The Dreaded Cut-Down

by Bo Marchionte
@bomarchionte | College2Pro.com
Published August 17, 2025, 4:29 PM

PITTSBUGH, Pa – The end of August always brings a collision between dreams and reality in the NFL. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, that reality is fast approaching: on August 26, 2025, all rosters must be reduced from 90 to 53. Two days later, waiver claims will be processed, and by August 28th, practice squads begin forming of16 players max, with the possibility of 17 for clubs carrying International Pathway Program players.

History tells us this time of year is cruel.

Pittsburgh has had talented players on the wrong side of the 53 before just as James Harrison, once cut before carving out a Hall of Fame-worthy career, or Willie Parker, a camp afterthought who became a Super Bowl hero. Every final cut-down seems to unearth a story of loss, redemption, and second chances.

Head coach Mike Tomlin didn’t downplay the magnitude of those choices when reflecting on what’s ahead:

“It really is, and I like to describe it as, you know, you get a good 90 together, you got a chance to put together a good 53 and there’s no question that this is a good 90. It’s been highly competitive. I’ve seen growth and development, particularly in a lot of the younger and newer guys to us and to the league.”

The balance is delicate. As Tomlin explained, the NFL’s approach to cutdowns has shifted over his tenure:

“The cut downs have changed over the 19 years that I’ve been here in terms of the decisions that you have to make and when and how many. Having to begin to look at it from that perspective, because we got a lot of quality days between now and those decisions.”

And yet, as he admitted, tough calls are exactly what the organization wants.

“It’s certainly going to be some tough decisions, but it’s their job to make it tough, and they’ve done that. But also acknowledge that we have a lot of work in front of us between now and then.”

With that, here’s a look at how the roster shapes up heading into those final days, listed in alphabetical order.

Offense (25)

2024 – Quarterbacks (3) – Kyle Allen, Justin Fields, Russell Wilson
2025 – Quarterbacks (4) – Will Howard, Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson

Thoughts Here – Skylar Thompson entered as an afterthought, but Howard’s injury gave him a stage. He adapted quickly, looked sharp, and might be attractive trade bait to a QB-back-up needy team like Dallas.

2024 – Running Backs (3) – Najee Harris, Cordarrelle Patterson, Jaylen Warren
2025 – Running Backs (3) – Kenneth Gainwell, Kaleb Johnson, Jaylen Warren

Thoughts Here – It’s a brutal cut for Trey Sermon and Lew Nichols, two players who battled. Depth is never the issue here opportunity is.

2024 – Offensive Line (9) – Spencer Anderson, James Daniels, Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, Broderick Jones, Ryan McCollum, Mason McCormick, Dan Moore Jr., Isaac Seumalo
2025 – Offensive Line (9) – Broderick Jones, Calvin Anderson, Spencer Anderson, Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, Ryan McCollum, Andrus Peat, Max Scharping, Isaac Seumalo

Thoughts Here – As clean cut as a group gets. Stability here is a credit to drafting and smart depth moves.

2024 – Tight Ends (3) – Pat Freiermuth, MyCole Pruitt, Darnell Washington
2025 – Tight Ends (3) – Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington

Thoughts Here – Straightforward. Nothing complicated.

2024 – Tight End/Fullback (1) – Connor Heyward
2025 – Tight End/Fullback (1) – Connor Heyward

Thoughts Here – No competition for this role. Heyward remains a versatile piece.

2024 – Wide Receivers (5) – Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller, George Pickens, Roman Wilson
2025 – Wide Receivers (5) – Calvin Austin III, DK Metcalf, Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek, Roman Wilson

Thoughts Here – The heartbreak comes here. Max Hurleman won’t make it, despite his special teams dominance. Brandon Johnson, Ke’Shawn Williams, and Roc Taylor flashed. Robert Woods’ omission is bold, but Pittsburgh clearly trusts Skowronek’s fit.

Defense (25)

2024 – Defensive Line (8) – Montravius Adams, Keeanu Benton, Cameron Heyward, DeMarvin Leal, Logan Lee, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Dean Lowry, Larry Ogunjobi
2025 – Defensive Line (7) – Keeanu Benton, Yahya Black, Daniel Ekuale, Derrick Harmon, Cameron Heyward, Logan Lee, Isaiahh Loudermilk

Thoughts Here – One fewer kept to balance four quarterbacks. Loudermilk survives as a system fit and has a steady presence.

2024 – Linebackers (8) – Nick Herbig, Alex Highsmith, Tyler Matakevich, Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, Mark Robinson, T.J. Watt, Payton Wilson
2025 – Linebackers (8) – Carson Bruener, Malik Harrison, Nick Herbig, Alex Highsmith, Cole Holcomb, Patrick Queen, Jack Sawyer, T.J. Watt

Thoughts Here – Mark Robinson is the odd man out. His intensity is unmatched, but Pittsburgh moves on. DeMarvin Leal joins him, his flash never quite becoming substance. Sawyer gets the nod for developmental upside.

2024 – Defensive Backs (10) – Beanie Bishop Jr., DeShon Elliott, Jaylen Elliott, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Donte Jackson, Damontae Kazee, Miles Killebrew, Joey Porter Jr., Darius Rush, Cory Trice Jr.
2025 – Defensive Backs (10) – Beanie Bishop, Chuck Clark, Brandon Echols, DeShon Elliott, Miles Killebrew, Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, Juan Thornhill, Cory Trice Jr.

Thoughts Here – The trickiest call. Clark’s late arrival puts pressure on the depth chart. James Pierre could be the casualty. Ramsey and Slay give this room instant star power, but it forces hard exits for others.

Specialists (3)

2024 – Kicker – Chris Boswell
2025 – Kicker – Chris Boswell

Thoughts Here – Steady as ever.

2024 – Punter – Cameron Johnston
2025 – Punter – Cameron Johnston

Thoughts Here – Waitman has upside, Johnston has more.

2024 – Long Snapper – Christian Kuntz
2025 – Long Snapper – Christian Kuntz

Thoughts Here – Locker room glue guy, always a laugh, and still the best at what he does.

The Steelers’ 2024 and 2025 rosters show how much depth creates pain at cutdown time. The choices will sting for players and fans alike, but they’re also proof of a front office and coaching staff that have rebuilt depth with intentionality.

As Tomlin put it, “you get a good 90 together, you got a chance to put together a good 53.”

Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com