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Steelers Go All-In for 2025 — But Is Mike Tomlin Coaching for His Job?

The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t just retooled — they’ve gone all-in. The franchise has pushed its chips to the center of the table in 2025, building what looks on paper like a “superteam” centered around Aaron Rodgers, with key additions like Jalen Ramsey, DK Metcalf, Darius Slay, and Jonnu Smith. The message is clear: Pittsburgh is gunning for a championship now.

But behind the hype and roster moves lies a brewing tension — because no one feels the weight of this gamble more than head coach Mike Tomlin.

The Most Stacked Steelers Roster in a Decade

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By almost every measure, this is the most talented Steelers squad since the mid-2010s. Rodgers brings Hall of Fame experience under center.

Metcalf offers a vertical threat the team has lacked for years. Ramsey and Slay anchor a veteran secondary. The roster is built to win immediately.

For a franchise that hasn’t won a playoff game since the 2016 season, the pressure is unlike anything this organization has seen in nearly a decade.

Why All Eyes Are on Tomlin

Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season — a feat that speaks volumes about his consistency and leadership. But critics argue that stability has come at the cost of postseason success.

The Steelers have made the playoffs just four times in the past nine seasons, and in their most recent appearance, were swiftly bounced in the Wild Card round. Now, with a Hall of Fame quarterback and a loaded defense, simply making the playoffs won’t be enough.

“With this roster, anything less than an AFC title game is a disappointment,” said one anonymous league executive. “And that puts Tomlin in a tight spot.”

Win or Rebuild?

This isn't just a season — it’s a turning point. Rodgers is on a short deal and already hinted that 2025 might be his “last dance.” Several of the team’s new stars are past age 30. This is not a five-year window — it’s a one-year blitz.

If Pittsburgh fails to break its playoff drought, questions about Tomlin’s future will get louder — even if ownership remains loyal. There’s too much money, too many expectations, and too much talent for anything short of a deep postseason run to feel acceptable.

The Steelers made their move. They’ve built a team that can contend. But now, the spotlight shifts to the man on the sideline.

Is 2025 Mike Tomlin’s best shot — or his final one?

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Roster Move: Right after the injury of DT Milton Williams, the Patriots immediately signed the former Chiefs star to the practice squad to strengthen the defensive depth ahead of the showdown with the Bengals
Foxborough, Massachusetts – November 19, 2025 Immediately after the news that defensive tackle Milton Williams suffered a long-term injury and will be sidelined, the New England Patriots made an urgent roster move to reinforce their defensive line. The team officially announced the signing of former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Fabien Lovett Sr. to the practice squad. This decision comes just days before the Patriots begin their preparation week for a massive showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals, a team known for its powerful interior offensive attack. Lovett is a familiar name to scouts after his college career at Mississippi State and Florida State before joining the Chiefs in 2024. He brings an impressive frame, excellent run-stopping ability, and standout hand strength. Although he has not yet had many opportunities to play in the NFL, Patriots evaluators believe Lovett can become a perfect fit in head coach Mike Vrabel’s defensive system if properly developed. The addition of Lovett is viewed as a necessary step as the Patriots face a serious depth shortage on the interior defensive line, with Williams out and several other key players still not fully healthy. Adding depth at defensive tackle has been deemed absolutely critical ahead of facing the Bengals, who consistently attack the middle of the defense. Foxborough is therefore hopeful that Lovett will integrate quickly and become a reliable rotational option. In his first media availability, Fabien Lovett Sr. showed determination and gratitude for the opportunity the Patriots have given him: “I’m going to give everything I have every single day — every practice, every snap. I want to prove to Coach Vrabel that I deserve a spot in the Patriots ranks. This is an opportunity and I’m not going to waste it.” The straightforward statement left a strong impression on reporters at Gillette. Despite currently being only a practice-squad signing, Lovett is projected to have a fast track to the active roster if he performs well. The current situation is forcing the Patriots to stay flexible and ready to give chances to players with the right attitude. With clear determination and motivation, Lovett is expected to become a surprise contributor that helps the New England defense stand firm against the major challenge named the Cincinnati Bengals.