Pro Bowler, brings size, speed, and a proven track record of production. The Steelers sent their 2025 second-round pick in return. As part of the deal, the two teams will also swap sixth- and seventh-round picks. Metcalf, a 2019 second-round pick by Seattle, is a two-time Pro Bowl selection and earned first-team All-Pro honors once during his career. This move signaled a clear shift in philosophy, with the Steelers parting ways with George Pickens, sending him to the Dallas Cowboys.
Rebuilding the Secondary: Ramsey and Slay Bolster the Defense
Recognizing the need to improve the defense, Khan made significant investments in the secondary. A trade with the Miami Dolphins brought in Jalen Ramsey, a versatile defensive back capable of playing multiple positions. Ramsey, 30, showed to be a versatile player for the Dolphins, who can give a defense snaps practically anywhere on the field, including slot cornerback. While fans were disappointed to see Minkah Fitzpatrick leave in the trade with the Dolphins, the Steelers were able to swap a safety with a severe lack of ball production over the past two seasons for a more valuable defensive back with significantly more versatility. The Steelers also added veteran cornerback Darius Slay to provide experience and leadership.
Draft Day Deals: Harmon and Johnson Add Youth and Potential
The Steelers addressed both sides of the ball in the 2025 NFL Draft. Derrick Harmon, a defensive tackle from Oregon, was selected in the first round to bolster the defensive line. In the third round, the Steelers added Kaleb Johnson, a running back from Iowa, seen as a potential workhorse to complement Najee Harris. When it comes to straight-up value and investment, Kaleb Johnson was my favorite acquisition of the 2025 offseason. Though he won’t make the same impact right away as a player like Aaron Rodgers or Jalen Ramsey, the Steelers found a true workhorse running back in the third round of a loaded RB draft. Johnson was the 52nd-ranked player on the NFL Draft Expert Consensus Board, but the Steelers were able to snatch him up with the 83rd pick in the third round of the 2025 draft. After trading for Metcalf and forfeiting their second-round pick, landing a back like Johnson seemed highly unlikely.
The Ravens’ Response: Staying Ahead of the Curve
While the Steelers were busy making headlines, the Baltimore Ravens were quietly solidifying their roster. The Ravens added another weapon in veteran receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who joined Baltimore with one goal in mind: Help the Ravens get over the hump and win a Super Bowl. Hopkins fell short of that goal with an offensively challenged Chiefs team last season, but he’s walking into a better situation in Baltimore. Now, it’s up to Jackson to establish a rapport with the potential future Hall of Famer and fit him into the NFL’s best offense from the 2024 season. The Ravens also made key additions to their defense, signing cornerback Jaire Alexander and drafting safety Malaki Starks.
The Lamar Jackson Factor: The Engine of the Ravens’ Offense
The Ravens’ success hinges on the continued brilliance of Lamar Jackson. In 2024, Jackson became the first quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards and rush for 800-plus yards in a season. With Derrick Henry still producing unstoppable rushing stats, the Ravens and their favorited +700 Super Bowl odds are the logical pick over the other three teams. The Bengals missing the playoffs to begin the season in Baltimore’s shadow might be the best thing for those bullish on their chances to win the AFC North.
Rooney’s Reality Check: Closing the Gap or Wishful Thinking?
Have the Steelers’ acquisitions closed the gap on the Ravens? On paper, the Steelers have undoubtedly improved. The addition of Rodgers brings a new dimension to the offense, while Metcalf provides a much-needed playmaker. The revamped secondary should be more formidable, and the draft picks add depth and potential.
However, several factors remain uncertain. How quickly will Rodgers adapt to the Steelers’ system? Can the offensive line provide adequate protection? Will the defense be able to consistently generate pressure? And perhaps most importantly, can the Steelers overcome the mental hurdle of facing a Ravens team that has had their number in recent years?
The AFC North Gauntlet: A Brutal Road to the Playoffs
The AFC North promises to be a battleground once again in 2025. The Cincinnati Bengals, with a healthy Joe Burrow, will be eager to reclaim their spot at the top of the division. The Cleveland Browns, despite their struggles, possess a talented roster capable of making noise. Every game will be a hard-fought contest, and the Steelers will need to be at their best to navigate this gauntlet.
The Verdict: Hope Springs Eternal, But Challenges Remain
The Steelers have made significant strides to close the gap on the Ravens, but the road ahead remains challenging. The success of their acquisitions hinges on several factors, and the AFC North will be a fiercely competitive division. While the Steelers have reason for optimism, they must prove it on the field. Only time will tell if Rooney’s Reality Check results in a Super Bowl run or another season of falling short.