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Mack LB Mack plans to forgo retirement and intends to continue playing during the 2025 season, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

https://www.rotowire.com/football/player/khalil-mack-9251 • LAC • 3hr ago

After the Chargers were eliminated from the playoffs with a 32-12 loss to the Texans on Jan. 11, Mack told reporters that he would take some time to decide whether he wanted to continue his playing career. The 33-year-old edge rusher has ultimately chosen to play at least one more year, and he shouldn't have much trouble securing a short-term deal in free agency. Though he took a big step back statistically in 2024 after notching a career-high 17 sacks in 2023, Mack was still reasonably productive with six sacks, 39 tackles, nine pass breakups and two forced fumbles over 16 appearances for the Chargers during the regular season before tacking on two more sacks in the wild-card round.

Analysis

Herbig LB Herbig registered 22 tackles, including 5.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and two recovered fumbles over 13 regular-season games in 2024.

https://www.rotowire.com/football/player/nick-herbig-16702 • PIT • 11hr ago

Herbig missed four contests due to a hamstring injury and logged more than half of Pittsburgh's defensive snaps in just five of the games in which he played, but he was very impactful when on the field. The second-year edge finished fourth on the Steelers with 5.5 sacks and second with four forced fumbles despite fluctuating opportunities. Herbig seems like a candidate to break out in 2025 in what will be the third year of his rookie contract, though that possibility could depend on whether Pittsburgh puts him on the field more often.

Analysis

Pierre CB Pierre recorded 23 tackles (17 solo), three pass defenses (including an interception) and two forced fumbles over 15 regular-season games in 2024.

https://www.rotowire.com/football/player/james-pierre-14439 • PIT • 11hr ago

Pierre recorded more snaps on special teams than on defense, though he did make two starts for the Steelers. The veteran cornerback got far more defensive snaps (196) than the season prior, when he logged just 23. Pierre is set to be a free agent, and though he's valued by the Steelers for his role as a core special-teamer, he's not certain to be back with the team next season.

Analysis

Kazee S Kazee finished the 2024 regular season with 31 tackles (22 solo) and two pass defenses, including an interception, over 15 games.

https://www.rotowire.com/football/player/damontae-kazee-12019 • PIT • 12hr ago

Kazee started just one game this season after working mostly as a starter last year. Predictably, his numbers plummeted, though he still managed to record a pickoff for the fourth straight campaign. Kazee is set to become a free agent, and though he's been steady regardless of his role while with Pittsburgh, it's unclear if he'll be back with the Steelers next season.

Analysis

Benton DT Benton finished the 2024 regular season with 36 tackles (16 solo), including 1.0 sacks, along with six defensed passes (one of which was an interception) and one fumble recovery over 17 contests.

https://www.rotowire.com/football/player/keeanu-benton-16692 • PIT • 13hr ago

Benton has yet to miss a game in his two-year NFL career. He was on the field more often this season than in his rookie campaign -- last year, he logged over 50 percent of Pittsburgh's defensive snaps four times, while this season that number shot up to 13. However, Benton produced the exact same number of tackles and sacks, though he did boost his tally of pass defenses by four. His numbers aren't appealing in IDP leagues, but Benton has shown promise in his first two pro seasons and should maintain a steady role along Pittsburgh's defensive line in the third year of his rookie contract next season.

Analysis

Jackson CB Jackson registered 38 tackles (28 solo) and eight pass defenses, including five interceptions, over 15 games during the 2024 regular season.

https://www.rotowire.com/football/player/donte-jackson-12610 • PIT • 13hr ago

Jackson's first year in Pittsburgh following six seasons with Carolina was overall a success, as he paced the team with five pickoffs, which was also his career-best mark. The LSU product mostly avoided injuries, though he did miss two games near the end of the campaign with a back issue. Jackson was playing on a one-year contract and will be a free agent this offseason.

Analysis

Ogunjobi DT Ogunjobi posted 41 tackles, including 1.5 sacks, over 15 regular-season contests during the 2024 campaign.

https://www.rotowire.com/football/player/larry-ogunjobi-11933 • PIT • 14hr ago

Ogunjobi missed two games due to a groin injury late in the campaign but otherwise maintained a steady role along the Steelers' defensive line. He's finished with a tackle total in the 40s in five straight seasons and has logged between 1.5 and 3.0 sacks in all but one of those campaigns. Ogunjobi doesn't produce numbers that make him worthy of IDP consideration, but he's been a steady performer and will likely maintain the same role in 2025, when he'll be in the final year of the three-year deal he inked in 2023.

Analysis

Bishop CB Bishop tallied 45 tackles, including 0.5 sacks, along with seven pass defenses (four of which were interceptions) and one fumble recovery over 17 regular-season games in 2024.

https://www.rotowire.com/football/player/beanie-bishop-17933 • PIT • 14hr ago

Though Bishop had his share of struggles, it was impressive that he played in all 17 regular-season games given that he wasn't selected in April's NFL Draft. The West Virginia product notched three pickoffs during a two-week span in late October, and his four total INTs tied for second on the team. Bishop did see his playing time wane at the end of the campaign and into the playoffs, but he likely showed enough as a rookie to be given a chance to grow in Year 2.

Analysis

Highsmith LB Highsmith finished the 2024 regular season with 45 tackles, including 6.0 sacks, along with two pass defenses and a forced fumble in 11 contests.

https://www.rotowire.com/football/player/alex-highsmith-14724 • PIT • 15hr ago

While Highsmith had one less sack than in 2023, his total came in six fewer games. The veteran linebacker missed time with injuries to both his groin and ankle, but when active he was a key contributor for Pittsburgh's defense. Highsmith should remain in that role next season in what will be the second year of the four-year extension he signed last July.

Analysis

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