The Pittsburgh Steelers have lost significant special teams experience following free agency departures and coaching changes. Over 1,000 special teams snaps from the 2025 season have left with players like James Pierre, Connor Heyward, Miles Killebrew, Corliss Waitman, and Calvin Austin III. First-year coordinator Danny Crossman must rebuild the unit.
Mike Tomlin stepped down after 19 years as head coach, and longtime special teams coordinator Danny Smith departed for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. These changes coincide with substantial roster losses on special teams under new coordinator Danny Crossman. According to Pro Football Focus data from the 2025 season, the Steelers lost snaps from several key contributors: James Pierre (170), Connor Heyward (306), Corliss Waitman (141), Miles Killebrew (80), and Calvin Austin III (31). Additional departures include Kenneth Gainwell (144 snaps) and unsigned Jabrill Peppers (206 snaps), totaling more than 1,000 snaps to replace. Calvin Austin III handled punt returns, leaving no immediate successor after Scotty Miller's exit. Kicker Chris Boswell faces a new holder situation, as Waitman signed with the San Francisco 49ers; the team added Cameron Johnston on a one-year deal, who has prior familiarity with Boswell but limited field goal attempts together (five). Pierre excelled as a gunner alongside Ben Skowronek, Heyward contributed across all phases, and Killebrew served as special teams captain for four years before a torn ACL; Payton Wilson assumed the captaincy last year. Previously, under Danny Smith, the unit was reliable in coverage, pressure, and avoiding errors. Returning players include Wilson, Carson Bruener, and Jack Sawyer, but the offseason poses challenges, including potential draft targets like Iowa's Kaden Wetjen.
