Lost in the Steelers’ defense-heavy draft and a whirlwind of offense-centered storylines has been the third phase of the game: special teams.
Ahead of 2025, a clear priority of Steelers general manager Omar Khan’s team-building strategy has been making sure that aspect of the roster is in good shape ahead of the new season.
For one, it helps that there’s a strong base to build from.
What were the Steelers’ special teams like in 2024?
Pittsburgh’s special teams were largely good last year, led by a historic performance from kicker Chris Boswell, who made the second-most field goals in NFL single season history. If there’s one position group on the Steelers to be overwhelmingly confident about entering 2025, it’s Boswell’s.
Despite losing punter Cameron Johnston to a season-ending injury after Week 1, replacement Corliss Waitman filled in admirably and the team finished the year 14th in the NFL in both net yards per punt and in-20 percentage.
With both Johnston and Waitman currently on the roster, Pittsburgh should have two strong options in the punter battle this offseason.
But on kickoffs, the team’s coverage unit had its share of hiccups in 2024, finishing tied for seventh-worst in terms of average kickoff return yards allowed (29.8).
Similarly, on kick returns, the Steelers finished dead last, averaging just 23 yards a return.
On punt returns, Pittsburgh was in better shape, landing at 10th in the league in average yards per return. Primary returner Calvin Austin III’s mark was 10.3.
The team also recorded some splash plays: one punt return touchdown, one blocked punt, and two blocked field goals.
The Steelers’ special teams focus in 2025
Outside of kickoffs, the Steelers special teams unit under coordinator Danny Smith was a strength in 2024. And entering the new season, the Steelers are returning 14 of their top 15 special-teamers (in terms of snap counts). The lone departure was veteran linebacker Tyler Matakevich.
Special teams were an understated priority of the Steelers’ free agency, with the team re-signing top contributors such as linebacker Jeremiah Moon and starting gunners Ben Skowronek and James Pierre.
Defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk, who blocked a field goal in 2024, was also brought back on a one-year deal.
Then there were the offseason additions. New defensive tackle Esezi Otomewo played 32% of the Jaguars’ special teams snaps in 2024. Cornerback Brandin Echols played over 40% of the Jets’, with 707 career special teams snaps.
“I take pride in special teams, obviously, because that’s what got me here today,” he said in his introductory press conference with the Steelers.
Often a forgotten member of the Steelers’ 2025 free agent class, former Ravens’ linebacker Malik Harrison played a whopping 71% of Baltimore’s special teams snaps last season — the second most on the team.
While he’s expected to contribute on defense, Harrison’s special teams reps should remain high in Pittsburgh as well — that’s likely the reason why he was signed over former Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts.
And on kick returns, new Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell has a good shot at unseating Cordarrelle Patterson. Gainwell, still just 26 years old, returned 18 kicks last season with a 25.3 average for Philadelphia, notably better than Patterson’s 21.8. He contributed on kick coverage as well.
Don’t forget veteran wide receiver Robert Woods, either. He played the second-most special teams snaps of his career last season with 71; it’s not a high number, but it shows that he’s willing to play there despite his status as a long-tenured NFL receiver.
The special teams-heavy philosophy was also apparent in the Steelers’ draft approach. Head coach Mike Tomlin cited seventh-rounder Carson Bruener’s two 10-plus special teams tackle seasons in college when talking about the rookie linebacker. Danny Smith was also brought out for the press conference, showing how the Steelers view Bruener’s early role.
Seventh-rounder Donte Kent, who was announced as both a cornerback and punt returner when the Steelers drafted him, is also expected to compete for a special teams role.
“I can come in and be a core special teams player,” he said via Steelers.com. “You can throw me back deep as a kick returner as well.”
Kent returned a punt for a touchdown in 2024. He has a physical style of play and a solid athletic profile, also playing on kick coverage during his time in college. Like Bruener, he was seemingly drafted with a special teams role in mind.
Fourth-round outside linebacker Jack Sawyer is another name to watch. Last year, the Steelers’ OLB4 Preston Smith was an inactive during several games at the end of the season because he didn’t play on special teams. Don’t expect that to be the case with Sawyer.
“I think he also helps us on special teams,” defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said of the Ohio State product. “Because you’re talking about a big guy who’s not afraid of contact.”
Sawyer is known for his hustle plays and a knack for finding the ball — both great traits to have on special teams.
The Steelers also signed undrafted free agent Ben Sauls, one of the top kickers in college football last season, as a high-end emergency backup for Chris Boswell.
New #Steelers UDFA K Ben Sauls' 2022 Sun Bowl performance vs UCLA was one of the best games you'll see from a kicker.
5-for-5 in gusty winds, including nailing this 47 yarder to beat the Bruins. pic.twitter.com/OxXFr37rvB
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) April 27, 2025
Other UDFA names to watch for bigger roles (not just on special teams), are nickel/safety Sebastian Castro, a smart, tough defensive back, fullback D.J. Thomas-Jones, who was named “first-team all-violence” by his college teammates (a good special teams trait, no?), and wide receiver Ke’Shawn Williams, who had a few good punt returns over his college career.
The Steelers are returning most of their special teams starters in 2025, but the team also brought in a handful of new faces who could also be plus contributors. It’s a good problem to have — if roster bubble names like Connor Heyward, Jeremiah Moon, Mark Robinson, and others fail to make the final 53, the players that do should have the skill sets to maintain a quality level of special teams play.
Plus, there’s a noticeable emphasis on replacing rotational/depth players such as Preston Smith and Elandon Roberts with younger talents who can contribute on more than just defense.
Of course, great special teams play won’t suddenly make the Steelers a Super Bowl contender in 2025, but it does raise the floor and culture of the team — and lead to a few less screaming-at-the-TV moments in the upcoming season.
